Becoming an Au Pair in Germany: All the Host Country Rules

Germany has long been one of the most sought-after destinations for those wanting to experience au pair life: well-organized families, clear rules, and a framework defined by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, the Federal Employment Agency. This clarity is precisely its strength: knowing in advance what you can ask for and what will be asked of you makes everything simpler. Here, point by point, are the rules valid for Germany.

Who can apply: personal requirements

Age. For non-EU citizens the limit is strict: at least 18 years old and not yet 27 at the time of visa application. For EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals the rules are more flexible (roughly up to age 30), because no visa is required.
Marital status and children. The au pair must be single and have no children of their own.
No family relationship with the host family.
Basic knowledge of German. This is a substantial requirement, not just a formal one: applicants from non-EU countries must attach to their visa application an A1 level certificate issued by a recognized institution (Goethe-Institut, telc, ÖSD).
Experience with children. Babysitting, caring for younger siblings, youth groups, summer camps, after-school programs: this must be documented with references.
Good physical and mental health.

Two additional restrictions apply only to non-EU applicants: you cannot have the same nationality as the host family and you cannot be an au pair in Germany a second time — the program takes place only once.

The host family

The German rule is clear: the family must speak German as the everyday language. According to the regulations, the purpose of the program is linguistic and cultural immersion, not domestic service. The family must have at least one child at home and provide a room for the au pair.

Duration of stay

The arrangement normally lasts 6 to 12 months. For those requiring a visa, the contract must stipulate at least 6 months. The maximum is 12 months and cannot be extended: at the end, you cannot continue as an au pair with the same or another family.

Working hours and free time

These are the most important numbers to know, and those that lead to the most misunderstandings:

maximum 30 hours per week, including any evening babysitting shifts;
maximum 6 hours per day;
at least 1.5 days off per week;
at least one free Sunday per month;
at least 4 free evenings per week;
public holidays are normally free.

The permitted duties are childcare and light household tasks related to the children: tidying their room, preparing meals, doing one load of laundry. General house cleaning, gardening, care of elderly people, or assistance in a family business are not part of the program.

Pocket money and contribution to German language course

€280 per month in pocket money (Taschengeld), a fixed amount regardless of actual hours worked. This is paid even during vacation and in case of illness.
€70 per month as a contribution to the German language course, at the family's expense, plus transportation costs to reach the school.
The family is also required to allow the actual time to attend the course: this is part of the program, not an extra to be made up in the evening.

Board and lodging

These are free and at the family's expense. The room must be:

single and for the exclusive use of the au pair;
at least 9 square meters;
equipped with a window, heating, and lockable.

Meals are included even on days off and during vacations spent with the family.

Vacation time

For a 12-month stay, 4 weeks of paid vacation are due; for shorter stays the calculation is proportional, roughly 2 days for every month of residence. Pay attention to a point often misunderstood: if the family goes on vacation and takes the au pair with them asking her to care for the children, those are not vacation days — they are working days.

Insurance

The host family must arrange and pay for insurance coverage for illness, pregnancy and childbirth, and accidents, valid for the entire duration of the stay. For non-EU applicants, the policy is one of the documents required already in the visa phase.

The contract

The standard contract from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit is used, which sets out duration, working hours, duties, pocket money, vacation, and insurance. It must be signed by both parties before departure. Notice for early termination is 2 weeks for both parties; in the initial period it is customary to include a more flexible trial period, but this must be stated in the contract.

Visa and residence permit (non-EU only)

Those who are not EU/EEA or Swiss citizens must obtain the national au pair visa before entering Germany: you cannot enter on a tourist visa and convert it on arrival. The application is submitted to the competent German embassy or consulate, normally attaching signed contract, A1 German certificate, proof of insurance, valid passport, and documentation of experience with children.

Once you arrive, two steps are necessary: the Anmeldung, registration of residence at the Bürgeramt (citizen registration office), and the request for residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners office). EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals do not need either a visa or a residence permit, but the Anmeldung is still required within the deadlines set by the municipality.

In summary

Age: 18–26 years for non-EU, up to approximately 30 for EU citizens
Duration: 6–12 months, not extendable
Working hours: max 30 hours per week, max 6 hours per day
Free time: 1.5 days per week plus one Sunday per month
Pocket money: €280 per month
German course: €70 per month from the family, plus transport
Board and lodging: free, single room of at least 9 sqm
Vacation: 4 weeks per year paid
Insurance: at the host family's expense
Language: basic German, with A1 certificate for non-EU applicants

German rules are designed to protect both parties. If an offer differs significantly from these parameters — more hours, less pocket money, no language course — it's a sign that something is not right, and it's worth asking for clarification before signing.

The amounts and requirements stated are those in force at the date of publication. Before leaving, always verify the updated information through official channels: Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Auswärtiges Amt (German Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and the German consulate competent for your country of residence.