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South Africans in Germany

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    Au Pair in Germany

    An 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. 

    The aim of being an Au Pair is to improve their language skills and get to know the culture of the host country.

    There are many benefits to working as an Au Pair.

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

    Need Help or Support?

    These services are confidential and free. If you feel unsafe or need advice, you are not alone — help is available.

    Au Pair Hotline (Germany)

    Support and advice for Au Pairs experiencing problems with host families or working conditions. Call +49 800 110 287 247

    Women's Helpline

    Confidential help for women experiencing violence or unsafe situations. Available 24/7 and in multiple languages. Call 116016

    Basic Requirements

    Age Requirements

    Applicants from non-EU countries must be between 18 and 26 years old when applying. EU citizens may work as an Au Pair in Germany up to the age of 30.

    Experience

    Formal childcare qualifications are not required. However, a genuine interest in children and some childcare experience are important.

    Marital status

    Au Pair applicants may be married. However, the program is designed for young people who want to experience cultural exchange and improve their language skills.

    Language Requirements

    The minimum language requirement is German at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Languages

    Education

    An Abitur-equivalent school qualification is preferred but not mandatory. Most applicants have completed secondary school before applying.

    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. 

    Living Conditions

    Pocket Money

    Au Pairs receive €280 per month pocket money (Germany guideline rate). This is not a salary, as board and lodging are already provided by the host family.

    Accomodation

    The host family must provide the Au Pair with free accommodation in their home. This must be a private room (minimum 9 m²) with a window, heating, and a lockable door.

    Meals

    Au Pairs take part in the family’s regular meals and eat the same food as the household. If you have dietary requirements, these should be discussed with the host family in advance.

    Working Conditions

    Working Hours

    Au Pairs may work a maximum of 6 hours per day and 30 hours per week. Any overtime must be compensated with time off.

    Free Time

    Au Pairs are entitled to at least 1.5 full days off per week, including one free Sunday per month. At least four evenings per week must also be free.

    Vacation

    If the contract lasts 12 months, the Au Pair receives 4 weeks of paid vacation. For shorter stays, they are entitled to two working days of vacation per month.

    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 costs 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 home
    • You must supply a 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.

    Important Information

    • Young men can also apply for Au Pair positions
    • 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

    Duties

    Childcare

    The main responsibility of an Au Pair is assisting with childcare. This can include supervising children, playing with them, helping with homework, and accompanying them to kindergarten, school, or activities.

    Light Housework

    Au Pairs may help with light household tasks related to the children and daily family life. This can include preparing simple meals, keeping shared areas tidy, and helping with laundry or ironing.

    Daily Activities

    Au Pairs often assist with daily routines, such as getting children ready for school, taking them to activities, or playing with them outdoors.

    🚫 What Is Not Included

    Au Pair duties do not include professional cleaning, caring for the sick or elderly, or heavy household work.
    Their role is to support the family and help with childcare, not replace a housekeeper or nanny.

    Work Contract

    Before the start of the Au Pair placement, a written contract must be agreed upon and signed by both the Au Pair and the host family. This contract outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties, including working hours, duties, pocket money, accommodation, and vacation.
    Au Pair contracts in Germany are typically concluded for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months.
    If the Au Pair relationship does not work out and harmonious living together is no longer possible, the agency should be informed as soon as possible. The agency will try to assess the situation objectively and help find a solution that is acceptable to both sides. In serious cases, the Au Pair relationship may be terminated without notice.
    Au Pair employment in Germany can only take place once. If an applicant has previously worked as an Au Pair in Germany or has changed their visa status from an Au Pair visa to another residence type (for example, an Ausbildung visa), they cannot apply for another Au Pair placement, even if the full 12-month period was not completed.
    Personal tasks, such as keeping your own room clean, are considered private responsibilities and do not count as working time.

    Au Pairs must also be given sufficient free time to attend language courses, participate in cultural or religious activities, and explore their surroundings.

    Vacation

    If the contract is for 12 months, the Au Pair is entitled to four weeks of paid vacation. For shorter contracts, the entitlement is two working days of vacation for each full month worked.

    Family Holidays

    If the host family takes the Au Pair with them on holiday, the time counts as working time if the Au Pair is expected to perform duties such as childcare. If the Au Pair is simply invited to join the holiday and has no obligations apart from minor tasks, the time counts as vacation.

    Language Course

    • Au Pairs are expected to attend a German language course during their stay. The host family must allow the Au Pair sufficient time to attend an in-person course and must contribute a set amount toward the course fees.
    • The host family is also responsible for the necessary travel costs to the nearest suitable language course. Any remaining costs for the course or additional activities must be covered by the Au Pair themselves.

    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. 

