Thinking about biking through tulip fields, sipping coffee along the canals, and spending weekends exploring Amsterdam? Then au pairing in the Netherlands might be just the adventure you’re looking for.
Let’s walk you through what to expect.
EU/EFTA Au Pairs
As an EU citizen, you don’t need a visa or residence permit to au pair in the Netherlands. That means:
✅ No complicated paperwork with immigration
✅ No long waiting times
✅ No extra visa costs
Instead, you just register with your host family’s local municipality once you arrive.
Non-EU Au Pairs:
Even though there’s no visa process, there are still a few ground rules to make sure your stay is a true cultural exchange:
- Age: 18–25 years old
- Duration: Up to 12 months (one-time only, no extensions)
- Work hours: Max. 30 hours per week (around 5 hours per day, 6 days a week)
- Days off: At least 1 full day per week
- Allowance: Host families must provide pocket money (usually €340–€400 per month), plus room and board
- Cultural exchange: You should join the family as a member, not an employee, helping with childcare and light household tasks while experiencing Dutch culture
Costs and Allowance for EU Au Pairs:
Here’s the fun part: there are basically no big costs for EU au pairs.
- Visa/permit fees: €0 (you don’t need one!)
- Nina.care placement fee: Covered by the host family
- Allowance + room & board: Provided by your host family
- Travel to NL: Usually paid by you (sometimes families help out)
- No income requirements for the host: No need to fit the IND income requirements.
Host families in the Netherlands provide au pairs with pocket money along with free housing and meals. The allowance is usually around €340 per month, which is enough to cover your personal expenses while you enjoy your year abroad.
Officially, Dutch au pair rules set this allowance together with age limits (18–25 years). But here’s an important detail: since EU citizens don’t go through the Dutch Immigration Service (IND) process, in practice we often see host families also welcoming au pairs who are a bit older. It’s always best to keep things clear and simple with your host family, and we recommend checking the official guidelines if you want to read the exact rules.
You can find the Dutch government’s information on au pair regulations here:
- Government of the Netherlands – Au pair program
- IND – Au pair residence permit
- Rijksoverheid – Rules for au pairs
Timeline
Since there’s no visa process, things move quickly for EU au pairs.
- Matching with a host family: This is the main step!
- Travel to the Netherlands: As soon as you and your host family agree on a start date.
- Registration: Once you arrive, you’ll register with the municipality to get your BSN (Dutch citizen service number).
This means you can go from “thinking about it” to “moving in with your host family” in just a few weeks.
Why the Netherlands Is Amazing for EU Au Pairs 🇳🇱
- The Dutch speak excellent English (but you’ll also pick up some Dutch phrases, gezellig!).
- You’ll get a bike-first lifestyle and plenty of time to explore.
- The allowance, free housing, and meals mean you can live affordably while traveling around Europe.
- It’s truly a cultural exchange: you become part of a family while discovering Dutch traditions.
Ready to start your adventure? At Nina.care, we’ll help you match with the perfect Dutch host family, guide you through the practical steps, and make sure your au pair year is as smooth (and fun!) as possible.
The ultimate guide to the au pair programme in the Netherlands:
Welcome to the most complete, honest, and practical guide to becoming an au pair in the Netherlands. This blog is written for au pairs, but host families will also find it extremely useful 🙂
The Dutch au pair program is highly regulated to protect au pairs and ensure that the experience is truly about cultural exchange, not cheap labour. That means rules, visas, agencies, timelines, and responsibilities all of which we explain here.
What is the IND and why is an agency required? 🧠
The IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst) is the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service. They decide who is allowed to live in the Netherlands and under what conditions.
For au pairs, the IND has one very strict rule: You cannot apply for an au pair residence permit yourself. Instead, your application must be submitted by a recognised Dutch au pair agency. This agency acts as your official sponsor.
Why is an agency mandatory?
The Dutch government requires agencies to:
- Protect au pairs from exploitation
- Ensure host families meet strict requirements
- Monitor placements and intervene if problems arise
- Guarantee that au pairing remains a cultural exchange
Without a recognised agency, an au pair visa cannot be issued, even if you already found a family.
