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Au pair in Germany
To find out whether you require a visa to enter Germany, see „Who needs a visa?“.
What is an au pair stay?
An au pair stay is a temporary stay that is limited to a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 months. The au pair stay does not constitute permanent residence and is generally only possible once. A repeat stay is also excluded if the maximum duration of one year has not been exhausted.
For foreign au pairs, the focus is on acquiring cultural knowledge and improving their German language skills. In return, the au pair supports the host parents in looking after the underage children.
Further information can be found on the the website of the Federal Employment Agency.
Conditions
- Basic knowledge of the German language corresponding to level A 1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
- Au pairs must be at least 18 years old at the start of their employment and may not be older than 26 at the time of application.
- The start of employment according to the au pair contract must not be later than 6 months after the visa application.
- Host parents are married couples, registered same-sex partners or unmarried couples with at least one underage child living permanently in the same household, as well as single parents with at least one underage child living in the same household as the parent employing the au pair. The family status of the host family must be proven, e.g. by submitting a registration certificate.
- At least one parent of the host family is a German citizen, a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or a Swiss citizen.
- German is spoken in the host family.
- The host family is not related to the au pair.
- An effective au pair contract has been concluded in accordance with the model published by the Federal Employment Agency.
What documents must be submitted during the application process?
To apply for a visa at the embassy, you will need the following documents in the original with one set of copies. Please sort the individual sets (original + one set of copies) in the order listed below.
Please do NOT staple the application documents!
A current biometric passport photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm with a light-coloured background) according to the photo sample table of the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The photo should not be older than three months.
Personally signed passport with at least two completely empty pages and sufficient validity.
If you do not have your habitual residence in Switzerland or Liechtenstein, the German Embassy in Bern is not responsible for processing your application.
Consent to electronic notification. Please complete the form and enclose it with your application documents.
Original signed Au pair contract based on the model of the Federal Employment Agency and Au pair questionnaire completed by the host family.
Invitation letter from the host family with their passport copies.
Detailed curriculum vitae and motivation letter in German or English language.
Proof of German lanuage skills. The interview will be in German language to proof your German language skills (level A1).
The health insurance must be valid throughout the EU from the day of entry for the entire duration of the stay. Minimum cover: EUR 30,000, incl. assumption of costs for pregnancy and repatriation in the event of illness or death.
Confirmation of receipt of the booklet for Au Pair from the Federal Employment Agency
The German Embassy Bern reserve the right to ask for additional documents at any time during the processing of your application.
Postage expenses of 7 Swiss Francs
and
Visa fee of 75 Euro payable by cash in Swiss Francs or in Euro by Visa or MasterCard (information here).
Contactless payment is not possible.
Appointment booking
Please book an appointment here to submit your application. New appointments are regularly activated in the appointment system. Unfortunately, there are no additional appointments.
To submit your application, please appear in person at the visa section of the embassy (Willadingweg 78, 3006 Bern) at your pre-booked appointment. Please book one appointment per person. The visa o