So, you live in Germany and want to host an au pair? What are the requirements for becoming a host family in Germany? What does the process consists of? In short, how do you become a host family in Germany?
Requirements for the host family
These are the requirements for becoming a host family in Germany:
- There is at least one child under the age of 18 living in your household
- At least one parent has German or EU citizenship
- You speak German in your daily family life
- Your au pair should take care of your children and do light housework
- You are not from the same country as the au pair
Contract
Au pairs and German host families must sign an au pair contract with the specifics of their agreement, such as working hours, schedule, holidays, pocket money and other rules.
Au pairs from non-EU countries
Au pairs who need a visa to enter Germany, so au pairs from non-EU countries, can come and work in Germany for a maximum of 12 months and a minimum of 6 months, otherwise it will not be acknowledged by the German Employment Office.
Minimum and maximum stay
If the au pair comes from the EU, the au pair and the host family can agree on the duration of the stay, but anyone who has worked as an au pair in Germany before, may not become an au pair again.
As stated in the paragraph above, au pairs who are subject to visa requirements must be able to show a minimum 6-month contract. The maximum duration is 12 months and cannot be extended.
Earnings
As a host family in Germany you will have to pay the au pair 280 euros per month, regardless of the hours worked. Au pairs receive their pocket money also during holidays and when they fall ill.
Host families may deduct the au pair pocket money when filing their taxes if they have paid their au pair via a bank transfer.
Language course
A host family in Germany has to give the au pair the opportunity to attend a German language course. The au pair pays for the course, but the host family will provide a monthly contribution of 50 euros.
Amount of working hours
Au pairs in Germany may not work more than 6 hours per day and 30 hours per week, this includes babysitting.
Days off and holidays
The au pair gets at least one day off per week. Once a month, this day should be a Sunday. You as a host family should make sure that the au pair has at least 4 evenings free per week.
According to the German Federal Employment Office (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), an au pair is entitled to a paid annual holiday of 4 weeks (when he/she has a year contract with the host family). If the host family takes the au pair with them on holiday, the au pair is still ‘working’, so it doesn’t count as a holiday. Unless the au pair has time off, the shared holiday cannot be considered as an au pair holiday.
If the au pair does not accompany the host family on their holiday, the au pair may not work for another family during this time.
Au pairs have time off on public holidays. They want to experience the German culture! Au pairs should only work on public holidays in exceptional cases.
Au pair insurance
Au pairs in Germany must be insured for illness, pregnancy, childbirth and accidents. According to the Federal Employment Office (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), the host family is responsible for arranging this insurance coverage and for the costs.
Are you ready to become a host family in Germany?
As discussed, there are a number of conditions that you must meet to host an au pair. You have a lot of responsibility as a host family in Germany! No worries, we will guide you when you have questions.
If you want to go ahead and look for an au pair, you can register here. We’d love to look for the perfect candidate for your family!