For which nationalities is a visa required? 🌎
EU / EEA / Swiss nationals 🇪🇺
- No visa or residence permit required
- Must still join the au pair program via an agency
- Must register at the municipality after arrival
Non-EU nationals 🌍
- Residence permit required
- Often also an entry visa (MVV)
- Application must be approved before travelling to the Netherlands
Nationality determines whether you need:
- Only a residence permit, or
- Both a residence permit and an entry visa (MVV)
Step-by-Step: The Au Pair Visa & Residence Permit Process (For Non- EU au pairs) 🪪
This process is the same across the Netherlands and applies to all non‑EU au pairs.
Step 1. Match with a host family
You apply, interview, and match with a host family. Once both sides agree, the legal process can begin.
Step 2. The agency prepares the IND application
The agency collects all documents from you and the host family and submits an Entry & Residence (TEV) application to the IND.
This application covers:
- The au pair residence permit
- The entry visa (MVV), if required
Step 3. IND review & decision
The IND checks whether:
- You are between 18 and 25 years old
- You are unmarried and have no children
- The host family consists of at least two registered residents
- The host family meets income requirements
- The au pair schedule follows the rules
- The placement is cultural exchange, not employment
If approved, the IND grants the residence permit.
Step 4. Embassy appointment (if applicable)
If you require an MVV entry visa:
- You (or the agency) books an appointment at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country
- You submit your passport and biometrics on the day of the appointment
- The MVV is placed in your passport
This visa allows you to enter the Netherlands.
Step 5 . Travel to the Netherlands
You may only travel after approval.
❗ Entering the Netherlands as a tourist and switching later is not allowed.
The start date of your residence permit is fixed, even if you arrive later.
Timelines: How Long Does It Take?⏳
Average timelines:
- Finding a host family: 2–8 weeks (sometimes longer)
- IND processing: 4–8 weeks
- Embassy appointment & visa issuance: 2–4 weeks
Total (non‑EU): 3–5 months is realistic
💡 Tip: Never book flights until your visa is approved or book them with a flexible date.
Documents & Legal Requirements 📂
Required documents for host families
Host families must provide:
- Passports of both parents. The main page is enough. If the host parents are not EU nationals, a Residence card permit in The Netherlands is needed as well.
- BSN of both parents.
- BRP from Gemeente (of everyone listed at that address). Each city hall works differently. In most cases this document can be requested online with their DigiD. Importantly both parents and the kids are listed.Most of the time this is possible in one single document but it can be in separate documents as well.
- Income requirements ( if paid employee 3 latest payslips, employee contract, werkgeversverklaring/employers declaration form signed by their HR not older than 3 months).
- If he’s self employed: self employed declaration form not older than 3 months. Proof he’s been paying taxes for the last 3 years, KVK.
- For business owners(3 latest payslips, copy of contract, KVK or ownership company, proof they’ve received benefits 3 latest months, proof the company has been paying taxes for 3 years).
- House check
- Create and review the contract and weekly schedule
Required documents for au pairs
Most agencies require:
- Passport. Usually all pages have to be scanned and submitted in ONE .pdf.
- Birth Certificate and single status translated and legalised. You get information about how to legalise documents from your country here https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/legalisation/foreign-documents (if you’re from EU ask for international certificate)
- Form stating you are single and have no children.
- Health check. The agency will provide you with a health form template and you will have to bring it to your local doctor. Keep in mind this form can’t be older than 3 months.
- Police record. Also not older than 3 months.
- IND forms ( Antecedents form, au pair awareness declaration form and TB test form (check if your country is in the exemption list).
- 2 references that can prove your previous experience with children.
Contract, flights & insurance
Au pair contract
The contract is mandatory and legally regulated. It includes:
- Max 30 hours per week, max 8 hours per day
- Light household tasks & childcare only
- At least 2 free days per week
- Monthly pocket money
- Board & lodging
Flights
- Often paid by the host family or costs are shared.
