Young woman playing with two children on the floor
Parent & Child

Hosting an Au-pair : Requirements & process

Hosting an Au-pair at home means not only relief in everyday family life, but also cultural exchange at eye level.  

Michelle Mihm, Au-Pair Product Manager & Specialist Consultant for Care in Private Households at pme Familienservice, explains what requirements must be met, what the process looks like and what prospective host families should look out for when choosing an au pair. at pme Familienservice.

What does it mean to host an Au-pair in Germany? 

Hosting an Au-pair means welcoming a new family member - usually a young person who comes from a different culture and first has to get used to life in Germany.  

During the stay, the Au-pair takes onlight care and household tasks, while in return receiving accommodation, food and pocket money. For the host family, this means above all investing time, patience and openness in order to make the Au-pair 's start in a new country easier. At the same time, an Au-pair enriches everyday family life through cultural exchange and new perspectives 

"An Au-pair should be seen as a younger sister or brother who is integrated into everyday family life and with whom you grow together," says Michelle Mihm, Product Manager Au-Pair & Specialist Consultant for Care in Private Households.

Can anyone host an Au-pair ? 

In principle, anyone who meets the necessary requirements can take on an Au-pair . These include a suitable living situation, the care of a child and certain legal conditions. Anyone who meets these criteria can benefit from the many advantages that an Au-pair brings to the family.

What are the requirements for hosting an Au-pair in Germany? 

For a family to be able to host an Au-pair in Germany, a number of requirements must be met: 

  • There must be at least one child under the age of 18 in the family. 
  • The Au-pair must have their own furnished, lockable and heated room of at least 8 square meters. 
  • The colloquial language in the family should be German. 
  • At least one parent must have German citizenship. 
  • The family covers the costs of accommodation, food, pocket money and insurance as well as a subsidy for the language course. 
  • The host parents enable participation in the language course and other courses and leisure activities offered by the pme Familienservice. 
  • The Au-pair is entitled to 4 weeks paid vacation (or 2 days per month pro rata) for a 12-month stay.

How much does it cost to host an Au-pair in Germany?

If a family takes in an Au-pair in Germany, the cost of living increases accordingly. This is because there is another adult living in the household.   

The costs that families should consider when taking in an Au-pair are made up of various items: 

  • Pocket money: at least 280 euros per month 
  • Accident, health and liability insurance: around 50 euros per month 
  • German course: approx. 70 euros per month 
  • Costs for board and lodging, including during the au pair's free time or illness: around 250 to 300 euros per month 

How long can an Au-pair stay in Germany? 

An Au-pair can stay in Germany for a minimum of 4 months and a maximum of 12 months . The length of stay is agreed individually and can be adjusted according to the needs and possibilities of the family and the au pair. 

How do I find an Au-pair? 

At pme Familienservice , we place au pairs with selected families throughout Germany and support both au pairs and host families throughout their stay. We attach great importance to careful selection and continuous support from our experienced local staff. 

In addition to pme Familienservice as an Au-pair in Germany, there are also other platforms that place au pairs. 

"Many families find their Au-pair independently and then come to us for further support. We offer consultations in advance and explain what to look out for when Au-pair on your own. It is important to know that au pairs must be between 18 and 26 years old. While some platforms don't always check the age exactly, we make sure that all requirements are met." - Michelle Mihm

pme Familienservice is the leading Au-pair

pme Familienservice is one of the leading Au-pair in Germany and is an official member of the international Au-pair IAPA and the German Au-Pair. The pme Familienservice Familienservice are also certified by the Gütegemeinschaft Au-pair e.V. with the RAL quality mark. 

Challenges that families and au pairs may face

Hosting an au pair in Germany enriches everyday family life with new perspectives and cultural experiences. But it also brings challenges. 

Many au pairs who come to Germany often experience a culture shock, and language barriers can make the start a little bumpy. This phase requires a lot of patience, understanding and loving support. For the families, this means investing time in intensive training and good organization.  

This intensive initial period pays off, as the Au-pair gradually becomes a great relief and enriches everyday family life with new perspectives and experiences. 

The pme Familienservice is there to support families and au pairs throughout their stay, e.g. with tips against homesickness, assistance with language problems and help with health issues.

We look after au pairs during their entire stay! 

Our au pairs are well looked after during their stay. We offer WhatsApp groups, a Facebook group, regular meetings and a 24-hour emergency hotline just for au pairs. This means they are well connected and supported at all times. 

All information for au pairs in Germany. 

How long does it take to get an Au-pair in Germany? 

The time it takes for an au pair to arrive in Germany can vary greatly. The appointment for the visa at the embassy depends on the country of origin and can range from 8 weeks to 8 to 10 months. There are often au pairs who already have an appointment so that the decision can be made within 2 to 4 weeks. Overall, the process can take between 2 and 10 months, depending on the country of origin and the political situation.

Is the process also supported with your own au pairs? 

Yes, we also support families exclusively with the visa process. Here, too, we conduct preliminary consultations with the families who would like to look for an Au-pair on their own and then support them in the further process.

Which countries do the au pairs come from? 

Our au pairs currently come mainly from India, Madagascar, Indonesia, South America and Armenia. Countries such as Australia, America or New Zealand are hardly represented, as no visa is required for au pairs there.

