Au pair in Germany – family life abroad

Au pair in Germany – requirements

It is possible to organize your stay as an au pair in German all by yourself. If you already know a family living in Germany through friends or relatives this might be a good alternative. Otherwise it will probably be easier to choose an au pair organization that will match you up with a host family. They can also guide you through the visa process and make sure you meet all the requirements. Additionally an organization can provide you with help when you need it and make settling in easier for you. Often au pair organizations arrange au pair meet-ups where you’ll make friends with other au pairs living in your area quickly.

Generally speaking, there are differences in the rules and regulations for EU-citizens and non-EU citizens wanting to be an au pair in Germany. While EU citizens as well as citizens from Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are allowed to take up work as an au pair when they are 17 to 30 years old, people coming from other countries have to be 18 to 26 years of age. Citizens coming from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Chile and South Korea can apply for a Working Holidays Visa. This is the easiest way to get a visa if your country doesn’t have an explicit au pair program. Whatever country you come from though, you should have basic German language skills. Additionally you shouldn’t be married and don’t have any children of your own. To work as an au pair, you also need a valid health insurance which covers potential medical expenses while you’re living in Germany.

As well as the visa requirements listed, there are more standards you should meet. Of course when coming to Germany, you should be interested in getting to know the culture, becoming part of your host family and be keen on learning the German language or improving your language skills. Working with children can not only be pleasant and rewarding but at times quite exhausting. That’s why it’s important that you’ve gained previous experience in childcare. Maturity is expected from you. Therefore you should have at least graduated from high school. Ensuring your own and the children’s health you have to be a non-smoker and of good general health. Additionally it is crucial that you have an clean criminal record. If you meet all the regulations and requirements, there’s nothing stopping you from starting your au pair adventure in Germany!

Au pair in Germany – finance

Even if you get pocket money while being an au pair you should have some additional funds. There’s money you even need to spend before starting your au pair adventure. You will need to pay for travelling to and from Germany yourself. Depending on where you come from and which form of transport you will use this can cost up to 1,000 Euros. If you need a visa, you will need to pay certain visa fees at your local German embassy. Are you organizing your stay with an au pair agency? They will charge you a maximum of 150 Euro for matching you up with a host family. If you’ve got your driver’s license outside the European Union, you should also think about getting an international driver’s license that allows you to drive in Germany as well. A license is not compulsory to become an au pair but increases your chances of finding a suitable family.

Once you are in Germany, you might want to take up a language course. Your host family will contribute 50 Euros per month to your course fees, but this will probably not cover all of it. In addition you should always have a bit of money spare to take part in social events, leisure time activities and travel: While you’re in Germany you might as well make the most of it!