Insurance
The host family must arrange:
- Health insurance
- Accident insurance
- Liability insurance (optional but highly recommended)
- Repatriation coverage
Nationality-Specific Rules 🌍
Filipino Au Pairs: Very Important 🇵🇭
For au pairs from the Philippines, additional government rules apply.
You must:
- Apply through a Philippine-accredited agency
- Attend mandatory pre-departure seminars
- Receive government exit clearance
❗ Without this clearance, you may be stopped at the airport.
Step-by-Step: The Au Pair Visa & Residence Permit Process (For EU au pairs) 🪪
This process is the same across the Netherlands and applies to all EU au pairs.
Step 1. Match with a host family
You apply, interview, and match with a host family. Once both sides agree, the process can begin.
Step 2. The agency proceeds to the interview and document checking
The agency collects all documents from you and the host family to check you both meet the requirements,
- You are between 18 and 25 years old
- You are unmarried and have no children
- The host family consists of at least two registered residents
- The host family meets income requirements
- The au pair schedule follows the rules
- The placement is cultural exchange, not employment
Step 3. Sign the contract and weekly schedule
Before you fly to the Netherlands, please make sure you and your host family sign both the contract (stating your start date and amount of months you will stay) and all the tasks you will be responsible for.
Step 4 . Travel to the Netherlands
Timelines: How Long Does It Take? ⏳
Average timelines:
- Finding a host family: 2–8 weeks (sometimes longer)
- Gathering documents: 2-3 weeks
Everything can be arranged usually within 4 weeks.
Documents & Legal Requirements 📂
Required documents for host families
Host families must provide:
- Passports of both parents. The main page is enough. If the host parents are not EU nationals, a Residence card permit in The Netherlands is needed as well.
- BSN of both parents.
- BRP from Gemeente (of everyone listed at that address). Each city hall works differently. In most cases this document can be requested online with their DigiD. Importantly both parents and the kids are listed.Most of the time this is possible in one single document but it can be in separate documents as well.
- Income requirements ( if paid employee 3 latest payslips, employee contract, werkgeversverklaring/ employers declaration form signed by their HR not older than 3 months).
- If he’s self employed: self employed declaration form not older than 3 months. Proof he’s been paying taxes for the last 3 years, KVK.
- For business owners(3 latest payslips, copy of contract, KVK or ownership company, proof they’ve received benefits 3 latest months, proof the company has been paying taxes for 3 years).
- House check
- Create and review the contract and weekly schedule
Required documents for au pairs
Most agencies require:
- Passport. Usually all pages have to be scanned and submitted in ONE .pdf.
- Birth Certificate and single status translated and legalised. You get information about how to legalise documents from your country here https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/legalisation/foreign-documents (if you’re from EU ask for international certificate)
- Form stating you are single and have no children.
- Health check. The agency will provide you with a health form template and you will have to bring it to your local doctor. Keep in mind this form can’t be older than 3 months.
- Police record. Also not older than 3 months.
- IND forms ( Antecedents form, au pair awareness declaration form and TB test form (check if your country is in the exemption list).
- 2 references that can prove your previous experience with children.
So now what? Arrival Steps in the Netherlands (Non- EU au pairs) ✈️
Your biometrics appointment went well and now you just need to wait for you to receive your passport back from the embassy 🙂 This means you will soon be preparing to arrive in the Netherlands.
BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL
1. Flight ticket: as soon as you have your flight ticket you will have to share it with your agency.
2. Practical tips for your life in the Netherlands: by watching this video you will get more familiar with the lifestyle in the Netherlands and be prepared for that.
3. Checklist: we have made a checklist for you of things you need to know and keep in mind. Here is a handy packing guide. Please let us know if you have any questions about it or if you need help with anything.
* Au pairs usually receive their pocket money 1 month after arriving. It’s recommended to bring some money for any necessary expenses during the first few weeks, which are not covered by the host family.
