Au Pair DestinationsNetherlands

Au Pair in the Netherlands: Information on the Program

The land of tulips, canals, bike lovers, international cities, and an open-minded lifestyle is waiting for you. The Netherlands is a great country to be an Au Pair in if you want to practice your English and learn Dutch. 
 
The purpose of the Dutch Au Pair program is cultural exchange. Au Pairs live with a Host Family and help with childcare and light household tasks, while getting to know the country and its culture. In return, the Host Family provides board, lodging, and pocket money. For non-EU/EEA/Swiss Au Pairs, the residence procedure must be handled through an IND-recognised Au Pair agency. Only a recognised agency can apply for the official Au Pair residence permit.

Program requirements

The Complete Guide to the Au Pair Program in the Netherlands

For Au Pairs

For Au Pairs

  • You must be at least 18 and no more than 25 years old at the time of the application
  • Valid Passport or ID card
  • You must be unmarried and without (foster) children (confirmed by a single status declaration and their own statement of non-parenthood)
  • You have never held a residence permit for exchange purposes in the Netherlands before
  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Au Pairs must join the program through an IND-recognised Au Pair agency (no agency or intermediary fee applies to Au Pairs)
  • Must not be related to the Host Family
  • You have never been employed by the Host Family before
  • You can pay the visa/residence permit fee
  • Able to pay up to €34 in preparation costs for the stay (excluding travel costs)
  • You have not signed a contract with a Host Family or a (Dutch or foreign) placement agency that states Au Pairs must pay a fine if they do not fulfil the terms of the contract
Do you meet all the requirements? Then you can start looking for your Host Family in the Netherlands. If you do not qualify, explore other countries or programs.
For Host Families

For Host Families

  • Your family must consist of 2 or more people
  • Your family must have Dutch nationality or a valid residence permit for the Netherlands
  • You must be registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP), and the Au Pair will also be registered at that address
  • You meet the IND income requirements
  • You are not related to the Au Pair
  • You need no more than 30 hours of childcare and light household chores help per week
  • You are able to provide a private room in your home
  • You can pay for the Au Pair’s meals and a monthly pocket money of a maximum of €340
Does your family meet all the requirements? Then you can start your search for an Au Pair. If not, check our other programs.

Working Conditions

Working Hours Working Hours
  • Maximum 8 hours per day
  • Maximum 30 hours per week
  • The work schedule for all 7 days of the week must be set out in writing in a language the Au Pair can understand
  • Weekly schedule must include how many hours of light housekeeping tasks the Au Pair is expected to do
Time Off and Holidays Time Off and Holidays
  • At least 2 full days off per week
  • Holiday arrangements should be agreed in writing with the Host Family and the agency
  • Signed weekly schedule must include which 2 days of the week the Au Pair is off
Language Course Language Course
  • A Dutch-language course is not mandatory
  • Schedule must allow attendance of a language course (Dutch or English)
  • Many agencies require/recommend that Host Families contribute to the course
  • Exact amount of the contribution depends on the agency
Au Pair Responsibilities Au Pair Responsibilities
  • Childcare
  • Light housekeeping tasks for the family
  • Helping with children’s routines
  • Meal preparation/school runs, if needed
  • The Au Pair will not be responsible for any special care that requires specific skills
  • Au Pairs may not work for another family or employer
Click here to read more about the Au Pair’s duties.
Au Pair Insurance Au Pair Insurance
  • All Au Pairs need valid health insurance during their stay
  • Insured under the Wlz scheme
  • Must take out Dutch standard health insurance (basisverzekering)
  • Host Family and recognised Au Pair agency should clarify the insurance requirements before arrival
Driving Licence Driving Licence
  • Discuss driving up front
  • Confirm licence validity in the Netherlands
  • Agree on car use, fuel costs, private use, and liability for damages
  • Include all terms in the contract
  • EU/EFTA licences are usually valid in the Netherlands
  • Non-EU/EFTA licences are valid for the first 185 days after moving; afterwards, they may only drive with a Dutch driving licence
  • Some applicants might need to pass the Dutch driving test

Host Families provide Au Pairs with:

Accommodation

The Au Pair must live with the Host Family. The family needs to provide the Au Pair with a private bedroom in their home. Both the Au Pair and the Host Family must be registered at the same address in the BRP.

Meals

The Host Family provides board and lodging. This means that the Au Pair receives meals and accommodation as part of the cultural exchange.

Pocket Money

Host Families pay the Au Pair a monthly pocket money of up to €340. This amount is set in the Dutch Tax Administration’s payroll guidance for Au Pairs.

Language Course

A language course is part of the cultural exchange idea, but the exact course and cost contribution should be agreed upon by the Host Family, Au Pair, and agency before arrival.

Health Insurance

Au Pairs will be insured under the Wlz scheme, and therefore must take out Dutch basic health insurance. The Host Family and the recognised Au Pair agency should clarify the insurance requirements before the Au Pair’s arrival. An EHIC or private travel insurance (for EU/EEA/Swiss Au Pairs) may be useful for temporary or additional coverage, but it does not usually replace mandatory Dutch basic health insurance.

Transportation

According to official IND rules, Host Families are not generally required to provide a public transport card, a bike, or a car. However, if transport is needed for childcare or other family duties, the Host Family should provide it. Any private use of a bike, car, or public transport card should be agreed in writing.

