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Au Pair in Germany

  • Au Pair is by definition a young foreign person, typically a woman, who helps with childcare and childcare-related housework in exchange for food, a room and some pocket money. 
  • Young men can also apply for Au Pair positions
  • The aim of being an Au Pair is to improve their language skills and get to know the culture of the host family.
  • An Au Pair you can be asked to do light housework, but the main duties are childcare.
  • You cannot be from the same country as your host family,  For South Africans, this means you cannot work for a South African Family in Germany unless there is an adult German national in the family. 
  • You cannot Au Pair for someone if there is a family relationship between you and the host family
  • For third-country nationals, employment may only take place in host families in which German is the mother tongue

What you need to know

Age

Third country nationals between the age of 18 and 26 can apply for Au Pair positions in Germany.
If you are an EU citizen you can apply up to the age of 30.

Experience

The applicant does not need a formal childcare qualification, but a genuine interest in children and caring for them is important.

Education

An Abitur equivalent qualification is preferred but not required. 

Salary

An Au Pair does not earn a salary,  but gets pocket money. The 2023 pocket money rate is €280 per month.
Board and lodging must be provided for by the host family. 

Accomodation

  • Board and lodging must be provided for free to the au pair. They take part in the communal meals and eat the same food as the family. If a specific diet is desired, this must be stated in the application
  • This must be an individual room in the family’s home and have a window, heating and a minimum size of 9 sq meters.
  • The room must have a lock.

Work Contract

  • Before the start of the au pair relationship, a written contract detailing the mutual rights and obligations must be finalised. 
  •  If harmonious coexistence is not possible, the au pair agency should be informed as soon as possible. They will try to get as objective a picture as possible and to find a solution that is acceptable to both sides. If there is a serious reason, the au pair relationship can be terminated without notice.
  • Au pair contracts are usually for a minimum of  6 months and a maximum of 12 months.
  • If the applicant worked as an Au Pair previously in Germany or changed their visa type from Au pair to another type (for example Ausbildung) they cannot apply for further Au Pair positions in Germany. Renewed employment as an Au Pair is not possible, even if the max period of 12 months has not been reached.
  • Working hours is max 6 hours per day and 30 hours per week. Overtime must be compensated in time. 
  • Taking care of private matters for example keeping your room clean, does not count as housework time.
  • The Au Pair is entitled to at least 1.5 full days off per week. At least one Sunday per month must be free. 
  • At least 4 evenings per week must be free.
  • They must have free time for language courses, religious activities, cultural events and excursions.
  • If the work contract is for a full year, four weeks pad vacation must be granted else they are entitled to two working days for each full month worked
  • If the family goes on vacation and take the Au Pair with, it counts as work time if the Au Pair must perform certain task and have obligations like looking after the children. It counts as a holiday if attendance is not compulsory and only insignificant tasks have to be taken on. 

Duties

The daily tasks of an Au Pair depend on the characteristics and lifestyle of the host family.  

  • The main responsibility is to assist with childcare but light housework can also be part of the duties. These can include supervising younger children, accompanying them to kindergarten or school, and taking them for walks or to certain events.
  • Duties can also include light housework for example, preparing breakfast or other simple meals, keeping the house clean and tidy, and washing and ironing. 
  • Duties do not include caring for the sick or elderly.
  • It is important to be clear about what is expected by the host family.
  • Get everything in writing.

Legal

  • The “European Agreement on Au Pair Employment” passed by the Council of Europe in 1969 contains framework regulations on living and working conditions, language classes, social security and the rights and obligations of the host family and the au pair.
    This convention has not been affirmed by the Federal Republic of Germany, and is therefore not considered legally binding. However, the significant criteria of the convention are considered applicable within the Federal Republic of Germany. 
  •  Gesetze im Internet Section 12 Au pair employment

Language

  • The minimum language requirement is German on level A1 of the Common European language Framework. This means the au pair can understand and use familiar, everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at meeting specific needs. They can introduce themselves and others and ask other people questions about themselves
  • The host family must allow time for the Au Pair to attend an in-person language course and must pay 840 per year or €70 per month towards the language course costs. The obligation only exists insofar as the respective expenses are actually incurred. However, the au pair must bear the costs for other events themselves. The host family must also pay the necessary travel expenses to attend the nearest German language course that is suitable for the au pair.
  • The rest of the cost must be covered by the Au Pair. 

 

Learning German

There are several approaches to learn German, all of which can help you achieve your language learning goals. You can opt for convenient online sites that offer a range of language courses

Marital status

The applicant may be married.

