Au Pairing

Working as an au pair in Germany has multiple benefits: you’ll experience daily life in Germany and get to know German culture while also learning the language. To qualify for au pairing, you must be between 18 and 26 years old when you apply; the duration of your stay must be 6–12 months; and you can only use this opportunity once. You must not be related to the host family, and the host family must be native German speakers or use German as their usual language of communication. If they aren’t native speakers, your home country must be different from that of the host parents.

As an au pair, you’ll help your host family look after their children and do light housework in return for free accommodation and meals. You’ll work a maximum of 30 hours per week and have at least one full day off per week; you are also entitled to regular holidays (two days per month, or four weeks in a full year). You’ll attend a language course and receive €280/month in spending money. For further details, the German Federal Employment Agency has published a comprehensive guide for au pairs in German families.

You’ll need a visa or residence permit to work as an au pair in Germany. As a British citizen, you can apply for a visa before you leave – from the German Consulate General in Edinburgh (if you live in Scotland) or from the German Embassy in London (if you live in any other part of the UK). Alternatively, you can travel to Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit from the local immigration office within 90 days, but you may only start working as an au pair once your permit has been granted.

Requirements for an au pair visa or residence permit include:

• Proof of German language skills (at least to level A1), or an evaluation of your language skills during the visa interview;
• A questionnaire to be completed by the host family;
• An au pair contract;
• A motivation letter; and
• Evidence of health insurance cover in Germany, including accident insurance (travel insurance is not generally sufficient).

Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Full details on au pair visas are available on the website of the German Missions in the UK. Details on applying for a residence permit after your arrival are available from the relevant local immigration office in Germany. The fee for a visa is €75. A residence permit obtained in Germany after arrival will usually cost you €100.

Like everyone living in Germany, you must register as a resident with the local authority within 14 days of moving into your accommodation. You’ll need confirmation of your registration to apply for your residence permit, or to have your visa converted into a residence permit.

Disclaimer: the information in this guide has been collated from government, academic, professional and public institution sources available at the time of publication. However, it is subject to change, and errors and omissions are excepted. Please always check directly with the relevant decision-making bodies and/or take professional advice for specific cases.