Au-Pair in Germany: Requirements, Visa and Responsibilities in 2026
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Being an Au-Pair in Germany is a cultural exchange programme for young people who live with a German family, help with children and light household tasks, learn the language and receive pocket money. It is not a full-time nanny job or a way to obtain permanent status immediately, but it can be a good 6–12-month option for practising the language and getting to know life in Germany.
What is an Au-Pair?
An Au-Pair lives with a host family as a temporary member of the family. The main purpose is cultural exchange and improving German. In return, the participant helps with children and household tasks connected with the family’s everyday life.
Typical responsibilities include:
- taking children to nursery, school or activities, or picking them up;
- playing with the children, going for walks and helping with simple homework;
- making a simple breakfast or snack for the children;
- helping with light cleaning, dishes, laundry or ironing;
- occasionally looking after the home or a pet, if agreed in advance.
An Au-Pair must not replace a professional carer, cleaner or care worker for sick or elderly relatives.
Who is the programme for?
The programme is suitable for people who want to:
- improve their German in an immersive environment;
- live in Germany for up to a year without renting accommodation independently;
- gain experience interacting with children;
- find out whether Germany is right for study, Ausbildung or long-term life;
- take a gap year between school, university or work.
It is important to assess not only the advantages but also the everyday reality in advance: you will live with another family, follow its schedule, agree on rules and work with children, even when your mood or adjustment is not ideal.
Main eligibility requirements
In 2026, the following requirements are generally important for an Au-Pair in a German family:
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18 when starting with the family. For participants from third countries, applications for and consideration of an Aufenthaltstitel must take place before they turn 27. |
| German language | Basic German at least at A1 level is required. The German mission or Ausländerbehörde assesses the level. |
| Duration | At least 6 months and at most 12 months. A repeat placement as an Au-Pair in Germany is generally not permitted. |
| Marital status | Marriage itself does not rule out participation, but the requirements of the specific consulate and family should be checked. |
| Children | The programme is intended for young people without their own family obligations that would prevent them from living with a host family. |
| Relationship | The Au-Pair must not be related to the host family. |
| Family | At least one child under 18 must live permanently in the family. |
For participants from third countries, there are additional requirements for the host family: as a rule, German must be used in the family, and at least one adult family member must be a citizen of Germany, an EU/EEA country or Switzerland. If German is the family language, separate conditions may apply, for example that the Au-Pair must not be from the same country of origin as the host parents.
Money, accommodation, insurance and study
An Au-Pair does not receive a salary but Taschengeld (pocket money). According to the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, the amount is €280 per month, regardless of the number of hours within the permitted limit.
The host family also provides:
- free accommodation, usually a separate room in the family’s house or flat;
- meals on the same general terms as for family members;
- health and accident insurance, including illness, pregnancy/childbirth and accidents;
- an opportunity to attend a German language course;
- a contribution to the cost of the German course of at least €840 for 12 months, or €70 per month if paid monthly;
- payment for necessary travel to the nearest suitable language course.
Travel to and from Germany is normally paid for by the Au-Pair, unless otherwise agreed with the family in writing.
Working hours, days off and holiday
Official rules limit household help and childcare:
- usually no more than 6 hours a day;
- no more than 30 hours a week;
- overtime is possible only by prior agreement and must be compensated with time off;
- at least 1.5 full days off per week;
- at least one Sunday off per month;
- at least four free evenings per week;
- time off must be provided for German classes, religious activities, cultural events and excursions.
If an Au-Pair lives with a family for a full year, they are entitled to 4 weeks of paid leave. For a shorter period, leave is calculated as 2 working days for each full month.
Visa and Aufenthaltstitel
The rules depend on citizenship.
Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland do not need a separate Arbeitsmarktzulassung to work as an Au-Pair in Germany.
Participants from third countries need an Aufenthaltstitel: usually, they first obtain a national visa from the German embassy or consulate before entering the country. The German mission requests approval from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit. After entry and before the visa expires, they must apply to the local Ausländerbehörde for an Aufenthaltserlaubnis.
Some citizens, for example from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, may enter without a visa and apply for an Aufenthaltstitel in Germany. However, it is best to check the procedure and deadlines on the website of the German mission responsible for your country: document lists and appointment procedures vary.
