§ 16f Residence Act
The au pair visa allows young adults between the ages of 18 and 26 to to live as an au pair in a German host family, Looking after children and learning German at the same time. It's not an employment relationship - it's a cultural exchange year. The conditions are regulated by law and binding for both parties.
What the host family has to do
Accommodation and meals – free of charge, own room required
Pocket money: at least €280 per month
Health insurance – Host family pays the contributions
Language course costs – up to €50 per month (varies regionally)
Holiday: 4 weeks per year
Reimbursement of travel expenses for language course
Max. 30 hours of work per week, max. 6 hours per day
What the au pair has to do
child care and light household chores
Max. 30 hours per week – no full-time work
Attend language course – Mandatory, not an optional addition
Respect family rules – Member of the family, not a domestic worker
Sufficient Basic knowledge of German (A1) recommended
Healthily fit and no previous convictions
Age: 18-26 years – without exception
Requirements
The au pair visa requires two things: an au pair contract with a German host family and the evidence required by the embassy. No contract without a host family. No visa without a contract.
Host families can use au pair agencies, platforms such as AuPairWorld.net or found directly via contacts. Agencies check both sides and issue legally secure contracts. Direct placement is possible, but requires your own legal review of the contract.
Conditions in detail
The essential conditions of the au pair stay are determined by the Au pair contract and German law regulates. What the host family has to pay and what the au pair is allowed to do is not a matter of negotiation.
Pocket money & financial benefits
Minimum pocket money: €280 per month (legal lower limit)
Health insurance is paid by the host family – legally mandatory
Language course fee: Host family usually contributes up to €50/month
Travel costs to the language course: reimbursed by the host family
Accommodation and meals: free of charge, own room required
Permitted hours and activities
Max. 30 hours per week – no exception
Max. 6 hours per day
Child care and support – main task
Light household chores – permitted, but not main content
Heavy housework, gardening, caring for the sick – not allowed
Holiday: 4 weeks a year, paid (pocket money continues)
German course during the au pair stay
Language course is Duty – not optional
Course costs are covered proportionately by the host family
Course time counts not for 30-hour working hours
Provider freely selectable – VHS, Goethe, private language schools
The goal is A2 to B1 after 12 months – realistic if you consistently attend the course
Duration, extension and what applies afterwards
Max. 12 months – cannot be extended as an au pair
Host family exchange possible within 12 months – new contract required
By au pair: apply for another visa if staying is planned
It is usually possible to change directly to a study visa or language course visa at the immigration office
Return to home country necessary for new applications for further stays
documents
The list of documents is manageable. The central document is the signed au pair contract – without him there is no appointment.
Complete list for the embassy appointment
| document | Note |
|---|---|
| Valid passport + 2 copies | Min. Valid for 6 months beyond planned departure; Age at entry: 18-26 |
| 2 biometric photographs | 35×45 mm, white background, current |
| Completed visa form | Online, printed, signed |
| Signed au pair contract | Signed by au pair and host family; in German or with a certified translation |
| Invitation letter from the host family | With address, telephone number and household details |
| School diploma or CV | Demonstrates background and suitability for childcare |
| First aid course certificate | Not mandatory everywhere - but recommended and required by some embassies |
| Proof of German proficiency | No legal level; A1 proof strengthens the application |
| Proof of health insurance | Usually arranged by the host family; have it confirmed |
| Visa fee | 75 € (cash or card, depending on the embassy) |
The application process
Find a host family in Germany via au pair agencies or platforms (AuPairWorld, AuPair.com). Check the contract carefully: Pocket money at least €280, working hours max. 30 hours, own room, health insurance, vacation policy. Agencies issue legally secure contracts.
Do not sign a contract with less than €280 in pocket money or more than 30 hours of weekly working time - it does not meet the legal minimum conditions.Prepare A1 level before entering the country - not a legal requirement, but Without basic knowledge, everyday life as an au pair and the compulsory language course in Germany are much more difficult. Goethe Institute, language schools in the country of origin or online courses.
Book an appointment early. Prepare all documents completely. The au pair contract and invitation letter from the host family are mandatory documents. Waiting times: 4-16 weeks depending on country of origin.
Short conversation. Age, contract, motivation and language skills are checked. Processing time: 2-6 weeks. Passport remains with the embassy.
For stays of more than 3 months: Register your accommodation at the residents' registration office (host family address) within 14 days. Register for a language course as early as possible. The host family is responsible for registering as a landlord.
You are planning an au pair year in Germany.
Let us clarify whether your situation and your contract meet the requirements.
Free · No obligation · 30-45 minutes
As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.