Guide for Host Families
Everything you need to know about hosting an au pair.
Why host an au pair?
An au pair offers flexible, affordable childcare while bringing cultural exchange into your home. Your children learn about another culture and language, and your au pair becomes part of your family.
Compared to a nanny or daycare, an au pair is significantly more affordable — especially for families with multiple children, since the cost stays the same regardless of how many kids you have.
What do host families provide?
- • Private room — a furnished room with a door that locks
- • Meals — full board (three meals a day) or a food allowance
- • Monthly pocket money — amount varies by country (see au pair guide)
- • Time off — at least one full day per week and one weekend per month
- • Insurance — health insurance (in most countries, the family arranges this)
- • Language course — many countries require families to contribute to a language course
What does it cost?
The total cost varies by country but is typically much less than daycare or a nanny:
| Country | Estimated monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Germany | ~450-550 EUR (pocket money + insurance + transport) |
| France | ~500-600 EUR |
| Netherlands | ~500-600 EUR |
| USA | ~$1,500-2,000 (includes agency fees) |
| UK | ~500-700 GBP |
This includes pocket money, food (you're already buying groceries), and insurance. The room is a space you already have. Compared to $1,500-3,000/month for daycare or a nanny, an au pair is significantly cheaper.
How to choose the right au pair
1. Define what you need
Number of children, their ages, your schedule, required driving, language preferences. Write this down before you start looking.
2. Look beyond the profile
A great profile doesn't guarantee a great match. Focus on personality, motivation, and how they interact during video calls.
3. Video call multiple candidates
Talk to at least 3-5 au pairs before deciding. Include your children in the call — see how the au pair interacts with them.
4. Check references
Ask for references from previous childcare experience. A quick phone call or email to a reference is worth the effort.
5. Discuss expectations in detail
Working hours, duties, house rules, car usage, curfew, guests, phone usage. The more you discuss upfront, the fewer surprises later.
Legal requirements
As a host family, you typically need to:
- • Sign a contract with the au pair (templates available from au pair associations)
- • Register the au pair with local authorities (varies by country)
- • Provide health insurance or ensure the au pair has coverage
- • Help with visa paperwork if needed (invitation letter, proof of accommodation)
- • Respect working hour limits set by your country's au pair regulations
Check your local au pair association or embassy for specific requirements in your country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start looking?
2-3 months before you need the au pair to start. This gives time for matching, visa processing, and travel arrangements.
What if the au pair doesn't work out?
Give it time — the first 2 weeks are always an adjustment. If after honest conversation things don't improve, you can end the arrangement with 2 weeks notice (standard in most contracts) and look for a new au pair.
Can the au pair drive our car?
If they have a valid driver's license that's recognized in your country, yes. Make sure your car insurance covers them. Discuss this clearly before they arrive.
Can we have an au pair with babies/toddlers?
Yes, but look for au pairs with specific infant experience. Some countries have rules about sole care for very young children — check your local regulations.
Do we need a spare room?
Yes. The au pair must have their own private room. It doesn't need to be large, but it must have a door that locks, a bed, storage, and ideally access to a private or shared bathroom.
Can both parents work full-time?
Yes, that's one of the main reasons families choose au pairs. However, remember that au pairs have limited working hours (typically 25-45 hours/week depending on the country), so you'll need to plan your schedule accordingly.
Au Pair Contract Template
We recommend using a written contract to protect both parties. Our template covers working hours, duties, pocket money, holidays, notice period, and house rules.
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