AFTER YOUR ARRIVAL
* Get a Dutch sim card/phone number: a Dutch phone number is necessary to be in contact with your host family, the agency and to apply for the steps below (Remember to switch to WiFi at home or at friend’s houses so you don’t use up all your data)
1. Collect your residence card: please book the appointment to pick up your residence card as soon as you receive the invitation letter from your agency. The agency will send you an email with the necessary information to make it.
2. Attend the appointment at the municipality and get your BSN: to register as a resident at your host family’s address. Make your appointment together with your host family. Take your passport: this applies to both host families and au pairs, along with your residence permit card, translated and apostille birth certificate, and civil status certificate. You will get a BSN (your citizen number needed for every step below) via the post a few days after that. It might be a good idea to book an appointment in advance as soon as you have an appointment to collect your residence card.*We advise you to get registered at the municipality on the 1st day of the month, why? Because it will affect the subsidy day of payment since the government will only reimburse the full month. More info on step 7. -.
HOST FAMILY TIP: It’s important to make sure that your au pair is insured for small things like breaking something in the house. This is not covered by the au pair insurance! In most cases you can simply add your au pair to your aansprakelijkheid insurance, as part of your family. And in some cases the insurance is even automatically extended to everyone registered at your address. We advise you to check with your insurance how it works for your specific insurance.
3. Open your bank account: it is important for you to have your own bank account where your pocket money will be deposited. A bank account is also necessary to apply for the health insurance (step 4) and apply for the health subsidy (step 7).
For the next steps, you can always ask the host family to give support:
4. Get your basic health insurance: basic health insurance is mandatory from the moment you are registered at the municipality.This is also personal, you can not be covered under your host family’s name but under your own. Find here the different options/companies, choose the option that suits you better and apply as soon as you have completed the steps above Please choose the health insurance together with your host parents as they are responsible for the costs of the “own risk” (The “own risk” amount (eigen risico), is an annual amount that you must pay out of your own pocket for some treatments and medicines before your health insurance will cover the rest, this is just in case it needs to be used).* This is not mandatory but we recommend taking an additional dental care as this service can be quite expensive in case of an emergency.
5. Attend a TB screening appointment. If your country of origin is on this list, you do not need to do this. If you see that you still need one, please contact the local GGD. If you don’t do this, your residence permit could be taken away. You can google: “GGD + your town name + TBC onderzoek” to get the contact details for the nearest GGD location to you. Take your passport, residence permit card and this TB test referral form with you, completed and signed. *This test needs to be done within 3 months of arrival*
6. Get your DigiD username: DigiD (short for Digital Identification) is a form of online ID that allows you to access many services and government websites in the Netherlands. You need a DigiD username to apply for the health subsidy (step 7). Find here the steps and how to apply for your DigiD.
7. Apply for the health subsidy (zorgtoeslag): this is a subsidy from the Dutch government to help you with the payment of your health insurance. This is not automatic, you need to apply for it (find how and when in the attached file).* The start date of the zorgtoeslag should be the same date that you registered at the city hall. In other words, the same date you start paying for Dutch health insurance. Steps to follow are attached in the manual.
Important to know – Coverage period: Government covers from the 1st of the month after registration at City Hall. Au Pair is responsible for insurance costs before that date (e.g., if insurance starts on June 25, government coverage starts July 1). That’s why we advise to get registered at City Hall on the 1st day of the month.
* Get a personal travel card: follow the steps here to get your personal card. The train company is called NS. They have various subscriptions. A bank account is necessary to request the card and a subscription. For example, if you think you will use the train every weekend, it’s a good idea to get the ‘Unlimited travel: Weekend Vrij’ subscription. This is linked to your personal ov-chipkaart.* Tip 1: spend a weekend day at home to bond with your host family. Set up a regular time to sit with them to review the week before and the week ahead. Communicating clearly and openly will save you a lot of hassle!
So now what? Arrival Steps in the Netherlands (EU au pairs) ✈️
BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL
1. Flight ticket: as soon as you have your flight ticket you will have to share it with your agency.
2. Practical tips for your life in the Netherlands: by watching this video you will get more familiar with the lifestyle in the Netherlands and be prepared for that.
