Au-Pair
Foreign citizens under the age of 25 may be granted one-off entry and residence for a maximum of one year to work as an au-pair. The native language of the host family must be German. Au-pairs must already have a good grounding in conversational German.
Anyone wishing to work as an au-pair in Germany needs an entry visa. This can be applied for at the German diplomatic mission in the country in which the au-pair resides. The application is then sent to the Aliens' Registration Authority for an opinion to be given.
The Aliens' Registration Authority then involves the German Federal Employment Agency. The Federal Employment Agency notifies the Aliens' Registration Authority about whether a residence permit will be issued for the au-pair. The host parents are then invited to attend an appointment and provide the necessary documents. The host parents are required to submit a letter of covenant to ensure that the costs of the au-pair's stay are covered. By doing so the host family declares that it will be responsible for all costs arising in connection with the au-pair's stay. The letter of covenant may only be submitted by someone who has demonstrated their financial capability to the Aliens' Registration Authority.
If a visa is issued once all conditions have been satisfied, the au-pair must register with the local residents' registration office immediately on entry. Then a residence permit must be applied for in person from the Aliens' Registration Authority. To avoid long waiting times, arrange an appointment with the advisor responsible for you in advance. You will also be told what documents you will need to provide for your matter to be dealt with.
The residence permit is limited to the activity as an au-pair in a specific host family and expires if the activity is prematurely terminated. If you want to switch host families, contact the Aliens' Registration Authority beforehand. The Federal Employment Agency must also consent to the change of host family.
It is not usually possible to extend the stay in Germany for another purpose after the expiry of the year. The only exceptions are if you commence a study programme or a year of voluntary social service straight afterwards. If you intend to do so, please contact your relevant Aliens' Registration Authority as soon as possible. There you will be given information about the conditions under which such a change of visit purpose may be approved in individual cases.
