Hosting an au pair means flexible and affordable support in everyday family life – within clearly regulated legal conditions. Host families in Germany provide accommodation, meals, pocket money, and insurance, while au pairs support childcare for up to 30 hours per week under clearly regulated legal conditions.
Here you will find all requirements, obligations, and benefits for host families in Germany,
explained in a clear and understandable way.
What Does It Mean to Be a Host Family?
As a host family, you welcome an au pair as a temporary member of your family. The au pair supports you with childcare and light household tasks – not as a workforce or a trained educator, but as a caring “older sibling”. Support during early mornings, illness, or school holidays provides planning security and helps you as host parents organize your time more effectively. In return, you support a young person in getting to know our culture and learning the German language. For many young people, this is their first experience abroad and an opportunity to build a better future.
Requirements for Host Families
- At least one minor child living in the household
- German as the primary family language
- At least one parent holding a European passport (a requirement of the au pair program)
- Private, lockable room for the au pair
- Integration into daily family life
- Financial ability to cover ongoing costs
Working Hours & Tasks
- Maximum of 30 hours per week
- No more than 6 hours per day, and at least 4 free evenings per week
- Childcare and accompanying activities
- Light household tasks
- At least 1.5 days off per week
- 4 weeks of vacation per year
Heavy household work or caregiving tasks are excluded.
Costs & Obligations
- Monthly pocket money of 280 € (legally defined)
- Language course subsidy of at least 70 € per month
- Costs for accommodation and meals
- Health, accident, and liability insurance
- Travel costs to the language course if it takes place locally
- Placement and support fees
Benefits for Host Families
The au pair program offers families long-term benefits – professionally, culturally, and organizationally.
- Flexible support in everyday family life – Au pairs reliably assist with childcare and relieve parents in daily routines.
- Individual care instead of external solutions – Care takes place in the familiar home environment, without additional travel or pickup times.
- Cultural and linguistic enrichment for children – Children benefit from an additional language and experience cultural differences naturally and playfully.
- A cost structure that is often more affordable than alternatives – Compared to full-time nannies or private childcare solutions, the au pair model is often more economical.
- Clearly defined framework conditions – Working hours, tasks, and costs are legally regulated and therefore predictable.
- More time for work and family – Daily relief creates more space for work, partnership, and recovery.
Why My Family Au Pair?
How We Support You – Clear, Personal, and Reliable
A successful au pair year is built on clear expectations, suitable profiles, and support that remains accessible in everyday life. This is exactly what My Family Au Pair specializes in.
- Direct and honest communication
- Personal support
- Many years of personal experience as host parents
Quality Matching Instead of Quantity-Driven Placement
We do not focus solely on formal requirements, but on real compatibility: children’s ages, daily routines, task profiles, language level, personality, and expectations – so that everyday life works smoothly.
Clear Rules, Fewer Conflicts
From the very beginning, we clarify expectations transparently: working hours, tasks, privacy, free time, and communication. This reduces misunderstandings and creates security for both sides.
Support Throughout the Entire Year
We remain your point of contact – even after the start. When questions arise (routine, homesickness, communication), we provide practical, solution-oriented support.
Experience from Everyday Family Life as Host Parents
We are familiar with typical real-life situations: role clarification, boundaries, weekly routines, and expectation management. This helps prevent many issues before they arise.
Transparent & Digital Processes
You always maintain a clear overview: profile, selection, introduction, preparation, and start. No vague promises – but transparent, structured steps. Thanks to our digital processes and the My Family Au Pair app, almost all procedures can be handled easily, paperlessly, and time-efficiently online.
Security Through Structure
We work with clear standards for documentation, expectation alignment, and communication – ensuring your family is well prepared and the au pair has clear guidance.
Details on costs and obligations: Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long may an au pair stay in Germany?
An au pair may work in Germany for a maximum of 12 months.
Is an au pair allowed to look after children alone?
Yes, within the agreed hours. However, permanent sole responsibility is not permitted, especially overnight or during longer absences.
Is it allowed to host more than one au pair at the same time?
Yes, if there are at least four minor children in the household, it is possible to host two au pairs at the same time.
What happens if problems arise?
My Family Au Pair supports you in case of conflicts and helps find solutions or arrange a change if necessary.
Are You Considering Becoming a Host Family?
We carefully review your eligibility and support you throughout the entire au pair year.
Get a consultation