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.
Requirements for Au Pairs: No Waffles without the Basics 🍫
To join a Belgian host family as an au pair, you’ll need to meet the following:
✅ Age: 18–25 years old
✅ Education: At least a secondary school diploma
✅ Language: Basic knowledge of the local language (French, Dutch, or German)
✅ Duration: Minimum 6 months, maximum 12 months
✅ Cultural exchange: Willing to attend a language course during your stay
✅ Family status: Single, with no dependents
You’re there to experience Belgian life, improve your language skills, and help your host family, not to work full-time.
1️⃣ Match with a host family through Nina.care 🇧🇪
2️⃣ (If non-EU) Apply for your work permit & visa
3️⃣ Sign your au pair agreement
4️⃣ Register with your local municipality
5️⃣ Start your language course & enjoy your new life in Belgium!
You could go from “thinking about it” to “living in Belgium” in just a few short months!
Visa & Basics 🛂
The rules are a little different depending on where you’re from, but don’t worry we’ll make it simple!
🇪🇺 For EU / EEA / Swiss Citizens
Good news! You don’t need a visa or work permit to become an au pair in Belgium! 🙌
You’ll just:
✅ Have a valid passport or ID card
✅ Register with the local municipality within 8 days of arrival
✅ Sign an au pair agreement with your host family
No complicated visa paperwork, no extra fees, just find your family and go!
For Non-EU Citizens
If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need a work permit type A (au pair) and a long-stay visa (D-visa).
You’ll apply for this through your local Belgian embassy before you travel.
Requirements include:
📝 A signed placement agreement approved by the local authority
🎓 Proof you’ve completed secondary school
💬 Proof of basic knowledge of French, Dutch, or German (depending on your host region)
💸 Proof you can cover travel costs
⏳ Age 18–25 and unmarried with no children
Once approved, you’ll receive your visa and can stay for up to one year as an au pair in Belgium.
1️⃣ Match with a host family through Nina.care 🇧🇪
2️⃣ (If non-EU) Apply for your work permit & visa
3️⃣ Sign your au pair agreement
4️⃣ Register with your local municipality
5️⃣ Start your language course & enjoy your new life in Belgium!
You could go from “thinking about it” to “living in Belgium” in just a few short months!
Requirements for Host Families:
If you’re a family in Belgium hoping to host an au pair, here’s what’s required:
✅ There must be at least one child under 18 living in your household
✅ The family must speak one of Belgium’s national languages (French, Dutch, or German)
✅ You must provide the au pair with their own private, furnished room 🏠
✅ Meals and accommodation must be included 🍽️
✅ Working hours: max 20 hours per week (around 4–5 hours/day)
✅ Allow at least one full day off per week
✅ The au pair must have time to attend language classes
✅ A formal au pair agreement must be signed and approved by the local authority
✅ For non-EU au pairs: the family must register with social security (ONSS) and pay contributions
These rules help keep the au pair stay cultural, fair, and balanced for both sides.
The Au Pair Agreement:
Before your stay begins, you and your host family will sign an official au pair agreement, which includes:
✅ Duration of stay
✅ Working hours and duties
✅ Pocket money amount
✅ Language course enrollment
✅ Insurance and registration details
✅ Time off and holidays
This agreement must be approved by the regional labour authority (depending on whether you live in Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels). It’s not just paperwork, it protects both you and your host family and keeps your stay smooth.
Why Belgium, and what can you expect?
You will quickly fall in love with Belgian life. Here is what you can expect:
- Work a maximum of 20 hours per week, with one free day per week.
- Pocket money: Around €450–500 per month (set by Belgian law)
- Meals & accommodation: Always included
- Language classes: You may also attend language classes in Dutch, French, or German, depending on the region where you live. The au pair covers this cost, though some families help
- Flights: Usually paid by the au pair
- Insurance: For non-EU au pairs, the host family registers you with social security for healthcare coverage; EU au pairs can use their EHIC card
In short: your living costs are covered, and your pocket money goes toward exploring Belgium and enjoying your au pair year! You will live with your host family, share meals, participate in family activities, and have plenty of time to explore the country and nearby parts of Europe, perfect for weekend trips to places like Paris or Amsterdam. Here’s why Belgium is such an amazing choice for au pairs:
🍟 World-famous fries, waffles, and chocolate
🏰 Beautiful, safe, family-friendly cities
🌍 Three national languages = endless opportunities to learn
🚄 Central location, travel to France, Germany, or the Netherlands in just a few hours!
💬 Experience real Belgian culture while living like a local
It’s the perfect mix of European adventure, cozy family life, and cultural exchange.
Ready to Start Your Belgian Adventure?
At Nina.care, we help you find the perfect host family, handle the practical steps, and make sure your au pair year in Belgium is stress-free and unforgettable.
Whether you’re after waffles, world travel, or wonderful memories, au pairing in Belgium is the sweetest way to do it. Ready to start your journey? Let’s make it happen!