Au Pair in the Netherlands: Visa & Legal Steps

EU/EEA/Swiss Au Pairs – Stay Over 4 Months

• Valid passport or national ID card
• Written Au Pair agreement and weekly schedule
• Valid health insurance
• Host Family’s address
• Proof that you may be registered at the Host Family’s address
• Additional documents may be required

1. Entry into the Netherlands
   EU/EEA or Swiss citizens do not require a visa to enter the Netherlands. They only need a valid passport or national ID card.
2. Municipal registration / BRP
   If the Au Pair will live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, they must register with the municipality where the Host Family lives. This must be done within five days of arrival. You will need to bring a valid passport or ID card and proof that you can register at the Host Family’s address. The municipality may also request additional documents, such as a birth certificate. After registering, you will receive a citizen service number (BSN). You will need this number whenever you contact the government, whether it's to request care or pay taxes.
3. ​Health insurance
   Au Pairs are insured under the Dutch Wlz scheme, so they are required to take out Dutch standard health insurance with a Dutch health insurer. Although an EHIC or private travel insurance policy may offer temporary or additional coverage, it usually does not replace the mandatory Dutch basic health insurance policy if the Au Pair falls under Dutch insurance rules.
4. Bank account and practical setup
   After receiving a BSN, the Au Pair could open a Dutch bank account, arrange local transport, and set up other practical services.  

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Au Pairs – MVV Not Required

Requirements

• Valid passport
• IND-recognised Au Pair agency
• Au Pair residence permit
• 18 - 25 at the time of application
• No previous Dutch residence permit for exchange
• Unmarried, no children
• Written weekly schedule
• Signed Au Pair Awareness Declaration
• Antecedents Certificate
• Health insurance
• TB test, if required

1. Contact an IND-recognised Au Pair agency
   AuPair.com offers you the so-called "pre-matches". Afterwards, the Au Pair and Host Family must contact an IND-recognised Au Pair agency. The agency mediates between the Au Pair and the Host Family, explains the rights and obligations, and prepares the residence permit application. Important: Only IND-recognised agencies can apply for the residence permit, which Au Pairs need to live in the Netherlands as Au Pairs.
2. Collect documents 
   The agency will let the Au Pair and Host Family know which documents are required. Official foreign documents may need to be legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French, or German.
3. Residence permit application 
   The recognised agency applies for the Au Pair residence permit. The Au Pair and the Host Family cannot apply themselves. If the Au Pair does not need an MVV, the agency can submit the residence permit application while the Au Pair is abroad or already in the Netherlands. However, the Au Pair may not perform Au Pair tasks while waiting for the decision. The IND charges an application fee, which is typically covered by the Host Family, either separately or as part of the agency package. The current fee for the application is €423.
4. IND decision  
   The IND has 90 days to make a decision. If the application is complete, the IND says it usually tries to decide within 2 weeks. Once the residence permit is ready, the IND will send a letter to the Au Pair agency. You will then need to make an appointment to collect it.
5. Entry into the Netherlands 
   If the Au Pair is still abroad and does not need an MVV, they can travel to the Netherlands without an MVV after the application has been approved. If they are already lawfully in the Netherlands, they must wait for approval and may not start Au Pair tasks before receiving the residence permit.
6. Municipal registration / BRP 
   Au Pairs who will live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months must register with the municipality within 5 days of arrival. The agency will let you know which documents you need to provide, e.g., a copy of your passport, or additional documents like a legalised and translated birth certificate.
7. Health insurance  
   After arrival, the Au Pair should arrange Dutch standard health insurance; additional insurance is optional. Au Pairs who receive payment or board and lodging are insured under the Wlz scheme, which usually means Dutch basic health insurance is required.
8. TB test, if required  
   If the Au Pair indicated during the application that a TB test is needed, they must make an appointment with the GGD within 3 months after receiving the residence permit.