Country guides · Au pairs and families
Being an au pair in Germany
The German au pair system is one of the most clearly regulated in Europe. Here are the rules, the money, the registration steps and the culture.
7 min read · Updated January 2026
The rules
Germany runs the tightest and clearest framework in Europe. Duties are capped at 30 hours a week, the au pair must get at least one full free day a week and four free evenings, and the stay is normally six to twelve months.
The paperwork
Non-EU au pairs need a national visa arranged before arrival, with the signed agreement, A1 German certificate, insurance and proof the family will cover the course. After arrival: Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt within two weeks, then a residence permit appointment.
The culture
Punctuality is not a stereotype, it is a genuine expectation — being five minutes late to the school run is noticed. Sundays are quiet by law in many buildings, so no vacuuming or loud music. Recycling is taken seriously and getting the bins wrong is a real household sin.
Good to know
Shops close on Sundays almost everywhere, so food shopping is a Saturday job. Public transport is excellent in cities and the family usually buys a monthly pass. Cash is still common in small cafés and bakeries.
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