3. Checklist: we have made a checklist for you of things you need to know and keep in mind. Here is a handy packing guide. Please let us know if you have any questions about it or if you need help with anything.
* Au pairs usually receive their pocket money 1 month after arriving. It’s recommended to bring some money for any necessary expenses during the first few weeks, which are not covered by the host family.
AFTER YOUR ARRIVAL
1. Attend the appointment at the municipality and get your BSN (if you are staying longer than 3 months): to register as a resident at your host family’s address. Make your appointment together with your host family. Take your passport: this applies to both host families and au pairs, along with your residence permit card, translated and apostille birth certificate, and civil status certificate. You will get a BSN (your citizen number needed for every step below) via the post a few days after that. It might be a good idea to book an appointment in advance as soon as you have an appointment to collect your residence card.
*We advise you to get registered at the municipality on the 1st day of the month, why? Because it will affect the subsidy day of payment since the government will only reimburse the full month. More info on step 5.
HOST FAMILY TIP: It’s important to make sure that your au pair is insured for small things like breaking something in the house. This is not covered by the au pair insurance! In most cases you can simply add your au pair to your aansprakelijkheid insurance, as part of your family. And in some cases the insurance is even automatically extended to everyone registered at your address. We advise you to check with your insurance how it works for your specific insurance.
2. Open your Dutch bank account: it is important for you to have your own bank account where your pocket money will be deposited. A bank account is also necessary to apply for the health insurance (step 3) and apply for the health subsidy (step 5).
For the next steps, you can always ask the host family to give support:
3. Get your basic health insurance: basic health insurance is mandatory from the moment you are registered at the municipality.This is also personal, you can not be covered under your host family’s name but under your own. Find here the different options/companies, choose the option that suits you better and apply as soon as you have completed the steps above Please choose the health insurance together with your host parents as they are responsible for the costs of the “own risk” (The “own risk” amount (eigen risico), is an annual amount that you must pay out of your own pocket for some treatments and medicines before your health insurance will cover the rest, this is just in case it needs to be used).* This is not mandatory but we recommend taking an additional dental care as this service can be quite expensive in case of an emergency.
4. Get your DigiD username: DigiD (short for Digital Identification) is a form of online ID that allows you to access many services and government websites in the Netherlands. You need a DigiD username to apply for the health subsidy (step 5). Find here the steps and how to apply for your DigiD.
5. Apply for the health subsidy (zorgtoeslag): this is a subsidy from the Dutch government to help you with the payment of your health insurance. This is not automatic, you need to apply for it (find how and when in the attached file).* The start date of the zorgtoeslag should be the same date that you registered at the city hall. In other words, the same date you start paying for Dutch health insurance. Steps to follow are attached in the manual.
Important to know – Coverage period: Government covers from the 1st of the month after registration at City Hall. Au Pair is responsible for insurance costs before that date (e.g., if insurance starts on June 25, government coverage starts July 1). That’s why we advise to get registered at City Hall on the 1st day of the month.
* Get a personal travel card: follow the steps here to get your personal card. The train company is called NS. They have various subscriptions. A bank account is necessary to request the card and a subscription. For example, if you think you will use the train every weekend, it’s a good idea to get the ‘Unlimited travel: Weekend Vrij’ subscription. This is linked to your personal ov-chipkaart.* Tip 1: spend a weekend day at home to bond with your host family. Set up a regular time to sit with them to review the week before and the week ahead. Communicating clearly and openly will save you a lot of hassle!
During your au pair year 🏡
Agency support & mediation
Your agency is responsible for:
- Ongoing check-ins
- Conflict mediation
- Emergency support
- Protecting your rights
An agency’s responsibility:
Information
Notify the IND of any change in the home, family, status of the au pair or events that would affect his/her residence permit conditions. Find more info here.
Administration
Gather documents to support every statement on the application form, check the au pair’s and host’s expectations, family composition, income and residence and maintain records.
