Country guide · 210 families hosting
Au pair in Belgium.
Two languages, one small country. Here is what the exchange typically looks like there — money, hours, paperwork and pace of life.
- Typical pocket money
- €110–€130 / week
- Hours
- Max 20 hours / week
- Time off
- 1 full day + evenings
- Typical stay
- Up to 12 months
- Language
- Dutch, French or German
The visa, in plain language
Belgium runs a strict, well-documented au pair scheme. The family must obtain a work permit before you arrive, you must be enrolled in a language course, and weekly hours are capped at 20 with a guaranteed monthly allowance.
- 01
Family applies for the au pair work permit with the regional authority
- 02
Enrol in an approved course in Dutch, French or German
- 03
Apply for the type D visa with the permit in hand
- 04
Register with the local commune within eight days of arrival
Typical current practice, January 2026 — not legal advice. Always check the country's official immigration guidance before applying.
What makes Belgium different
- One of Europe's highest guaranteed allowances for only 20 hours
- Choose your language region: Flemish, Walloon or Brussels
- Brussels sits an hour or two from Paris, Amsterdam and Cologne
- Mandatory language course is written into the scheme
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