Health Insurance

According to the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, the host family is responsible for arranging health, accident and liability insurance coverage and for bearing the costs. 

Medical

Health insurance is mandatory for everyone visiting or living in Germany.When living in Germany you can either take our private (privaten Kran­ken­ver­si­che­rung – PKV) or public (gesetzliche Kran­ken­ver­si­che­rung – GKV) health insurance.

Benefits

There are many benefits to working as an Au Pair.

  • The opportunity to explore Germany.
  • Experience a the German culture.
  • A great way to improve your German language skills. 

 

Emergencies

The first point of contact in emergencies is the placement agency. When this is not possible, Au Pairs can contact the counselling service or the hotline of the Aupair Society e.V. 
These numbers are intended for emergency calls only.

  • Emergency hotline – telephone counseling: + 49 – 800 111 0 111 or + 49 – 800 111 0 222 2
  • Emergency hotline Aupair Society e.V.: + 49 – 800 110 287 247

Visa application Tips

  • Au pairs from South Africa need a residence permit (visa/residence permit). The residence permit must be applied for in the form of a visa (National Type D) before entering Germany at the German embassy or diplomatic mission
  • Approval to take up employment is granted with the residence permit if the Federal Employment Agency has approved the employment. Therefore, the visa entitles you directly to the employment specified in the visa. However, you should not start working before you have received your visa or residence permit. Before the visa expires, which is usually issued for three months, you must apply for a residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence. The local foreigners authority is also the first point of contact for questions about residence and employment.
  • You must be able to pay for your own travel cost to Germany
  • You need a motivational letter in German and it is important to show your ties to South Africa and your plans to return back home
  • You must supply CV in German
  • Apply for a police clearance certificate well ahead of time, but remember the certificate is only valid for 6 months
  • Visa Checklist from the German Embassy in South Africa
  • You can look for a host family yourself, but It is advisable to work through an agency.

Where to search for Au Pair positions

Information on the web

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Volunteering

People from 3rd world countries can apply to do volunteer service in Germany. There are four types of Voluntary services in Germany, that you can apply

Moving to Germany

Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. The thought of starting a new chapter in your life

The German Vocational Training System

An Ausbildung is a form of vocational training or apprenticeship where a student attends school and works simultaneously. The student gains both theoretical and practical

List of Long Stay Visas

Long Term visas are seen as visits longer than 90 days and will typically be for work or study visits. If your application is approved,

Moving to a new country is a wonderful opportunity to start a new life. The biggest hardship in my opinion is leaving your loved ones behind, especially your elderly parents. 
Many people are asking if it is possible as a third-country national, with permanent residence in Germany to bring their parents along to live with them.
Germany unfortunately does not a retirement visa.
New changes to the Immigration laws (from 01 March 2024) made it easier for parents of skilled workers to join them in Germany. Previously, and in some cases still valid, your parents could come to Germany on a Family reunification visa (FRV) only if they can prove hardship.

Family reunification visa

For Third-country nationals, dependent family members like spouses, children to foreign parents, and parents of a German minor can apply for a family reunification visa (FRV).
According to BAMF:
Parents or other family members (Third Country nationals)
If you are the parent or parent-in-law of a skilled worker working in Germany, you may be able to come to Germany under certain circumstances. Other family members may only come to Germany in all other cases to prevent exceptional hardship. If you are a parent or parent-in-law of skilled workers and highly-qualified persons, you have the opportunity to come to Germany if your child’s or child-in-law’s residence title was first issued on or after 1 March 2024. For this to be possible, your subsistence must be ensured, including sufficient health and long-term care insurance cover, from your own financial resources.

The requirements for a family reunification visa be found on the German embassy in South Africa website.

Previously you had to prove that your parent(s) are destitute (hardship) and that there is nobody else in South Africa, who can care for your parent(s). When there is nobody else, you can apply for them to join you in Germany. You will have to provide evidence that you can only care for them here in Germany. Hardship also means they do not have the financial means to look after themselves.

Keep the following in mind:
Keep in mind you will have to commit to financing their medical, accommodation and day-to-day expenses. They might be allowed to live with you, but then you need to have enough space in your home. Medical for someone who has never contributed to the system, and who is advanced in their age, is very expensive.
It is a difficult and expensive process, and we wish you all the best in this journey. Speak to your local Ausländerbörde and see how they can assist you. The applicable law is Section 36 of the “Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory”

The English version has not been updated yet to reflect the new laws. Here is a link to the German website.