Duty of Care
Look after the au pair throughout the process, giving appropriate information, ensure safety and wellbeing and participation in the cultural exchange according to the IND guidelines. Check the au pair is aware of their rights and the obligations of the host and that the agreed weekly schedule is being adhered to.
Cultural exchange facilitation
Organise events to help au pairs discover the Netherlands, learn the dutch language, au pair academy (masterclasses) and make friends. Mediate between the family and the au pair and ensure a sustainable relationship.
What to expect during your au pair year?
First month: Your first month is key to get to know your host family, get used to their routine and they will also get to know you. This takes time and energy so even if you’re not on “duty hours” it is always nice to spend time with them!
Communication: is the key to a comfortable stay and a good relationship with your host family. Also because of the differences in culture, clear communication between you and the family is extra important. Do not hesitate to ask questions if you did not understand something.
Social media: Please do not post information or pictures of the host family & kids online without their consent. If you are not sure, always ask the host parents, what is okay and what is not. This is very important because you are dealing with other people’s privacy.
Public holidays: Au pairs can be on duty on public holidays as you are not an employee in the Netherlands.
Using your phone while looking after the kids: Being distracted with a phone makes it very hard to connect with people, especially with children. And if the kids see that the Au Pair is more interested in her/his phone than in spending time with them, it would be very difficult to earn their trust. Children quickly notice how much time and effort you are putting into the relationship with them.
Please also avoid using the phone during bathing, driving and playing with the kids (inside or on the playground) as they can get hurt.
Bonding with your host kids: Show interest: Kids really notice when you pay attention to them so it is important that you actively make time for them and their interests. Find out what games and activities they like and join in with them. You should also arrive at your host family with some ideas for age-appropriate activities to play with the kids.
If the kids don’t immediately warm to you, don’t be offended. For many children it can take a while before they become comfortable with somebody new. The important thing is to keep trying, pay attention to them and try and have fun. Eventually they will come around.
Kids eating habits + screen time: Kids in the Netherlands eat generally very healthy (veggies and not so much fried things) so please consult with their parents about their eating habits.
Parents often do not allow their kids to spend time watching tv or on their ipad.
Dating /meeting people: Specially during the first month, your host family will want to know where you are going to be and who you meet up with. Not because they don’t trust you but because you are still new in the country and want to make sure you are safe. .
Trust & honesty: It takes a lot for host parents to trust a person taking care of their kids and welcoming them into their home. Trust and honesty are key for a good relationship. Nothing good comes from lying!
Proactivity: showing initiative is always appreciated by host families!
Bonding time with host parents: Believe it or not, there’s a “honeymoon” stage during the au pairs program, usually during the first couple of months. After this time, is still important to find time to talk to your host family and spend some quality time together.
Line between the house tasks and being part of the family: Tricky one;), the household tasks will always be the ones who are stated in your weekly schedule or the host family has a list for you (light tasks!). But being part of a family and live in another house will also require some extra tasks.
Communication with your au pair agent: We will reach out to you to see how you are doing, if things are going well with the host family and about your wellbeing in general. It’s super important that you are honest with us, if you don’t let us know what’s really going on, we won’t be able to help you.
End of your au pair program: If your program comes to an end or you decide to terminate the contract, there are steps that need to be followed. Your au pair program is strictly regulated by the IND and we need to inform them of every change.
Phone and travelling allowance subscription: Your host family either choose the Nanny Nina allowance (20 euro phone + 60 euro travel) OR they need to provide a SIM card with a phone subscription and the OV chipkaart weekend free card
When a Rematch Is the Best Step Forward ⚠️
After careful consideration and open communication with everyone involved, the au pair or host family sometimes reach the conclusion that a rematch is the best solution. This decision is always made with the well-being of both the host family and the au pair in mind, and with the goal of ensuring a positive experience for everyone moving forward.
The Rematch Period Explained
As outlined in the au pair contract (depending on the agency(, a four-week notice (rematch) period applies. This period is designed to give both parties sufficient time:
- The host family can explore alternative childcare solutions or welcome a new au pair.
