Au pair in Germany: Requirements

Playmate, big sister, fairytale teller, homework helper, cook, chauffeur, substitute parent, singer, football coach, comforter, first aid helper, alarm clock... being an au pair consists of all of these roles and many more!

In order to be an au pair in Germany you should:

  • be between 18 and 26 years of age (up to 29 years of age on a Working Holiday Visa or as a citizen from the UK and Ireland)

  • hold a passport of the following countries: USA, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Mexico, Ecuador and Venezuela (other Spanish speaking countries at request)

  • have previous experience looking after children, i.e. through private babysitting, internships at childcare institutions, as a camp counselor or as an after-school tutor

  • be a secondary school graduate (high school) or equivalent

  • be in good health, non-smoker and have no criminal record

  • have a valid driving license (preferred but not required. Please note if you plan on driving in Germany, you will need to obtain an international license prior shortly to arrival)

  • be able to commit to at least a minimum of six months (due to visa requirements)

  • be interested in learning about the German culture and language

  • have basic knowledge of the German language and hold an A1 German certificate (in order to be granted an au pair visa)

  • be unmarried and childless

Our advice to you

You can find a host family even faster if you have practical experience with children under 2 years of age and are willing to care for them in Germany.

Costs & Details

The au pair program is a very affordable way to spend 6 - 12 months abroad. Because of the high demand of native English au pairs, the host families are willing to cover most of the costs involved with the program.

Matching Fee

If you apply to Ayusa in Berlin directly, we only charge a non-refundable matching fee of 150 €.

This fee will only be charged after you actually match with one of our host families and can be paid with credit card (all applicants) or check (US applicants only). If you work with one of our partner agencies in your home country, there will be a charge for their services (interview, support through the application process, etc). Ayusa does not charge a fee from you in this case.

Additional costs

  • fees that incur for acquiring a basic police check, an international driving license, a passport or a medical record

  • visa charges for applicants who must apply for a visa in their home country in order to be allowed to come to Germany

  • airfare for all au pairs committing to 6 months (free flights for a 12-month commitment with the same host family)

  • possible service fee if Ayusa works with a local agent in your home country

Program Start Dates:

You can start your AuPairCare programm all year round. Ayusa generally has interested host families in the pool, who are flexible in terms of the start of the program.

Start your au pair adventure now