From the cosy cafes of Bavaria to the bustling skyscrapers of Berlin, Germany offers a unique blend of tradition, modernity, culture and innovation, all while having some of the most interesting landscapes in Europe (did you know that it is a German Castle that inspired the iconic Disney one?).
Are you looking forward to sharing you culture while getting to know about the culture of the person you helps you with childcare? Or maybe you would like to get to know authentic German culture while living with a local family in Germany.
This guide will explain everything you need to know before opening your doors or starting to pack your bags.
🛂 Visa & General Rules
Germany welcomes au pairs as part of a cultural exchange program that helps young people improve their German, experience daily family life, and see what makes this country so unique. The rules depend on where you’re from, so here’s the breakdown.
🇪🇺 For EU / EFTA Citizens
If you’re from the EU, EFTA, or Switzerland, you can come to Germany freely without needing a visa or work permit!
You just need to:
✅ Be 17–30 years old
✅ Have basic German skills
✅ Be single and child-free
✅ Pay for your own travel to Germany
You can stay with your host family for 6–12 months, helping with childcare and light housework while improving your language skills.
For Non-EU Citizens
If you’re from outside the EU or EFTA, you’ll need:
✅ A long-stay visa for au pairs
✅ To be 18–26 years old
✅ To have basic German (A1 level)
✅ To be unmarried and child-free
✅ To pay for your own travel
✅ To commit to a stay of 6–12 months
✅ You must not have been an au pair in Germany before
You’ll apply for your visa at your nearest German embassy or consulate, and the family must get approval from the German Federal Employment Agency before your visa can be issued.
Important update for applicants from the Philippines: As of 2023, Germany is no longer accepting au pairs from the Philippines under the current government regulations. If you are a Filipino national hoping to work as an au pair in Germany, you unfortunately cannot apply at this time.
Don’t give up on your dream of cultural exchange! Other European countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, or France still welcome au pairs from the Philippines and Nina.care can help you explore those options.
Requirements for Host Families
Thinking of hosting an au pair in Germany? Here’s what you’ll need:
✅ At least one child under 18 in your home
✅ At least one parent has German or EU citizenship
✅ The family’s daily language is German
✅ You are not from the same country as the au pair
✅ The au pair has their own private furnished room
✅ Meals and board are provided 🍽️
✅ The au pair helps with childcare and light housework
✅ You allow the au pair to attend German language classes
The Au Pair Agreement
Germany has clear rules to ensure au pairs have a healthy balance between helping the family and enjoying cultural exchange. Before you start, you and your host family must sign an official au pair contract outlining:
✅ Duties and schedule
✅ Pocket money
✅ Language course plans
✅ Insurance details
✅ Start and end dates
✅ Free days and holiday policy
For non-EU au pairs, this contract is part of your visa application and must be approved by the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). Your stay can last 6–12 months, and you can’t extend your stay beyond 12 months or apply for a second au pair visa later, so make the most of your year!
Why choose Germany, and What to Expect?
Germany places a high cultural value on language learning, making it a key part of the au pair experience. There is a strong support structure in place for au pairs, ensuring clear expectations and guidance throughout your stay. Cities are safe and well-connected, with excellent public transport that makes it easy to travel and explore. You will experience incredible food, festivals, and traditions, while having the opportunity to learn one of Europe’s most widely spoken languages. Germany blends organization with charm, making it one of the best places in Europe to spend your au pair year.
Living in Germany as an au pair means experiencing the best of both worlds, joining a warm family environment while discovering a new culture and language.
You’ll:
👶 Help with childcare and small chores
🎓 Attend German language classes
🎄 Explore Christmas markets and local festivals
🍻 Make friends from all over the world
What will be provided:
💰 Pocket money: €280 per month
🎓 Language course: The family contributes up to €70/month toward your German course
🚍 Transport: Host families must also pay for your travel to and from language classes
🩺 Insurance: The family must cover your health, accident, and liability insurance
✈️ Travel costs: You pay for your trip to Germany
Ready to Begin Your Adventure? 🇩🇪
At Nina.care, we make the process simple and personal, we’ll support you every step of the way. Whether you’re there for the culture, the language, or the chance to live like a local, Germany has something for everyone. Ready to start your au pair journey in Germany? Let’s make it happen!