Becoming an au pair is a great opportunity to get out of the bubble you’ve been living in and explore somewhere new. Working as an au pair means temporarily joining a new family abroad! Au pairs are young people who enjoy spending time with children and don’t mind a few chores around the house. Also, they are not afraid of adventure and a little unpredictability.
If you become an au pair in Germany, you will do light housework and take care of the children of the house, all while earning a reasonable salary and excellent benefits. Benefits may include health insurance, paid German language courses, meals, a room to yourself, and more.
If you’ve decided it’s time for you to live in Germany, now you need to learn about the eligibility requirements, benefits, essential to-do’s, and everything you need to know about being an au pair in Germany. Read on to find all of this, and more!
What are the au pair requirements in Germany?
Looking for a fun, rewarding job abroad? It’s time to learn how to become an au pair in Germany!
While it may vary from job to job, there are several au pair requirements in Germany. Often there is a citizenship requirement and/or an age limit for au pairs in Germany. This varies based on where you are from. For example, American citizens may need to be younger to qualify to become an au pair in Germany, but other countries within the European Union may not have this issue.
To be an au pair in Germany, you’ll definitely need to:
1. Be within the age range.
The age limit for au pairs in Germany varies. European Union citizens can be an au pair in Germany if they are between the ages of 17 and 30 years old. American citizens, on the other hand, need to be between the ages of 18 and 26.
2. Obtain a basic level of the German language.
Being an au pair in Germany means you need to immerse yourself in German culture. This includes the language. It is not always required for an au pair to know German, but it will certainly make you look better on your resume.
3. Relationship status is single.
You’ll have plenty to explore in Germany, but you’ll need to meet some requirements first.
To be an au pair in Germany, you cannot be married. Also, you cannot have any children of your own.
4. Make sure you can afford a trip to Germany.
Often, you need to pay for your flight to be an au pair in Germany. Therefore, you need to be able to pay and purchase a trip to Germany to qualify for an au pair position.
5. Commit to working for up to a year.
There might be shorter-term au pair jobs you can find if you’re lucky. However, the most common lengths of time to work as an au pair range from six months to 12 months.
6. Obtain a visa.
You must obtain a working visa that allows you to work and make money while living in Germany. Before the visa, make sure you have a passport and/or make sure your passport has not expired or is about to expire.
7. Get your required health insurance.
Lucky for au pairs, health insurance is usually covered by the family that employs them. Make sure you sign up for health insurance as soon as it becomes available to you.
8. Know that this gig is for first-timers only.
Working as an au pair in Germany is a great first-time gig!
Au pair positions in Germany are only for those who have never worked as an au pair before. If you’ve already done this, you do not qualify to do it again.
What can I expect from an au pair salary in Germany?
An au pair in Germany salary could be better, but it is enough to get you by. Per month, the salary ranges from around 280 to 300 Euro.
On top of this, the benefits of being an au pair in Germany include housing. You get a private room to stay with the family you work for. Also, since you will be living with the family, you can eat meals with them. That’s right, meals are included as part of your benefits!
Another great benefit is health insurance. This is provided by your employers or the family you are working for and living with. Health insurance is a required benefit employers must provide.
Finally, sometimes a language course is provided as a benefit. If the family agrees to this, they might help pay for German language classes!
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How to Become an Au Pair in Germany
If you meet the au pair in Germany requirements above and you’re ready for your adventure, here’s everything you need to know about being an au pair in Germany:
1. Determine where you want to live.
Are you drawn to the bustle and bright lights of Berlin or longing for an escape to a smaller town?
Do you want to stay near a major German city like Berlin or Munich? It’s easy to get around and explore the city this way. If not a city, then maybe somewhere more rural?
Take some time to think about this and figure out where you would want to live; weigh the pros and cons of each. This is a crucial first step because you want to be interested in and excited about where you are going to live for the next six to 12 months.
2. Find a host family.
Look for host families hiring in the area where you want to live. Take your time getting to know your host family to see if you are a good fit. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.
Make sure you discuss the family’s lifestyle. For instance, do you travel often? Are there dietary restrictions or allergies you need to be aware of? Is the family religious at all?
Make sure you ask these questions and get as many details as you can.
3. Figure out your timeline.
Start looking and planning. How long do you want to work in Germany? Can you afford to be gone for a whole year, or can you commit to only six or nine months right now? You should have this planned out before you accept your job.
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4. Think about age ranges and the number of children.
Working with more than one child can be challenging but fun!
This is crucial to finding a job that works best for you. Consider the age ranges of the children you will be watching. If diapers gross you out too much, make sure you sign up to take care of older kids. On the other hand, if watching “Bluey” and running around after kids is your jam, sign up to watch for younger kids!
Also, don’t forget to consider the number of children. Can you handle more than one kid or can you watch multiple? It’s a different ballgame when watching over one kid versus two, three, or more.
5. Consider duties you are willing to provide besides childcare.
It is usually expected for au pairs to do other work besides childcare. You may be asked to help with some chores around the house like cooking or preparing meals and doing some light cleaning.
Also, you may be asked to help take care of pets like dogs, fish, cats, turtles, etc. Make sure you discuss this with your employers before signing your contract.
6. Apply for a visa.
Au pairs need a visa to live and work in Germany. Sometimes there can be delays in getting your visa, so apply as soon as possible. Look at the website of the nearest German embassy and make an appointment, stop by, and/or determine what documents you need to apply for your visa.
7. Sign the contract and book your flight!
You’re ready to see what being an au pair in Germany is all about.
Finally, after reading your contract clearly and negotiating your duties, it’s time to sign the contract. Make sure you read the contract thoroughly so you know what to expect in your job. Then, you’re ready to book your flight and head on over to Germany!
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Become an au pair in Germany and live your life abroad!
There is only a short time in your life when you can be an au pair in Germany. You can live abroad while earning money as an au pair. Don’t miss your chance on this amazing job opportunity and start the process of becoming an au pair in Germany now.
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