Roughly translated
“The parents of a foreigner who, on or after March 1, 2024, for the first time received an EU Blue Card, an ICT card or a Mobile ICT card or a residence permit in accordance with Sections 18a, 18b, 18c paragraph 3, Section 18d , 18f, 19c paragraph 1 for employment as a senior employee, as a manager, as a company specialist, as a scientist, as a visiting scientist, as an engineer or technician in the research team of a visiting scientist or as a teacher, according to § 19c paragraph 2 or 4 sentence 1 or § 21 a residence permit for family reunification can be issued; This also applies to the spouse’s parents if they reside permanently in Germany. The residence permit according to sentence 1 can only be issued if the requirements according to Section 5 Paragraph 1 Number 1 are met.”

Financially independent

Germany does not have a retirement visa, so even if your parents are financially independent they can not go the retirement route.
Depending on their age and situation they can apply for any of the normal long stay visas.

I want to work or live in Germany

Important facts South African citizens need a visa to travel to Germany and a residence permit to stay longer than 90 days A visa allows you to enter the country, you apply for your visa at the German Embassy in South Africa. You must apply for the correct long-stay visa,

List of Long Stay Visas

Long Term visas are seen as visits longer than 90 days and will typically be for work or study visits. If your application is approved, you will receive a visa to enter Germany. Once you are in Germany you will need to apply for your residence permit at the local

Other options

It is possible to apply for a Family & Friends visit visa. The inviting person can ask in the invitation letter that the visa be valid for longer periods e.g. one or two years. This allows the person to stay in Germany for 90 days in a 180-day cycle.  It is not optimal but at least an option.
This will most likely not be granted if it is the first time the person visits you in Germany, also not if the person has a new Passport with no previous visas in the passport.

Friends or Family visits

Do you want to invite friends or family to come and visit you in Germany?For their trip, they will need a tourist visa, which is one of the short stay (less than 90 days) Schengen visas.  There are two types of tourist visas. One is for general tourist and the other

Verpflichtungserklärung – Sponsoring someone’s visit

One of the requirements for both short-term and long-term (National) Schengen Visas is Proof of financial status and sufficient funds. When you want to sponsor someone’s visit, for example, your parents or other family members, and they cannot prove their own financial means, you need to complete a legalised letter

Information on the web

For more information see the following websites:

Additional information

The following was shared with us by a member of our FB page. This is to be seen as a shared opinion and not as legal or immigration advice. You are responsible for your own legal clarifications. No liability accepted.

“Below is a summary of what my in-laws were told by an immigration lawyer here in DE. This will obviously differ from person to person as each case is assessed individually. These were the options given to them. The costs for each option are different, depending on paperwork etc (it’s not cheap 😯). 

If anyone is interested I would suggest they book a meeting with the attorneys (they do Zoom meetings) and get the correct information relevant to them. There is a fee for the initial consultation but it’s well worth it. 

Option 1 – Family reunification.

  • Hardest to achieve, with a probability of around 20 to 30 percent. 
  • It is a discretionary decision and it is not a legal right.
  • Have to prove medical hardship that requires assistance from the family in Germany 

Option 2 – Retirement as a pensioner in Germany.

  • It is a discretionary decision, with a probability of around 30 percent 
  • Ties to Germany, speak German, visited Germany, property in Germany, German culture, take part in German feasts, children in Germany, German heritage, photos of visits, etc. 
  • Mostly meant for richer people Monthly income of about €3 000 plus other assets like shares, property, investments, etc worth at least €200 000.
  • Private health insurance is required at around €600 to €1 600 per month per person, valid for one or two years and then it can be changed to permanent after three to five years 

Option 3 – Culture exchange.

  • It is a discretionary decision.
  • Intense language course, about 18 hours per week at a cost of about €450 per month. You have to enrol privately.
  • Only basic health care insurance is required, not full health care, thus cheaper at around €300 per month 
  • The least amount of formal requirements, valid for one year during which time you work on a permanent solution. Establish ties to Germany. Then apply later for a pensioner permit before the culture permit expires.
  • One can apply for this and then later for family reunification 

Option 4 – Work permit, including Blue card for professionals.

  • Professional job related, chances are very slim without a job offer and due to age being past German retirement age.
  • Opening a business in Germany is an option. Freelancing would be an option. 
  • Has to work in your field of expertise.
  • Salary must be higher than €58 400 per year and period of employment at least one year.
  • Have to have a firm job offer before you can apply.

Option 5 – Freelance work Long process time of about 18 months.

