What is the official age limit for an Au Pair in Germany in 2026?

You must be at least 18 years old and under 27 years old at the time of visa application. You cannot have reached your 27th birthday on the scheduled start date of your Au Pair contract.

How much pocket money do Au Pairs receive in Germany in 2026?

Au Pairs receive a statutory minimum pocket money (Taschengeld) of €280 net per month. In addition, host families are legally required to contribute €50 per month towards your German language course fees.

Do I need a blocked account (Sperrkonto) for an Au Pair visa?

No. Because your German host family provides 100% free board, furnished lodging, and monthly pocket money under a legally binding contract, consulates do not require a €11,904 blocked account.

Can male candidates apply for the Au Pair program in Germany?

Yes. The Au Pair program is fully open to all genders. Male candidates must meet the identical age, language (A1), and childcare experience criteria. Many host families with young boys actively welcome male Au Pairs.

Which German language certificate is accepted by the German Embassy?

You must present an A1 certificate from an ALTE-accredited examination board: Goethe-Institut (Start Deutsch 1), telc, ÖSD, or ECL. Online or non-standard academy certificates are rejected.

How many hours per week is an Au Pair allowed to work legally?

The legal maximum is 30 hours per week, including babysitting evenings, with a maximum daily limit of 6 hours. You must receive at least 1.5 consecutive days off each week.

Can I transition from Au Pair to an Ausbildung without leaving Germany?

Yes. Once you secure a signed Ausbildung contract and achieve B1/B2 German, you can apply directly at your local German Foreigners' Authority (Ausländerbehörde) to convert your visa to a Section 16a vocational training permit without returning to your home country.

Can I do an Au Pair year after doing an FSJ (Voluntary Social Year)?

Generally no. German authorities view FSJ as higher vocational orientation. Transitioning from FSJ downwards to Au Pair is frequently viewed with skepticism. The recommended sequence is Au Pair first (A1), then FSJ (B1), then Ausbildung (B2).

What happens if my host family match does not work out?

German law provides a mandatory 2-week notice period for both parties. During these two weeks, you can look for a replacement host family in Germany and transfer your Au Pair permit at the local Ausländerbehörde.

How long does the Au Pair visa processing take at German missions?

Consular processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks after your in-person appointment at VFS. However, finding a host family and passing your Goethe A1 exam usually requires 2 to 3 months of advance preparation.

Guide

The Complete Au Pair Germany Guide (2026): Age Limit, €280 Pocket Money & Visa Process

Statutory rules for Au Pairs in Germany: €280 monthly pocket money, €50 language course allowance, 30-hour weekly cap, host family matching, and transitioning to Ausbildung.

Written by: Written by Indus Emissary Editorial Team, Editorial team
Reviewed by: Reviewed by Indus Emissary Immigration & Admissions Consultant
Published:: March 12, 2026
Last substantive update:: March 12, 2026
Last verified:: September 23, 2026; 9 min read

Young adult preparing for an Au Pair placement in Germany

Quick answer

Au Pair in Germany (Section 19c AufenthG / BeschV § 12) is a cultural exchange for unmarried youth aged 18–26. Au Pairs receive €280 monthly pocket money, €50 language course grant, free private room and board, and 100% host-funded health insurance for max 30 hrs/week childcare. A1 German is required. Zero blocked account needed.

Guide at a glance

Detail	What to know
Destination	Germany
Route	Germany programs
Reading time	9 minutes

Eligibility in practice

The formal bar is modest, but each item is checked closely and each has a document behind it:

Usually aged between 18 and 26 at the time of filing
German language ability at roughly A1, evidenced by a recognised certificate
Basic childcare experience that someone can confirm in writing
A signed Au Pair contract with a specific host family
Health insurance covering the full stay, including accident and liability cover

Matching with a host family

Matching is the part candidates rush and later regret. A good match means aligned expectations on working hours, holidays, food, the language course schedule and whether the family expects you to drive.

We ask both sides to have at least two video conversations and to put the outcomes into the contract. A contract that mirrors what was actually discussed is both a better year and a stronger visa file.

Where files go wrong

Refusals in this route cluster around a small number of avoidable issues:

Language certificate that is not from a recognised provider
Contract clauses that contradict the hours the programme allows
Insurance that starts after the intended entry date
Interview answers focused on work and income rather than exchange
Financial documents whose source cannot be explained

What the Au Pair year actually is

You live with a German host family for six to twelve months, help with childcare and light household tasks for a capped number of hours per week, and receive board, lodging and pocket money. In return the family supports your language course and treats you as a family member rather than staff.

Because the legal basis is cultural exchange, consulates read the file for genuineness. A candidate who talks only about earnings and onward migration weakens their own application, even when every document is present.

Frequently asked questions

What is the official age limit for an Au Pair in Germany in 2026?: You must be at least 18 years old and under 27 years old at the time of visa application. You cannot have reached your 27th birthday on the scheduled start date of your Au Pair contract.
How much pocket money do Au Pairs receive in Germany in 2026?: Au Pairs receive a statutory minimum pocket money (Taschengeld) of €280 net per month. In addition, host families are legally required to contribute €50 per month towards your German language course fees.
Do I need a blocked account (Sperrkonto) for an Au Pair visa?: No. Because your German host family provides 100% free board, furnished lodging, and monthly pocket money under a legally binding contract, consulates do not require a €11,904 blocked account.
Can male candidates apply for the Au Pair program in Germany?: Yes. The Au Pair program is fully open to all genders. Male candidates must meet the identical age, language (A1), and childcare experience criteria. Many host families with young boys actively welcome male Au Pairs.
Which German language certificate is accepted by the German Embassy?: You must present an A1 certificate from an ALTE-accredited examination board: Goethe-Institut (Start Deutsch 1), telc, ÖSD, or ECL. Online or non-standard academy certificates are rejected.
How many hours per week is an Au Pair allowed to work legally?: The legal maximum is 30 hours per week, including babysitting evenings, with a maximum daily limit of 6 hours. You must receive at least 1.5 consecutive days off each week.
Can I transition from Au Pair to an Ausbildung without leaving Germany?: Yes. Once you secure a signed Ausbildung contract and achieve B1/B2 German, you can apply directly at your local German Foreigners' Authority (Ausländerbehörde) to convert your visa to a Section 16a vocational training permit without returning to your home country.
Can I do an Au Pair year after doing an FSJ (Voluntary Social Year)?: Generally no. German authorities view FSJ as higher vocational orientation. Transitioning from FSJ downwards to Au Pair is frequently viewed with skepticism. The recommended sequence is Au Pair first (A1), then FSJ (B1), then Ausbildung (B2).
What happens if my host family match does not work out?: German law provides a mandatory 2-week notice period for both parties. During these two weeks, you can look for a replacement host family in Germany and transfer your Au Pair permit at the local Ausländerbehörde.
How long does the Au Pair visa processing take at German missions?: Consular processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks after your in-person appointment at VFS. However, finding a host family and passing your Goethe A1 exam usually requires 2 to 3 months of advance preparation.