The Au-pair program in Germany offers unlimited opportunities for travel, language learning, and valuable experience. Participants of the program will be able to live in Germany with a host family, receive free meals, and even receive funds for pocket expenses. Learn more about the features and conditions of participation in the Au-pair program

In EU countries, it is very common for school graduates to take a gap year before entering a university or starting a job. This allows them to learn independence, learn foreign languages, get acquainted with the cultures of other countries, and simply enjoy life. A great opportunity for this is to take part in the German Au-pair program.

Features of the Au-pair program in Germany

The name of the program comes from the French word "mutual". It implies a common benefit for both the program participant and the host family.  According to the rules, they become like older children in German families. 

During the year of living with a host family, young people have to fulfill certain household duties (looking after the children, helping with cleaning, etc.).  In return, they will be able to stay in their home, eat, receive money for pocket money and even a health insurance policy. And all this is absolutely free! During this year, their German language level will improve significantly due to constant communication with the host family and other people around them.

Who can participate in the Au-pair program?

In order to live in a German family for free, a person must meet certain requirements:

1. Age: from 18 to 30 years for EU citizens, from 18 to 26 years for people from other countries;

2. Language: a certificate of German language proficiency at the A1 level;

3. Marital status: no children of their own;

4. Funds: self-payment for the trip to Germany;

5. Education: a certificate of secondary school education.

Requirements for a host family to participate in the Au-pair program

The Au-pair program attracts the attention of young people due to the opportunity to get acquainted with new cultures. Therefore, the host family should provide an opportunity to fully understand the peculiarities of the cultural and lifestyle in Germany. In order for the program participant to improve his or her language skills, the host family is required to speak German on a regular basis.

Another prerequisite is the presence of at least 2 minor children. Families with 4 or more children can accept two Au-pair participants at once.

The following mandatory requirements are also worth highlighting:

1. Availability of a separate furnished room;

2. Free meals 3 times a day;

3. Providing the guest with 260 euros for pocket money per month;

4. 100% health insurance coverage;

5. Assistance in preparing all necessary documents: 

6. Providing 50 euros per month to pay for language courses.

Responsibilities of the Au-pair program participant

The program participant should feel at home. If, for some reason, they are not satisfied with the conditions or relationships in the host family, they can ask for help and change the family.

The main responsibility of the guest is to take care of younger children. This includes only small tasks: taking a child to school or kindergarten, walking with them, helping them with homework.  It is also possible to partially perform household chores (help with cleaning, shopping, etc.).

But do not assume that an Au-pair participant is a servant in a German family. Under the terms of the program, a person can work no more than 30 hours per week and no more than 6 hours per day. They will have one day off per week and 4 free evenings per week. Twice a year, the program participant will have a paid vacation of 2 weeks. 

Conclusion of the contract for participation in the Au-pair program

The Au-pair program agreement includes the following points:

1. Length of stay and possible terms of extension;

2. The amount of money provided monthly for out-of-pocket expenses;

3. Living conditions;

4. Responsibilities of the program participant;

5. Working hours, number of days off and vacation days;

6. Payment for insurance, travel expenses and visa;

7. Additional bonuses (possibility to use a car, provision of a travel ticket, etc.);

8. Terms of possible termination of the contract.

The host family is the first to sign the contract. Then the original contract is sent to the program participant so that he or she can present it when applying for a visa to enter Germany. 

Obtaining a visa for the Au-pair program in Germany

In order to participate in the Au-pair program in Germany, you need to follow the following algorithm of actions:

1. Using specialized websites, choose a German host family and agree on cooperation with them;

2. Prepare a contract;

3. Obtain the necessary documents from the host family (copies of passports, a certificate of residence in Germany, etc.);

4. Obtain a health insurance policy;

5. Obtain a certificate of German language proficiency, at least at the A1 level;

6. Apply to the German embassy;

7. Obtain a visa if necessary;

8. Prepare a package of required documents: a motivation letter, curriculum vitae, employment record, and education certificate.

After the end of the program, a person can stay in Germany. To do this, you can enter a university or marry a German citizen.

Thus, the Au-pair program provides young people with excellent opportunities to broaden their horizons, learn a language and get acquainted with a foreign culture. Sometimes there may be difficulties with the execution of the contract, so it is worth taking the time to study all the nuances, and then you will definitely sign the contract successfully!

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Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need medical insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Germany;

Legal advice on immigration in Germany;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Germany;

Medical insurance all over the world.

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