  • Probably one of the worst options to apply for.

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Visa application tips

We are not immigration agents, and your first point of contact should always be the German embassy or consulate in South Africa.Most of the information

List of Short stay Visas

According to the German Embassy in South Africa, “South African passport holders require a visa to enter Germany.  It is important to note that if you

Medical

Health insurance is mandatory for everyone visiting or living in Germany.When living in Germany you can either take our private (privaten Kran­ken­ver­si­che­rung – PKV) or

People from 3rd world countries can apply to do volunteer service in Germany. 
There are four types of Voluntary services in Germany, that you can apply for, they are:

    1. Federal Voluntary Service (BFD),
    2. Voluntary Social Year (FSJ),
    3. Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ),
    4. European Voluntary Service (EVS)

Before you can apply for a visa, you will need a Contract/Arrangement for your voluntary service in Germany. Also, take note of the following as specified on the Germany Embassy website. 

  • Federal Voluntary Service (BFD): Your contract must be signed by you and the Federal Office of Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions (BAFzA), as well as the placement department, headquarters and, where applicable, by the institution implementing the voluntary service.
  • Voluntary Social Year (FSJ)/Voluntary Ecological Year (FOJ): Your contract must be signed by you and the respective institution, as well as, where applicable, the placement department.
  • European Voluntary Service (EVS): Your contract must be signed by the National Agency for Erasmus+ Youth in Action and the coordinating organisation. The Volunteer Arrangement in which the tasks and planned participant achievements are described must be signed by the coordinating organisation and the volunteer.

Where to find a voluntary service

Here is a list of websites where you can search for a voluntary service

Additional information

Things to keep in mind

  • The volunteer period can be between 6 and 24 months, but most are no longer than 18 months.
  • For the FSJ and FÖJ, you must be between the age of 16 and 27
  • Accommodation, meals and an allowance are normally included in an FSJ and FÖJ. 
  • You can still volunteer if you are over the age of 27 Years. You need to then apply for a  BFD. This is more complicated to obtain from outside Germany than the FSJ and FÖJ. Typical placings can be at Schools, Churches and Kindergartens. Special rules about hours may apply.
  •  Some institutions may require German language proficiency and/or some skill level
  •  Make sure you know what is included in your contract, and make sure you have it in writing

Why do volunteering?

Volunteering offers you a chance to make a social or ecological difference.  Here are some additional perks

  • You can meet new people in a new environment.
  • You will learn more about the language and culture
  • You will gain experience in  different competencies 
  • You will gain references
  • You will enhance your social skills
  • Learn more about social welfare or ecological responsibilities 
  • You can learn more about a career if you are interested in social careers like teaching or nursing

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List of Long Stay Visas

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Learning German

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The following was shared with us by a fellow South African

My husband (a South African citizen) got an IT specialist Visa in May. I (a South African citizen) got a job in Germany as well, however, I could not apply for a work Visa, as I needed to get my qualification recognized through IHK fosa. I contacted them, had to send all my documents, and pay €600. I was advised that it would take 3 months, and it would not be sooner as they are busy (I should receive feedback end of September).

The quicker route would be applying for a family reunification Visa for myself and my kids. Our situation was a bit more complicated, as my stepson was going to be relocating with us.

The steps we followed:

 

  1. Got company Speedy Document Services to assist with getting our unabridged marriage certificate. I had to provide them with our marriage register in order to assist. I got that document in 10 days
  2. Got Apostille.co.za to assist with sending our documents (unabridged marriage certificate and unabridged birth certificates) to Dirco for apostilling. The entire process for this took 7 weeks, so do this as much in advance as possible
  3. I wrote my German A1 language exam at the Goethe Zentrum in Cape Town – it cost me R1700 at the time, however, there has been a price increase from September
  4. The German embassy requested a consent affidavit from a notary public from my stepson’s mother, stating that she gives permission for him to relocate with us and that I may apply for the Visa for him.
    They would not accept his Visa application without this, and would not accept an affidavit from a commissioner of oaths. My husband did an affidavit whilst he was still in SA, giving permission for the boys to apply for visas, which I included in my documents when applying for the visas
  5. We provided proof of accommodation from the date we would like to be in Germany – we just booked a hotel through booking.com which did not request payment upfront and had free cancellation up to 7 days before arrival (I cancelled this as soon as we got a notification that our visas were ready).
  6. My husband got Die Techniker to confirm that his health insurance would cover us once we arrived in the country, which I added to our documents
  7. We applied for our visas and got an email precisely 7 days later saying that our Visas were ready for collection.
    They requested that we bring proof of travel insurance when we collect our Visas. I just used Old Mutual travel insurance and it was accepted with no problem.
  8. For the parental consent, ensure all documents, including the actual parental consent form, are certified for when you go through SA customs.
  9. When we got to customs in Frankfurt, the customs official asked us where we were going, and why we were going there, and then he asked if we were going to live in Germany and apply for a residence permit, to which I said yes. He then stamped our passports and we went through.
Tip – Ensure all documentation is certified, including the actual form.