    See Gesetze im Internet Section 12 Au pair employment

    Where to search for Au Pair positions

    Information on the web

    Dealing with Problems at the Host Family

    If conflicts arise – such as heavy workload, disrespect, unpaid “extra” work or any form of mistreatment – take action:

    • Talk It Out: Try discussing issues calmly with the family. Document your agreed hours and tasks (keeping a diary can help prove any abuse).
    • Mediation and Counselling: If direct talk fails, seek external help. Au-Pairs placed through an agency with a Gütezeichen (quality seal) can contact their agency’s support staff. For independent Au-Pairs, there are counselling networks: for example, the Verein für Internationale Jugendarbeit (VIJ) and related church organisations (IN VIA, Diakonie) run counselling centres for Au-Pairs. These services advise on conflicts and can intervene or refer you to legal aid.
    • Employment Agencies: The Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) oversees Au-Pair contracts. You can contact their local office or the Ausländerbehörde for guidance (they won’t arbitrate disputes, but they can explain legal status and obligations).
    • Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt): In many areas, the Jugendamt must be notified when a family hosts an Au-Pair. You could report problems (especially anything affecting a child’s welfare) to the Jugendamt, which has authority over child-related issues.
    • Labour Authorities: Although Au-Pairs aren’t in the normal labour system, if you suspect severe labour exploitation, you may seek advice from the State’s labour inspectorate or child welfare services.
    • Own Embassy/Consulate: As a foreign national, you can contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Germany for advice and emergency help. 
    • Report Abuse or Danger: If you experience physical or sexual abuse, call the police immediately (110) or emergency services (112). For assistance tailored to abuse victims, Germany has a 24/7 helpline for women (Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen Frauen) at 116 016 (multilingual support available). Don’t hesitate to use these resources in a crisis.

    Visa Status after leaving the Host Family

    Quitting your Au-Pair position has immigration implications. Importantly, ending the job does not automatically cancel your residence permit. A German court ruled that simply losing an Au-Pair job does not instantly void the visa unless the permit explicitly says so. In practice, this gives you some breathing room, but you must act:

    Notify Immigration: Immediately inform the Ausländerbehörde (Immigration Office) of your new situation. In Berlin, for example, the authorities require a formal “change of employer” notification if you switch host families.
    Find a New Host Quickly: If you want to continue your stay, try to secure a new host family as soon as possible. Sign a new Au-Pair contract and submit it to the Ausländerbehörde. You may need a fresh permit or an amendment.
    Limited Time to Resolve: There is no official long grace period. Some reports (and visa rules) suggest you might have only a couple of weeks to sort things out or leave. Don’t gamble: start searching for another family immediately if you can.

    Emergency support and resources

    Always keep emergency contacts at hand. In addition to police (110) and ambulance (112), remember these:

    • Au-Pair Emergency Hotline (110-aupair): As noted, dial 0800-110287247 any time to talk to someone who knows Au-Pair issues.
    • Frauen- und Opferhelplines: The Gewalt gegen Frauen helpline (116 016) is free and available 24/7 for women in crisis. The Weiße Ring victim assistance (116 006) and the TelefonSeelsorge (0800-1110111 or 116123) offer support for victims of crime and mental distress.
    • Embassy/Consulate: Your national embassy can help with legal referrals, emergency travel documents, or repatriation. 
    • Local Aid Organisations: Many cities have migrant counselling centres (Caritas, Diakonie, local NGOs) that help foreigners with legal and social problems. Search for “Migrationsberatung” or “Ausländerhilfe” in your region.
    • Friends/Community: Don’t underestimate local support: if you know other Au-Pairs, international student groups or church communities, reach out. They may give shelter, advice, or accompany you to appointments.
      We have a Au-Pair Whatsapp group in our South Africans in Germany community. Please send an email to admin@southafricansingermany.de to ask for the link to join
     

    Bottom line: You have rights and resources as an Au-Pair in Germany. Don’t suffer in silence. If anything feels wrong, speak up quickly and get help. Authorities, NGOs, and embassies know that Au-Pairs are young and far from home – there are “many a helping hand” (enough for a traditional saying!) to guide you through trouble. Stay safe and stay informed.

    Tips from our community

    Au Pairs in our community have shared some practical advice from their experiences living in Germany.

    💬If you do not get along with the host family and they ask you to leave. Do not fight them. Thank them. Let them check your belongings before you leave to avoid them accusing you of theft. Have contact with a nearby church. Always have at least 100€ with you, so that you can be able to check into a hostel for a few days whilst searching for alternatives.
    💬IAlways keep copies of your documents and passport
    💬Ask your host parents to make you a work time table, this way you can track what you are supposed to be doing and also how many hours you are working
    💬Always clarify your working hours and free days before you arrive. It avoids misunderstandings later and makes life easier for everyone.

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