The usual documents for an Au-Pair visa are:
- a valid passport;
- a completed national visa application form;
- biometric photos;
- an Au-Pair contract with the family or agency;
- the host family’s address in Germany;
- proof of German A1 or a language assessment at the consulate;
- a motivation letter;
- proof of health insurance for the initial period, if required by the particular mission;
- additional documents on the list for your consulate.
An Au-Pair visa or residence permit does not give the right to work in other EU countries. For short trips within the Schengen area, you must separately comply with entry rules, permitted stays and document validity requirements.
How to find a host family
You can look for a family independently, through specialised platforms or through an agency. For newcomers, it is safer to choose a route that provides a written contract, clear terms and support in the event of a conflict.
Things to check:
- whether the family has a child under 18;
- which language is used at home;
- how many hours of help are expected each week;
- whether there will be a separate room;
- who pays for the language course, travel to it and insurance;
- how days off, evenings and holiday are arranged;
- what happens if the family and Au-Pair are not a good match.
In Germany, there are agencies affiliated with Gütegemeinschaft Au-pair e.V. and associated with the RAL quality mark. This is not the only possible route, but the mark helps identify agencies that are monitored against standards.
The contract: what should be in writing
A written contract is needed before the programme begins. Do not rely on verbal promises, especially about money, hours and accommodation.
The contract should cover:
- the programme start and end dates;
- the family’s address and the participants’ details;
- the amount of Taschengeld;
- accommodation and meal arrangements;
- working hours and typical duties;
- days off, free evenings and holiday;
- payment for the Sprachkurs and travel to the course;
- insurance;
- the procedure for terminating the contract;
- agency or responsible person’s contact details in case of problems.
If a family asks you to work more than 30 hours a week, do heavy cleaning, care for a sick relative or give up the language course, do not sign the contract without consulting an agency or official sources.
Can Au-Pair be a path to immigration?
Au-Pair can help you settle in, learn the language and prepare for the next step: study, Ausbildung, FSJ/BFD, finding another legal programme or returning home with new experience. But the programme is time-limited and is not a direct immigration programme.
If your goal is to stay in Germany after Au-Pair, plan ahead:
- improve your German to at least the level needed for study or Ausbildung;
- research the requirements for the next visa type;
- check application deadlines before your Aufenthaltstitel expires;
- collect documents in advance rather than in the final month;
- do not breach the conditions of your current status.
Common mistakes
- Going without a clear contract. It is then difficult to prove that the family promised different hours, money or a room.
- Overestimating A1. Basic German may be insufficient for everyday life with children and a family; it is better to study before moving.
- Treating the programme as a regular job. An Au-Pair does not receive a salary and must not work as a full-time nanny.
- Not checking the consular document list. Requirements may differ depending on the country of application.
- Agreeing to overtime without compensation. Extra hours must be agreed and returned as free time.
- Putting off the next status. If you plan to study or do an Ausbildung after Au-Pair, preparation needs to begin early.
FAQ
How long does Au-Pair in Germany last?
Usually from 6 to 12 months. The maximum term is one year, and repeat placement as an Au-Pair in Germany is generally not provided for.
How much do Au-Pairs get paid?
This is not a salary but pocket money. Under the Bundesagentur für Arbeit rules, the amount is €280 per month. The host family provides accommodation and meals.
Is German required?
Yes. Basic German at least at A1 level is required. The specific method of confirmation depends on the German mission or Ausländerbehörde.
Can I be an Au-Pair if I am married?
The Bundesagentur für Arbeit’s official information leaflet permits married Au-Pairs. However, for the visa and practical participation, you need to check the requirements of the specific consulate, family and your personal circumstances.
Can I work more than 30 hours?
Usually not. Exceeding this limit is possible only in individual cases by prior agreement, and overtime must be compensated with time off.
Is it compulsory to use an agency?
Not always. You can look for a family independently, but an agency can help check conditions, arrange the contract and deal with conflicts. When choosing an agency, it is useful to look at RAL/Gütegemeinschaft Au-pair e.V. and the actual contract terms.