- The au pair can look for a new host family and continue her au pair journey in the Netherlands.
Finding a New Host Family
If the au pair wishes to continue participating in the au pair program, she may actively search for a new host family herself. At the same time, the agency can support this process by sharing her profile with families she could be a good match.
It’s important to note that the au pair must be matched with a new host family within the four-week rematch period. If no new match is found within this timeframe, she will be required to return to her country of origin.
What Happens Next?
1. Matching with a new host family
If the au pair matches with a new host family:
- She will register at the new address and will automatically be deregistered from the previous one.
- The au pair may only move once all required documents from the new host family have been completed and approved by Nina.care.
- The agency inform the IND about the change of host families.
If no new match is found within four weeks:
- The au pair must return to her country of origin.
- Before leaving the Netherlands, she will need to follow the official departure steps.
2. Subscriptions and practical arrangements
- Any subscriptions linked to the host family (such as phone plans or NS subscriptions) should be cancelled or transferred to the au pair’s name where applicable.
3. Return flight responsibility
- If the rematch process was initiated by either the host family or the au pair, the party who initiated the rematch is responsible for covering the cost of the return flight, should the au pair not find a new host family.
Please note: If one week before the end of the rematch period the au pair has not yet secured a new host family, we recommend starting to look for flight options and beginning the pre-departure process.
4. Pocket money and accommodation
During the rematch period:
The au pair remains entitled to pocket money if she continues to stay with the host family.
Pocket money will be calculated proportionally for the rematch period.
If the au pair does not stay with the host family during this time, the host family will provide accommodation (such as a hostel) and a daily allowance of €11.33, as stated in the contract.
5. Au pair responsibilities
Throughout the rematch period, the au pair is still expected to carry out her agreed au pair tasks in line with the weekly schedule.
Transitions like these can be emotionally challenging. Maintaining open and respectful communication during this period is essential, and we are here to support both parties every step of the way.
What Au Pairs and Host Families Must Report to Their Agency in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, au pair residence permits are issued under strict conditions. Because the agency is the recognized sponsor, it is legally required to inform the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) of any changes that may affect the au pair’s stay.
For this reason, both au pairs and host families are obligated to report certain changes to their agency immediately.
Below is an overview of what must always be reported.
Changes That Must Be Reported by the Host Family
Host families must inform their agency as soon as possible if any of the following situations occur:
- Early termination of the au pair placement
- Start of a rematch period
- Change of home address
- Change in family composition (divorce, separation, new partner moving in, additional adults in the household)
- Change in working conditions (weekly schedule, tasks, or pocket money not in line with the contract)
- Long-term travel abroad with the au pair (holidays outside the Netherlands)
- Au pair no longer living at the host family’s address (temporary accommodation, hostel stay, or early departure)
- Serious incidents or conflicts (that may affect the safety or well-being of the au pair)
- Host family decides not to continue the placement (no contract extension or early end)
Changes That Must Be Reported by the Au Pair
Au pairs must also inform their agency immediately if any of the following apply:
- Stopping the au pair placement early
- Starting a rematch
- Change of address (even temporary accommodation during rematch)
- Moving to a new host family (only allowed after approval by the agency and IND notification)
- Leaving the Netherlands temporarily or permanently
- Loss or renewal of passport
- Problems with the host family (unsafe situation, contract violations, or serious conflicts)
- Decision not to continue the au pair program
Changes That Must Be Reported by Both Parties
Some situations must always be reported by both the au pair and the host family, to avoid inconsistencies:
- Rematch agreements
- End date of the placement
- Change of host family
- Early departure from the Netherlands
- Situations where the au pair no longer lives with the host family
Why Is Reporting So Important?
Failure to report changes can lead to:
Problems with the au pair’s residence permit
Fines or sanctions for the agency
Loss of sponsor status
Obligation for the au pair to leave the Netherlands
That’s why all changes must first be reported to the agency, not directly to the IND.
The agency will then assess the situation and make the required notifications to the IND.
