Visa Regulations for Au Pairs

 

Au Pair Visa & Social Year Visa

Applying for a visa can be very difficult. First of all, you have to find out if you need a visa and if so, which one you need to apply for. This step alone feels sometimes very frustrating for young Au Pairs and FSD’ since the embassy’s websites are not as informative as one would wish for. So, in some countries you would need a student visa, in other you’re required to apply for a residence permit. If you decide to become an Au Pair or FSD in Germany you’re lucky: every Au Pair and FSD who wants to work in Germany needs the same visa. Additionally, only Au Pairs and FSD’ from outside the EU and EFTA country will need one. If you’re an EU/EFTA citizen you can work in Germany without any limitations. 

How to speed up the process

Important: contact the embassy as soon as possible and make sure to read every piece of information that you can find on the embassy’s website. Sometimes visa applications get rejected just because an applicant forgot to insert some contact details. Try to make it as easy as possible for the embassy’s staff to process your application. You can also save time by doing so: if you forgot to add an important piece of information the embassy will need more time for their decision.

Officially you cannot speed up the process since the embassy works very autonomously. But what you can do is to make sure that they won’t take longer than needed. Tip: make a list of as soon as possible or use our list as an orientation for the process. 

Who can apply for an Au Pair visa to Germany?

Young people from 18 to 26 years old can apply for an Au Pair visa to Germany. To do so, they must first find a host family and then make an appointment at the German Embassy. Interestingly, Germany is the only country where Au Pairs are allowed to be married. But please note that doesn’t mean that you’re allowed to bring your husband or wife to your Host Family’s house. However, you cannot be a parent yourself if you want to become an Au Pair in Germany. 

Step by step visa guide

1

 Passport

Au Pairs need a valid passport that covers the length of their stay. They will also need to present the original and a copy at the embassy. Please make sure to extend your passport as early as possible since this step can take some weeks. 
 
2

 Au Pair contract & FSD contract

The Host will need to send a signed contract to their Au Pair or FSD. Make sure that all the important points such as working hours and pocket money are clear.
 
3

 Appointment and visa application form

Download and fill in the visa application form available at the German embassy or the embassy’s website.
 
4

 German certificate 

In most cases, Au Pairs will need to present proof of basic knowledge of the German language. Usually the Level A1 Certificate or similar is enough. However, it might be that a consulate is asking for an A2 level. Please make sure to read all information provided by the embassy before starting your search. 
 
5

 Motivation letter

Some German embassies require a motivation letter from Au Pairs and FSD’ in which they explain why they want to live the experience in Germany and learn German. We often see that people who explain how their experience in Germany would boost their career at home have better chances to receive a visa. So, if you want to become a German teacher or work in tourism an Au Pair year will help you in finding a job in your home country after the stay.
 
6

 Invitation letter

Candidates will generally need an invitation letter from their Host in which they explain a bit of the duties and express their interest in the cultural exchange. 
 
7

 Health insurance

Au Pairs and FSD’ from Non-EU countries must have a private health insurance valid in Germany. It must cover major medical expenses during the whole stay. This insurance is paid by the Host Family.

Further information

  • Au Pairs and FSD’ will get a 90 days visa, which they have to exchange for a residence permit once in Germany. To get it, they must first register at the local office (Einwohnermeldeamt) and then at the foreign office (Ausländerbehörde). Au Pairs and FSD’ from Australia, Israel, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, South Korea and the USA may travel to Germany without a visa, however, they will still have to apply for the residence permit.
  • Keep in mind that the Au Pair visa is not a standard work permit. Therefore, the Au Pair is not allowed to work in any other job in Germany.
  • German embassies recommend applying for the visa two to four months before the planned departure date. The visa process might take between 4-8 weeks.