This was a post about au pair requirements in Germany.
Germany has a huge place in my heart! And that’s all because of the au pair programme. I won’t get into details otherwise this will be a really long opinion piece and you’re probably here to find out what the au pair requirements in Germany are. I will say, being an au pair in Germany changed me in the most amazing ways and completely change the course of my life! It was an incredible experience and that’s why I’m such a big advocate for the au pair programme in general (not just in Germany).
Now, are YOU thinking about becoming an au pair in Germany? It’s one of the most popular countries for the programme, thanks to its central location in Europe, great transport links and a chance to learn German while living with a host family. It’s got one of the lowest au pair salaries (pocket money) but it offers so much opportunity!
But before you pack your bags, you need to know the official requirements. This guide covers everything you need to qualify for the au pair programme in Germany, from age limits to visas, so you can start planning your year abroad with confidence.
Who Can Be an Au Pair in Germany?
Germany has clear rules about who can join the programme. You’ll need to meet these basic au pair requirements in Germany:
- Age: You must be between 18 and 26 years old when you apply for the visa
- Marital status: You should be unmarried and without children
- Education: A high school diploma is usually expected
- Language: You need basic knowledge of German (A1 level) and to provide a Goethe certificate
- Passport: You need a valid passport from your home country
Visa Requirements for Non-EU Citizens
If you are from outside the EU, you’ll need to apply for an Au Pair Visa before entering Germany. This is a national visa (Category D). You apply at the German embassy or consulate in your home country, and you’ll need to show:
- A signed au pair contract with your host family
- Proof of basic German language skills (A1 certificate)
- Proof of health insurance (sometimes the family provides this, but it’s your responsibility to check)
- A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity
- Application forms and biometric photos
The visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to 12 months.
EU and EFTA Citizens
If you’re from an EU or EFTA country (like Switzerland, Norway, or Iceland), you don’t need a visa to become an au pair in Germany. You can move freely, sign a contract and then register your stay once you arrive.
Au Pair Contract in Germany
Germany is big on papers! And I mean literally, so much business is still done via post.
A written contract is required by law in Germany. It usually includes:
- The start and end date of your stay
- Your weekly working hours (maximum 30 hours per week, usually spread over 5–6 days)
- Pocket money: the set allowance for au pairs in Germany is 280 EUR per month
- Holidays: you are entitled to 4 weeks of paid holiday if you stay for a full year
- Language courses: host families must contribute at least 70 EUR per month towards your German course
Make sure you read the contract carefully and that both you and the family sign it before you apply for your visa.
For more au pair tips, check out these guides below:
• How to Pick The Best Host Family for Your Au Pair Year
• Questions You Need to Ask Your Host Family Before Matching
• 8 Essential Tips to Make Your Au Pair Life Easier
• How to Avoid Au Pair Horror Stories
• How to Be an Au Pair in Europe: A Step-by-Step Guide
• 8 Reasons to Be an Au Pair: A Life-Changing Experience
Work Hours and Duties
As an au pair in Germany, you’re expected to help with childcare and light housework. Typical duties include:
- Taking children to and from school or kindergarten
- Playing with children and helping with homework
- Preparing simple meals or snacks
- Helping to keep the children’s rooms tidy
- Light housework such as laundry, vacuuming or loading the dishwasher.
You should not be asked to do heavy housework or full cleaning jobs. The programme is designed for cultural exchange, not to replace professional cleaners or nannies.
At my host family’s place, my job was to prepare the kids’ school snack while the family had breakfast. Once they left for work/school, I’d have my own breakfast slowly and tidy the kitchen.
I was also in charge of the laundry including ironing and occasionally pick up the little one from kindergarten.
That was about it! I had so little to do that when they asked if I was happy to make dinner for the family I took it – I always ate with them anyway and had a lot more time. I loved spending time with my host family! In the summer we’d put music on and have drinks on the terrace. Breakfasts on the weekends consisted of a big spread on a table we’d put outside in the garden. One of the parents would go for an early morning run and pick up fresh bread from the bakery. Friday nights we’d go to a local restaurant where I always, ALWAYS had schnitzel!
We’d always get home and put music on! The kids barely had an interest on TV but music was a big part of the household and one of the main ways we bonded.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is compulsory in Germany. Some families will provide this for you, but in many cases you will need to organise it yourself. There are insurance providers that specialise in au pairs, offering affordable monthly plans that cover doctor visits, emergencies and even travel insurance. Make sure you have your policy in place before you travel, as you’ll need to show proof during your visa application.
Language Courses
Improving your German is one of the goals of the programme. Host families must contribute at least 70 EUR per month towards your language course, but many au pairs choose to pay more for better classes. Cities like Berlin, Hamburg and Munich have lots of options, from evening classes to intensive language schools.
Not only it’s an obvious way to learn the language, but great for making new friends!
Length of Stay
The au pair visa in Germany is valid for up to 12 months and you cannot extend it beyond that.
There are many opportunities to stay on a different visa though! If you’re interested in that or other alternatives that don’t include the au pair programme, I recommend you read this post about the different visas you can get for Germany.
Can You Switch Families?
Yes. If things don’t work out with your host family, you can go into rematch. This means finding a new host family without having to leave Germany, as long as you still meet the visa conditions. Agencies and websites like AuPairWorld can help with the process.
**IMPORTANT**
Always, ALWAYS check the latest information with your local consulate or embassy! These requirements and rules can change at any moment and they'll be able to give you the most up-to-date guidance.
Why Choose Germany for Your Au Pair Year?
Germany is one of the best countries for an au pair experience because of its:
- Central location in Europe. Easy to travel to neighbouring countries on your time off.
- Affordable cost of living compared to countries like Iceland or Switzerland.
- High demand for au pairs, meaning it’s easier to find a good family match. Last I checked, it was the country with the highest concentration of host families looking for au pairs on APW!
- Rich cultural exchange: from Oktoberfest in Munich to Christmas markets across the country, you’ll experience traditions that are famous worldwide.
Final Tips
- Apply early, as the visa process can take several weeks or even months depending on your home country. For instance, my friend and I applied together at the same time as we wanted to fly together. Her visa took a few weeks, mine took a couple of months.
- Be honest about your childcare experience when applying. Families want to know you can handle responsibility (and you should be able to so you don’t get yourself in trouble!).
- Research the city you’ll be living in. Berlin is very different from a small Bavarian town and both offer unique experiences. I lived in a little village that had great public transport links to various bigger cities around me, so that wasn’t an issue. Although DO negotiate a public transport pass with the family, otherwise you’ll spend the little money you receive all on that.
- Don’t forget travel insurance if you plan to explore outside Germany during your stay.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an au pair in Germany is a fantastic way to spend a year abroad without needing a large budget. By meeting the requirements, applying for your visa on time and finding the right family, you can immerse yourself in German culture, learn the language and make lifelong memories. If you’re ready to start, begin with platforms like AuPairWorld or agencies that specialise in Germany and take the first step towards your au pair adventure.
Any Questions?
If you’ve got any questions at all about this, please let me know. I LOVE talking about au pairing! (I did it 3x!!)
This was a post about au pair requirements in Germany.