Leaving the Netherlands as an Non-EU au pair 👋
As the au pair program approaches its end, there are a few important steps that both the au pair and the host family must complete. Following these steps ensures a smooth and compliant departure process and helps avoid issues with the IND or other authorities.
1. Confirm Your Future Plans
You need to inform your agency of your plans after the program year:
- Stay in the Netherlands to study
- Apply for a work or partner visa
- Move to another EU country
- Travel to a country other than her country of origin
If the au pair is returning to her country of origin
✈️ The return flight ticket must be shared with the agency
If the au pair will study in the Netherlands or another EU country
✉️ You need to share with your agency the following information:
- The admission letter, and
- The visa application,
to “Departures” in the portal.
2. Return the Residence Permit Card to the IND
The residence permit card is the property of the IND, and returning it is mandatory when leaving the Netherlands.
Before departure:
- Cut the residence card (for example, through the chip)
- Send it by post in an envelope to:
IND Bureau Documenten
Postbus 49
9560 AA Ter Apel
💡 Tip: Make a photocopy of the residence card before cutting and sending it. This can be useful if immigration authorities later ask for proof.
Your agency will inform the IND of the au pair’s departure through an official declaration.
3. De-register from the Host Family’s Address
No more than one week before leaving the Netherlands, the au pair must de-register (unsubscribe) from the municipality at the host family’s address.
⚠️ Important:
- De-registration invalidates the residence permit
- Do not de-register earlier than one week before departure
Please contact the local municipality to check how this process works.
4. Stop Health Insurance and Health Allowance
Before leaving the Netherlands, the au pair must:
- Stop the basic health insurance
- Stop the healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag)
Key points:
- Contact the insurance provider to cancel the policy correctly
- Cancel the healthcare allowance at least 6 weeks in advance
- Both must end on the last day of stay in the Netherlands
If these are not cancelled on time, payments may continue and result in an invoice later.
5. Confirm Safe Arrival After Departure
Once the au pair has arrived in:
- Her country of origin, or
- A new destination outside the Schengen area,
The au pair has to send her agency the following information:
- If there is an exit stamp in the passport, send a scan of the stamped page
- If no stamp is issued, please send a copy of the boarding pass
6. Close Subscriptions and Practical Arrangements
Before leaving, please ensure the following are taken care of:
- Close the Dutch bank account
- Stop the NS card
- Cancel the phone subscription
- Cancel any other active subscriptions
Leaving the Netherlands as an EU au pair 👋
If you are an EU au pair, the end of your au pair placement in the Netherlands comes with a few important administrative steps. Even though EU au pairs do not need a residence permit, it is still essential to properly close your stay in the Netherlands.
1. De-register from Your Host Family’s Address
No more than one week before leaving the Netherlands, you must de-register (unsubscribe) from the municipality at your host family’s address.
This step ensures that your registration in the Dutch municipal system is correctly closed.
⚠️ Important:
- Do not de-register earlier than one week before departure
- Each municipality may have a slightly different process
Please contact your local city hall to check how de-registration works in your municipality.
2. Stop Health Insurance and Health Allowance
Before leaving the Netherlands, make sure to stop:
- Your basic Dutch health insurance (contact your insurance provider directly)
- Your healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) from the government
Key points to keep in mind:
- The healthcare allowance must be cancelled at least 6 weeks in advance
- Both the insurance and allowance must end on the last day of your stay in the Netherlands
If these are not cancelled on time, payments may continue and you could receive an invoice later.
3. Confirm Your Safe Arrival
Once you have returned to your country of origin, you can send your agency a short message confirming that you arrived home safely.
4. Close Bank Accounts and Subscriptions
Before or shortly after leaving the Netherlands, please make sure to:
- Close your Dutch bank account
- Stop your NS card
- Cancel your phone subscription
- Cancel any other active subscriptions linked to your stay
Final Words 🎉
Being an au pair in the Netherlands is a life‑changing experience, full of learning, challenges, friendships, and growth.
Stay informed, ask questions, lean on your agency, and enjoy the journey 🚲💛