Become a Host Family in Germany

Q: Become a Host Family in Germany

To become a Host Family in Germany , you must have at least one child under the age of 18, speak German on a daily basis , and at least one adult family member must have German or EU/EEA citizenship . In addition, you will need to provide the Au Pair with a private, furnished bedroom , and cover their expenses. This includes meals , a salary (pocket money), and health insurance. Host Families in Germany also need to contribute to the language course fees . It is also important to understand the different requirements for EU/EFTA applicants and non-EU applicants .

To become a Host Family in Germany, you must have at least one child under the age of 18, speak German on a daily basis, and at least one adult family member must have German or EU/EEA citizenship. In addition, you will need to provide the Au Pair with a private, furnished bedroom, and cover their expenses. This includes meals, a salary (pocket money), and health insurance. Host Families in Germany also need to contribute to the language course fees. It is also important to understand the different requirements for EU/EFTA applicants and non-EU applicants.

Becoming a Host Family in Germany lets you experience a true cultural exchange while receiving flexible, affordable childcare. By hosting an Au Pair, your children can learn about other cultures and languages, and you’ll gain reliable help with everyday family life. Germany’s popularity among Au Pairs means you can choose from many motivated and qualified candidates worldwide.

Requirements to Become a Host Family in Germany

Hosting an Au Pair is more than childcare, it’s a cultural exchange. As a Host Family in Germany, you offer a young person from abroad a chance to experience your language and lifestyle while supporting you with childcare and light household duties. Before applying, make sure your family meets the following requirements to host an Au Pair in Germany:

You have at least one child under 18 years, living continuously in your household
German is the main language spoken at home
At least one adult family member must be a German citizen or citizen of an EU/EEA nation or Switzerland.
You can cover the basic program expenses, such as meals, salary, and health insurance for Germany, and contribute to their language course fees.
You have a private room for the Au Pair. The room needs to be of at least 8 square meters, with daylight and a lockable door
You are open to cultural exchange and willing to treat your Au Pair as a family member.

If your family meets all these requirements, you can register today and start looking for your ideal Au Pair candidate. Join hundreds of families across Germany who have already started their cultural exchange journey.

Free Registration as Family

How to Become a Host Family in Germany: Step-by-Step Guide

Once your family meets the basic requirements, it’s time to begin the hosting process. Below, you will find all the steps to become a Host Family in Germany and to find the right Au Pair for your home.

Step 1: Create Your Host Family Profile

Start by completing your family profile on our platform. Describe your family, upload pictures, and write a personal Welcome Letter to the Au Pair. You can also share other information, like your family's hobbies, lifestyle, the place you live in, and what you expect from the Au Pair.

Step 2: Start Messaging Au Pairs

After completing your profile, you can begin contacting Au Pairs. Our Basic Members can send standard messages and add Au Pairs to their favorite list! But you can also become a Premium Member and send personalized messages that will help you find your Au Pair faster. A friendly and detailed message increases your chances of getting replies.

Step 3: Check All Requirements

Before making any decisions, make sure your candidate meets the official program requirements for Germany. Read the requirements for candidates from the EU/EFTA and from other nationalities and learn more about the program regulations, visa process of Germany, duties and cost of hosting an Au Pair.

Step 4: Plan the Au Pair Stay

Go through the profiles, exchange some messages and plan a few video calls. Once you’ve found a good match, and both sides agree, you should make the cooperation official with the Au Pair contract. This document defines the schedule, responsibilities, and mutual expectations.

Step 5: Welcome Your Au Pair to Germany

Prepare your home and family for the new member’s arrival. Explain local customs, the family routine, and help your Au Pair adjust to life in Germany. A warm welcome ensures a positive start to your cultural exchange experience.

Hosting EU and Non-EU Au Pairs in Germany

When hosting an Au Pair in Germany, it’s important to understand that the requirements differ for EU/EFTA and Non-EU applicants. All Au Pairs are expected to be healthy, without children of their own, experienced in childcare, and motivated to take part in a cultural exchange.

Non-EU applicants will have to take a few more steps than EU applicants, but if you are happy with your choice afterwards, it’s worth the effort.

Requirements for EU and EFTA Au Pairs

Candidates from the European Union and EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) don’t need a visa and only need to meet a couple of requirements to be an Au Pair in Germany:

Age: between 18 and 30 years
Valid passport or national identity card (for registration in Germany)
Basic knowledge of German is strongly recommended for daily communication

Once you’ve found a candidate that fulfills the requirements and meets your expectations, organize a few video calls to get to know each other better. Afterwards there are only a few steps left.

Requirements for Non-EU Au Pairs

Participants from outside the EU/EFTA region need a visa or a residence permit for Germany. Germany has an official Au Pair program, therefore, they can apply for a special Au Pair visa at the German Embassy in their home country. The general conditions include:

Age: between 18 and 26 years
Basic knowledge of German (minimum A1 level, certificate required)
Signed 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 covering the entire stay
Ability to cover your visa and travel expenses
Invitation letter (required for some nationalities)
Motivation letter (required for some nationalities)

What to Do After You Find an Au Pair

Sign the Au Pair Contract

Prepare and sign the official Au Pair contract together with your chosen candidate. This document outlines important details such as working hours, duties, schedule, pocket money, and holidays. Both parties should keep a signed copy as it will be required for visa and registration purposes.

Arrange Health and Accident Insurance Insure for your Au Pair

The Host Family is responsible for arranging a suitable Au Pair insurance valid for the entire stay. For EU citizens, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may be sufficient, but we strongly recommend additional German insurance to cover accidents and liability. Non-European Union applicants will need the insurance confirmation to present at their appointment at the embassy.

Prepare Visa and Paperwork (for Non-EU Au Pairs)

If your Au Pair comes from a Non-EU country, help them prepare their visa application. They will need the signed contract, proof of insurance, and possibly an invitation or motivation letter. Stay in contact with them to ensure that they fulfil all the embassy's requirements before their appointment.

Register the Au Pair After Arrival

Within the first few days after arrival, Host Families should register their Au Pair at the local Einwohnermeldeamt (local registration office). Non-EU Au Pairs will also need to visit the Ausländerbehörde (foreign office) to convert their visa into a residence permit.

Important: Nationals of the U.S, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea can travel to Germany and apply for the residence permit. Please check the regulations to be sure.

Welcome and Support Your Au Pair

Once all formalities are complete, focus on helping your new Au Pair settle in. Explain your family's daily routines and introduce them to your lifestyle. Support them as they get used to life in Germany. A warm welcome will help to build trust and lay the foundations for a successful year together.

Regulation of the German Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community for young Ukrainians Young Ukrainians can apply for the Au Pair visa directly after entering Germany at a foreigners' registration office. After the visa expires, they will be granted refugee status. If refugee status is granted first, working as an Au Pair is no longer possible and cannot be converted into an Au Pair visa afterwards.

If your family meets the program requirements, take the next step today. Register as a Host Family on our platform, create your family profile, and start connecting with qualified Au Pairs from all over the world.

Free Registration as Family

Not sure where to start? Read our full step-by-step guide on finding an Au Pair in Germany and explore what hosting can bring to your family life.