Au-pair with pme Familienservice

pme Familienservice is your strong partner for safe and qualified Au-pair in Germany. With over 30 years of experience in Au-pair, pme Familienservice offers families and au pairs comprehensive information, qualified advice and reliable support throughout their stay. 

Placement is free of charge for au pairs.

zero What can I do to combat the fall blues?

Couple in the fall forest in the rain
Body & Soul

Goodbye fall blues! Strong into the cold season

Autumn has always stood for change. Just like the trees, which draw their strength back into their roots, we humans should now turn our energy inwards and focus our attention on ourselves. Prepare yourself mentally and physically now to start the cold season in good shape. Use this time to focus on the essentials, gather new strength, boost your immune system - and defy the autumn blues.

What is the autumn blues - and why does it happen?

The so-called autumn blues describes a feeling of depression that many people experience in the fall months. The end of summer and the associated transition to the colder season often bring changes in everyday life that can cause stress. The changeover to winter with ever shorter days or the gloomier weather can really upset the hormone balance. We feel tired and listless. Some people feel particularly melancholy or even depressed during this time. However, with the right strategies, you can beat the autumn blues.

Using the fall as an opportunity for growth

Autumn is the perfect time to focus on yourself and take the opportunity for personal or professional development. The cooler months invite you to establish new routines or revive old interests. Whether it's creative hobbies such as painting, knitting or cooking or professional development, new activities can help to relax the mind. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, balanced sleep and time spent outdoors can also boost well-being. A walk through autumnal woods has a mood-lifting effect. Social activities bring positive energy into everyday life.

Strengthening mental resilience: how to avoid the fall blues at work

Autumn can be a wonderful time of year. However, to stay mentally strong, it is important to actively look after your well-being not only in your private life, but also at work.
Set yourself clear goals and define priorities. This will help you stay on top of things and cope better with stressful situations. Also make sure you have a good work-life balance: regular breaks and leisure activities after work are essential to recharge your batteries.


Switch off and enjoy - the fall blues don't stand a chance.

5 simple steps to a strong immune system

Self-care is the key to starting the fall with a strong immune system. These five steps will help you get fit through the fall.

1. nutrition tips for more energy in the fall

A balanced diet can help you start the fall in good shape and avoid the fall blues. Here are a few tips:

  • Seasonal fruit and vegetables: apples, pumpkins and beet provide important vitamins and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system.
  • Nuts and seeds: They are rich in healthy fats and proteins that provide lasting energy.
  • Whole grain products: Wholemeal bread, oatmeal and quinoa are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly.
  • Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps you stay focused and alert. Herbal teas in moderation, such as green tea or nettle tea, help detoxify.
  • Protein-rich snacks: Greek yogurt or cottage cheese give you the energy boost you need to start the day fit.
  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating hormone levels and can help to alleviate the autumn blues. As the sun's rays are too weak to produce sufficient vitamin D in the fall and winter, supplementation can be useful in the cold months.


One apple a day... Apples provide important vitamins in the fall.

2. fit through the fall: exercise tips for indoors and outdoors

It may sound strange, but fall is the perfect time of year to stay active. Whether indoors or outdoors, it is important that you exercise regularly to lift your spirits and stay healthy through the cold season.

You can start indoors with yoga or Pilates, for example - this strengthens body and mind. An online workout or a dance class in the living room also provide variety. Outside, take a walk through colorful forests or go jogging in the cool autumn wind. Cycling is also ideal for enjoying the fresh air and staying fit at the same time.

3. why regular sleep is important in the fall

Regular sleep is essential for our health and well-being. It helps to regenerate the body. Sufficient sleep improves concentration and performance. Sleep also plays an important role in emotional stability and can reduce stress. A fixed sleep rhythm supports the natural biorhythm and can prevent sleep disorders. We then feel energized and more motivated during the day. Make sure you regularly go to bed and get up at the same time to give your body the best possible support.
Do you suffer from the time change in the fall? Then perhaps these seven tips will help you to ease into winter.

4. relaxation techniques for coping with stress

Relaxation techniques are ideal for preventing the autumn blues. One effective method is progressive muscle relaxation, in which you consciously tense and relax various muscle groups. This helps to reduce tension. Breathing exercises are also effective: slow, deep breathing, such as the 4-7-8 breathing technique, calms the mind and promotes relaxation. Meditation gives you a calm mind and new energy. Sit in a relaxed place, close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Regular use of such techniques can lift your mood and give you a fit start to the fall. Try out what works best for you and make it a regular part of your daily routine.

The soul needs care too. Treat yourself to regular breaks and create little moments of well-being. If you don't feel well with yoga and meditation, you can also effectively counteract the autumn blues by reading, listening to music or taking a warm bath. Listen to what is really good for you.

5. how social contacts can help combat the fall blues

Summer is over and people now like to withdraw. This can quickly make you feel isolated. Use the fall season to cultivate friendships or make new professional contacts. A strong network offers emotional support and helps you not to feel alone. Shared activities such as walks, game nights or a meal can lift your spirits and distract you from negative thoughts. In addition, regular meetings and conversations can structure everyday life and provide variety. Social interactions also promote the release of endorphins, which act as natural mood enhancers.