A host family welcomes an au pair into their household for up to 12 months and receives support with childcare and light household tasks within clearly defined legal frameworks.
If you would like to become a host family with My Family Au Pair, the process is clearly structured, transparent, and easy to plan. The process of becoming a host family is identical in Germany and Austria; only the legal framework and administrative details differ slightly by country.
Experience shows that the process is not always linear and that individual questions or uncertainties can arise.
This is where we support you as an agency: we guide you step by step through the process, help you avoid common pitfalls, and ensure that your path to becoming a host family runs as smoothly as possible.
The Path to Becoming a Host Family – Step by Step
From the initial inquiry to the arrival of your au pair, we guide you through every step – transparently, realistically, and with clear expectations on both sides.
Requirements for Host Families in Germany & Austria
Hosting an au pair is subject to certain requirements. The following points provide an overview of the basic conditions for host families in Germany and Austria.
Family
Requirements
- At least one minor child living in the household
- German as the primary family language
- Financially stable situation to cover the costs of an au pair
Living Situation &
Integration
- Private, lockable room for the au pair
- Free accommodation and meals
- Integration into daily family life
Organisation & Responsibility
- Willingness to cooperate and communicate
- Compliance with agreed working hours and responsibilities
- Support with attending a language course
Tasks of an Au Pair
An au pair provides support in everyday life but does not replace a full-time employee.
Tasks and working hours are clearly regulated, providing legal security for everyone involved.
Typical Tasks of an Au Pair
- Daily childcare (e.g. playing, reading aloud, crafting)
- Supporting activities related to the children (e.g. taking them to and from school or kindergarten)
- Helping with homework and learning times
- Preparing simple meals for the children
- Keeping children’s rooms and shared areas tidy
- Light household tasks (e.g. tidying up, vacuuming, organizing the kitchen)
- Helping care for pets (e.g. feeding, walking the dog)
Why Families Choose an Au Pair
An au pair brings support, cultural exchange, and new perspectives into everyday family life – within clear and predictable conditions.
Benefits for Host Families in Germany & Austria
- Flexible support in everyday family life within clearly defined conditions
- Childcare in the familiar home environment without additional travel time
- A consistent caregiver for the children over a longer period
- Cultural exchange and international experiences for the whole family
- Language exposure and openness to other cultures in everyday life
- Predictable working hours and a transparent cost structure
- Individual coordination of childcare to suit family routines
- Relief in daily life and better work–family balance
- Personal guidance and support from an experienced au pair agency
- Long-term added value for children through stable routines and relationships
Questions & Answers
How long may an au pair stay in Germany or Austria?
An au pair may stay with a host family in Germany or Austria for a maximum of 12 months under the au pair program. As long as the country-specific regulations are observed, it is possible to work as an au pair in different countries, for example 12 months in Germany followed by 12 months in Austria.
Is an au pair allowed to look after children alone?
Yes. An au pair may look after children alone within the agreed working hours and tasks.
Do host families need previous experience with au pairs?
No. We provide extensive support and information for host families inviting an au pair for the first time.
How long does the matching process take in Germany and Austria?
Depending on your requirements, we usually need 2 to 3 months for a placement.
What costs arise for host families?
Host families cover, among other things, pocket money, accommodation, meals, insurance, and a contribution towards the language course.
What happens if the match does not work out?
Au Pair contracts may be terminated within the legally defined termination period of two weeks in Germany and one week in Austria (if nothing else was defined in the au pair contract). This gives the au pair time to find a new host family, while ensuring that the host family can make alternative arrangements for the care of their children.