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As rules and regulations can change on a regular basis, we provide links to the German Embassy in South Africa. Where possible also links to additional information. We are not immigration consultants and can only refer you to the official pages.

An ICT Card is a residence title for the purpose of an intra-corporate transfer of a foreigner. An intra-corporate transfer is the temporary secondment of a foreigner

  1. to a national entity belonging to the undertaking by which the foreigner is employed, if the undertaking is located outside the European Union, or
  2. to a national entity of another undertaking of the group of undertakings to which the undertaking located outside the European Union belongs and by which the foreigner is employed.

A Mobile ICT Card is a residence title in accordance with Directive 2014/66/EU for the purpose of an intra-corporate transfer within the meaning of section 19 (1) sentence 2, if the foreigner possesses a residence title which is valid for the duration of the application procedure and has been issued by another member state in accordance with Directive 2014/66/EU.

The ICT card enables managers, professionals or trainees to work in a German branch for a set amount of time.
The ICT card can be issued to employees, managers or specialists for a duration of 3 years.
For trainees, the duration is limited to a maximum of 1 year.

How to apply

You need to apply for a normal work visa at the Germany Embassy
Your family applies for a Family reunification (spousal and Child to a foreign parent) visa.
Your spouse will need to have A1 German at least. See the BAMF Flyer for additional info.

Legal Basis

Resources on the web

Shared experiences

The following were sent to us to share 

XXX is a global company and I worked for the Dubai office overlooking Africa. I asked in 2018 to management any chance of a global transfer and the following options were provided to me. Dubai, Czech Rep, or Germany. Obviously, Germany was best suited for Kids and language. Once we decided, I received a new Employment offer contract linked to the business entity in Germany with country-related employment benefits. Once agreed and signed, the company appointed PWC (Düsseldorf and Cape Town) to handle the immigration and relocation.

 At first, we received an online platform registration with PWC called “Mymobility” where all documents, task, and services were registered and logged, as well as all documents uploaded to the document library. So the portal was split in two.

  1.  Immigration
  2. Taxes

 For immigration, they supplied us with application forms that can also be found on the German embassy website, and we had to provide the following document copies ( never asked for original or Police certified) and they handled all Translations which we received copies of.

  1.  Unabridged birth certificates
  2. Unabridged marriage certificate
  3. Passport copies
  4. Id Copies

 For my application for work, they requested a new work contract and qualifications and after a few weeks per post, I received an original Work Permit which I used for my Visa application, so PWC did the application for the work permit on our behalf and with the original Work Permit (Valid for 3 years on paper).

 The family then applied in conjunction to a Family reunification visa ( spousal and Child to foreign parent) We submitted all applications to TLC in Pretoria and received a normal 3 Month Schengen Visa without any Flight booking, but we needed 3 months travel insurance ( this was split 2 month/ 1 month from 2 companies and we canceled the second one after Residence permits were received)

 So we arrive in Germany in July 2019 and started work in August We applied for Residence permits within 2/3 weeks from arrival and all were granted 3 years. My wife had no A1 so the Landrat tested her on that day and was satisfied she is A1 capable.

 With our first Residence as stated, we all had 3 years of residence linked to my work permit and I also received a Zusatsblatt with residence (little paper I had to carry in my passport the full time), because I do not carry a blue card! With residence renewal, mine was extended to 2028 linked to my passport expiry, as well as my children, but the wife only had a 2-year extension. The reason for this is she already has B1 and Leben in DE, so after July 2025 if I also have B1, we can apply for Niederlassung.

 Moving Forward PWC then also closed all my Taxes in SA (not immigrated, just to have a Tax clearance) and started the first year of income for Germany. Apparently, this service from PWC is extremely expensive, however, from HR the comment was it is worth it as the approval rate is high and way less stress as both myself and the company had direct access to PWC for tracking and support. Even all the nitty gritty info like registration and accommodation rental can be linked to PWC to ease other tax processes.

 

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