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How to become an Au Pair in Germany?

To become an Au Pair in Germany you need to fulfill certain requirements. As EU citizen you need a valid passport or ID card.

If you are a citizen from outside the EU you need to apply for a visa.

This article describes in detail what is required to start your journey!
Au Pair requirements in Germany
Discover Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Cologne! Enjoy the German way of life and the fairy tale cities while learning the German language. To be an Au Pair in Germany you are expected to be healthy, not have children of your own and have experience in childcare. This is important, because you must be able to solve the problems related to the daily life with the kids, set rules and help them follow their routine. We gathered the most important requirements in the following.

Au Pair in Germany requirements for EU citizens

Requirements to become an Au Pair in Germany depend on your nationality. If you are a European Union country national then you will only need: 
  • Age: 18 - 30 years 
  • Valid passport or id card to register at the foreigners office.
If you meet the criteria then don’t wait any longer and register as an Au Pair.

 
Free Registration as Candidate
 

Step by step into Germany!

Become an Au Pair in Germany in three simple steps:
 
 
1
Create your Profile and find a Host Family!
Register and create your profile for free at AuPair.com. Start looking for potential Host Families and write personalized messages to get in touch!
 
2
Sign the contract and get your insurance
Sign the contract with your Host Family and apply for the European Health Insurance Card in your home country. Remember you can also hire some additional insurance in Germany to be safe. 
 
3
Plan your trip!
Book your flight or train and get ready to travel to Germany. Do not forget to pack everything you will need for a year away from home and take your Host Family’s contact details before traveling.
 

Au Pair in Germany requirements for Non-EU citizens

If you are a Non-European Union national then you will need a visa or residence permit to be an Au Pair in Germany. The general visa requirements of Germany are:
  • Age: 18 - 26
  • Basic German knowledge (you have to present an A1 certificate) 
  • Au Pair contract
  • Health insurance valid for the whole stay in Germany (your Host Family will pay for it, but you will need the documents for the visa application)
  • Valid passport
  • You can cover your visa and travel expenses
  • Invitation letter (required for some nationalities)
  • Motivation letter (required for some nationalities)
Contact the German embassy in your homeland to find out the specific requirements and make an appointment online. Some nationalities (for example US citizens) might enter Germany without a visa and apply for the German residence permit at the local foreign office. The length of the Au Pair stay for non-European Au pairs should be at least 6 months.
 
 
Notice: The visa process might take between 4 to 8 weeks.

 

Au Pairing in Germany - step by step:

Follow these simple steps to become an Au Pair in Germany with AuPair.com: 
 
1
Find a Host Family at AuPair.com
Register and create a profile at our website. Start looking for families with the help of our search tool and check our recommendations. Be active! Send messages to your potential Host Families and read our Au Pair Wiki
 
2
Passport 
Make sure that your passport is valid for your whole stay in Germany. 
 
3
Sign the contract
Sign the Au Pair contract with your Host Family! Make sure that aspects such as working hours and pocket money are clear. Remember you will need this document for your visa application at the German embassy. 
 
4
Insurance
In order to get your visa approved you will need a health insurance that covers your whole stay in Germany. The Host Family is in charge of providing you with one before the appointment so do not forget to make the arrangements. 
 
5
German certificate
Make sure you get your German certificate to prove you have basic German skills (A1). 
 
6
Submit your visa application
Germany has an official Au Pair visa which makes everything easier. You can download the application at the German embassy website in your Home Country. 
 
7
Plan your trip
Start “being German” and plan your trip. Book your flight and pack your luggage for this experience. Do not forget to take the important documents (such as passport with visa, Au pair contract and family contact details) in your hand luggage. You will have to show your passport with the visa on it to the officer at passport control.



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