Did you know that there are three official languages in Belgium? That’s right, in the heart of Europe, there is a country where you can speak French, Dutch, and German depending on the region. It is no surprise that Belgium has such a multicultural vibe.
Why not allowing your children to grow up surrounded by even more languages, while hosting a caregiver who wants to experience Belgian culture?
Many future au pairs dream of fairytale-like cities such as Bruges, where they can enjoy warm waffles by the canal. If that sounds like your adventure, then au pairing in Belgium is the perfect way to achieve it!
Let’s walk through everything you need to know to become (or host) an au pair in Belgium.
Quick Facts: Au Pairing in Belgium
| Visa Type | EU free movement / Work permit + D visa |
| Age Range | 18–25 |
| Stay Duration | Max. 12 months |
| Weekly Hours | Max. 20 hours |
| Language Requirement | English, French, Dutch, or German (basic) |
| Pocket Money | €450–500/month |
| Accommodation | Private room |
| Meals | Provided by host family |
Can You Au Pair in Belgium?
Belgium has a well-regulated au pair program, designed as a cultural exchange.
This means:
- Limited working hours
- Mandatory language learning
- Legal agreement and approval
Requirements to Become an Au Pair in Belgium
To join a Belgian host family, you’ll need:
✅ Be between 18 and 25 years old
✅ Have completed secondary education
✅ Have basic knowledge of French, Dutch, or German
✅ Be single with no dependents
✅ Be willing to attend a language course
✅ Commit to 6–12 months
You’re there to experience Belgian life, improve your language skills, and support your host family.
Visa & Work Permit 🛂
EU / EEA / Swiss Citizens
Good news! No visa or work permit required.
You only need to:
✅ Have a valid passport or ID
✅ Register with the municipality within 8 days
✅ Sign an au pair agreement
Non-EU Citizens
You will need:
- Work permit type A (au pair)
- Long-stay visa (D visa)
You must apply through your local Belgian embassy before traveling.
Requirements include:
📝 Signed placement agreement approved by authorities
🎓 Proof of secondary education
💬 Proof of basic language skills
💸 Proof you can cover travel costs
📅 Age 18–25, unmarried, no children
Once approved, you can stay up to 12 months.
🕐 Timeline: Becoming an Au Pair in Belgium
The Au Pair Agreement
Before your stay begins, you and your host family must sign an official agreement.
This includes:
✅ Duration of stay
✅ Working hours and duties
✅ Pocket money
✅ Language course enrollment
✅ Insurance details
✅ Time off and holidays
The agreement must be approved by the regional labour authority (Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels).
This ensures a fair and structured experience for both sides.
What to Expect as an Au Pair in Belgium
Life as an au pair in Belgium combines family life with cultural exploration.
You will:
⏰ Work a maximum of 20 hours per week
📅 Have at least one full day off per week
👶 Help with childcare and light household tasks
You will also:
🎓 Attend language classes
🏡 Live as part of the host family
🌍 Explore Belgium and nearby countries
Pocket Money, Benefits & Costs
Here’s what you can expect:
💰 Pocket money: €450–500 per month (regulated)
🏠 Accommodation: Private room included
🍽️ Meals: Provided by host family
Additional details:
🎓 Language course: Paid by the au pair (sometimes supported by family)
✈️ Flights: Usually paid by the au pair
🩺 Insurance:
- Non-EU: Covered via social security (host registers you)
- EU: Use EHIC card
Requirements for Host Families in Belgium
If you’re a family in Belgium hoping to host an au pair:
✅ Have at least one child under 18 living at home
✅ Speak French, Dutch, or German daily
✅ Provide a private furnished room
✅ Provide meals and accommodation
✅ Respect max. 20 working hours per week
✅ Allow at least one full day off per week
✅ Ensure time for language classes
✅ Sign an approved au pair agreement
For non-EU au pairs:
✅ Register with social security (ONSS) and pay contributions
Why Choose Belgium for Your Au Pair Experience?
Belgium offers a unique mix of cultures, languages, and travel opportunities.
Here’s why au pairing in Belgium is such a great choice:
🍟 World-famous fries, waffles, and chocolate
🏰 Beautiful and safe cities
🌍 Three national languages
🚄 Central location for European travel
💬 Authentic cultural exchange experience
You’ll live with your host family, share daily life, and have plenty of opportunities to explore Belgium and beyond.
Ready to Start Your Belgian Adventure? 🇧🇪
At Nina.care, we help you find the perfect host family, guide you through the process, and make your experience smooth and unforgettable.
Whether you’re after waffles, travel, or cultural exchange, Belgium is the perfect place to start.
Ready to begin your journey? Let’s make it happen!