Country guide · 460 families hosting
Au pair in Netherlands.
English-friendly, bike everywhere. Here is what the exchange typically looks like there — money, hours, paperwork and pace of life.
- Typical pocket money
- €85–€110 / week
- Hours
- Max 30 hours / week
- Time off
- 1.5 days off weekly
- Typical stay
- Up to 12 months
- Language
- Dutch (English widely spoken)
The visa, in plain language
The Dutch cultural au pair programme is strictly regulated: au pairs from outside the EU must be placed through a recognised sponsoring agency, stay at most 12 months, and the family covers travel, insurance and a language course.
- 01
Match with a family through a recognised Dutch sponsoring agency
- 02
Sign the programme agreement covering travel, insurance and Dutch lessons
- 03
Agency applies for your residence permit before you travel
- 04
Register at the municipality and open a Dutch bank account on arrival
Typical current practice, January 2026 — not legal advice. Always check the country's official immigration guidance before applying.
What makes Netherlands different
- Almost everyone speaks English — the softest landing in Europe
- A bike for the au pair is standard, and it changes daily life
- Short distances: Amsterdam, Utrecht and the coast on one rail pass
- Strong formal protections for cultural au pairs
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