Germany has an au pair program for young people aged 18 to 25. Au pairs from the ancient EU countries may even enter Germany as an au pair until they are 30 years old.

Au pairs from the ancient EU countries may enter the country with a valid passport but need to be registered at the local residents’ registration office. They are also required to get a residence permit.

Au pairs from the new EU countries no longer need a visa to work in Germany but are still required to be no older then 24.They also need an employment permit, must be registered at the Foreign Nationals Authority and are required to have basic knowledge of the German language. All of these requirements must be clarified before the au pair enters Germany.

Au pairs from non-EU countries need a visa to work in Germany and, also, may not be older than 24. In order for a national from a non-EU country to get a visa, the host family sends a letter of invitation, detailing all the terms of employment, to the au pair. The au pair would take this to the embassy in their country where it would be checked. The embassy will also check that the au pair has basic knowledge of German and once they are satisfied they will contact the German authorities to issue the visa. Once the au pair has entered Germany, they are required to register at the Foreign Nationals Authority.

Information on visas in:
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