Legal Support

For non-EU/EEA/Swiss Au Pairs, the Host Family must work with an IND-recognised Au Pair agency. The agency is responsible for applying for the residence permit and fulfilling sponsor duties, including providing information, keeping records, and exercising a duty of care. The Host Family is also obliged to provide information if important changes occur.

Everything You Need to Know

Begin your Au Pair journey with practical guidance for every step.

  • Entry rules based on the Au Pair’s nationality
  • Registration and residence permit rules
  • Required documents
  • Practical steps after arrival
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What our customers have to say about us and our service:

Janneke's family,Netherlands Member since 5 years

Janneke's family,Netherlands

 Perfect match! Benjaphorn is a part of our family now for almost 6 months, she is taking very good care of our children and speaking Dutch :)
Faith, Kenyan

Faith, Kenyan

Au Pair in Netherlands
My Au Pair Experience in Sweden – by Faith Kivuti Becoming an Au Pair in Sweden has been one of the most life-changing decisions I’ve ever made. I came here from Kenya with curiosity, ❱❱
Samantha's family,Netherlands Member since 10 years

Samantha's family,Netherlands

 Through aupair.com we found this great candidate (the ninth already) and upon arriving we had a immediate click between the kids and the au-pair. She planned to stay for a year but unfortunately due ❱❱
Xiaoou's family,Netherlands Member since 8 years

Xiaoou's family,Netherlands

 Aupair.com, as handy as it always have been, providing matching candidate fits my selection criteria. The au pair is grandually sinking in her role and matching the pace with the family.

Contract Information

Understanding your agreement

Written Agreement Written Agreement The Netherlands does not provide one official Au Pair contract. However, the Host Family and Au Pair should always make written agreements before the stay begins. Download our free sample here. A written and signed daily/weekly schedule is required and must be in a language the Au Pair understands. For non-EU/EEA/Swiss Au Pairs, the recognised agency will guide the Host Family and Au Pair through the required documents.
Contract Duration Contract Duration Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Au Pairs can receive the Dutch Au Pair residence permit for up to 1 year, and the permit cannot be extended. EU/EEA/Swiss Au Pairs do not need this residence permit, so the same immigration limit does not apply. However, the Au Pair stay should still be temporary and focused on cultural exchange. Host Families and EU/EEA/Swiss Au Pairs should therefore agree on a limited stay, usually no longer than 12 months. Switching Host Families or agencies is possible only if the recognised agency notifies the IND and the requirements remain fulfilled.
Contract Must Include Contract Must Include
  • Start and end date
  • Au Pair responsibilities
  • Weekly schedule
  • Number of working hours per day and week
  • Time off and holidays
  • Childcare and light household tasks
  • The name of the person who can take over the Au Pair’s tasks
  • Pocket money
  • Accommodation
  • Insurance arrangements
  • Language course or cultural-exchange arrangements
  • Transport arrangements, if relevant
  • Rules for holidays, sickness, and notice period

Au Pair Program Costs in the Netherlands

For Host Families and Au Pairs

Host Family Covers

Host Family Covers

  • Pocket money: Monthly pocket money, up to the official maximum of €340. 
  • Accommodation: A suitable, private room in the Host Family’s home.
  • Food: Daily meals at home (full board)
  • Agency Costs: For non-EU/EEA/Swiss Au Pairs, an IND-recognised Au Pair agency is required. Fees charged by agencies vary and are not fixed by the IND. Host Families should check the agency’s fees in advance. 
  • Residence application costs: For non-EU/EEA/Swiss Au Pairs, the residence permit application is submitted by the recognised Au Pair agency. The IND charges an application fee, which is usually paid by the Host Family, either separately or as part of the agency package. The current IND fee for the Au Pair application is €423.
  • Transport: If transport is needed for childcare or family tasks, the Host Family should cover or provide it.
  • Household costs: internet, utilities, and daily living expenses
  • Any agreed extras: language course contribution, phone plan, public transport, bike use, or other benefits
Au Pair Covers

Au Pair Covers

  • Travel Costs: to and from the Netherlands, unless agreed otherwise
  • Health Insurance: the Au Pair pays a monthly premium to a Dutch health insurer for the basic health insurance. The exact amount depends on the insurer and policy. Au Pairs may be eligible for a healthcare benefit (zorgtoeslag), depending on their income and personal situation.
  • Documents: passport, legalisation, translations, or other documents needed for the application
  • Personal Expenses: leisure, clothing, personal travel, and private activities
  • Limited preparation costs: the Au Pair may not pay more than €34 in preparation costs for the stay in the Netherlands. This includes, for instance, registration and intermediary services by an intermediary agency.

What else?

  • The Au Pair must not sign a contract with a Host Family, intermediary, or agency that includes a fine for not fulfilling the contract. The Au Pair may also not pay agency or intermediary fees and may not pay more than €34 in preparation costs.
  • Only an IND-recognised Au Pair agency can apply for the Au Pair residence permit.
  • EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need an Au Pair residence permit, but they still need to follow Dutch registration and program rules where applicable.
  • If the Au Pair works more than allowed, performs different tasks, or does not receive pocket money, this can be reported to the agency or the IND Au Pair Hotline.
  • If more than 90% of the compensation consists of room and board, reimbursement for health and liability insurance, and a cash allowance of up to €340 per month - which must also be used to cover travel expenses, visa fees, placement fees, and other work-related costs - Host Families are not required to pay income tax on behalf of a foreign Au Pair (Belastingdienst Handboek Loonheffingen 2025, section 18.5 Au pairs)


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