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Au Pairs

What is an au pair?

Let's start with the basics
An au pair is a young international between 18 and 25 years old who wishes to come to the Netherlands to live with your family as part of a cultural exchange. In exchange for room, board, and pocket money, the au pair provides support in caring for your children. They are eager to learn the Dutch language and culture. Many young people choose an au pair experience during a gap year or after their studies, as preparation for a formal career. Au pairs often have experience in babysitting or a related childcare field. They are often seen as an older brother or sister figure to your children.

What does an au pair do?

An au pair plays an versatile role within the host family, helping with various tasks for up to 30 hours per week. This includes supporting the morning routine, like waking the children and getting them ready for the day. The au pair actively involves the children in tidying their rooms and making their beds, and is prepared to assist with meal preparation, cleaning up afterward, and organizing school supplies. Additionally, the au pair provides assistance with transporting children to and from activities such as football, hockey, play dates, parks, swimming lessons, or birthday parties. Throughout the day, the au pair ensures entertainment, from enjoyable games and crafts to helping with homework and setting deadlines. In the evenings, an au pair can help with the bedtime routine, including bathing, getting ready for bed, or reading a bedtime story.

Our international partners thoroughly screen all au pairs, including obtaining a certificate of conduct (VOG) and a medical certificate. Our au pairs are flexible, friendly, open-minded, and have a basic level of English proficiency. Before joining our program, au pairs complete an online First Aid & Au Pair training.

Celebration of diversity

Our international au pairs

Our au pairs come from all over the world, creating a beautiful diversity of cultures and backgrounds. From our neighbouring countries and places like France, Portugal, or England to distant destinations such as South Africa and Suriname. All our au pairs bring unique experiences and perspectives with them. This international mix makes the adventure of hosting an au pair even more exciting and enriching. Find your au pair in just 4 steps
Read other's experiences

Au pair requirements

All au pairs participate in our cultural exchange program to experience family life in the Netherlands. The au pairs are welcomed as full members of the family and receive room, board, and monthly pocket money in exchange for assisting with childcare and light household tasks. Au pairs must meet the following criteria:
  • Age: must be between 18 and 25 years old.
  • Passport/ID card: a valid passport or ID card is required.
  • Visa: non-European au pairs need a residence permit for cultural exchange and may also require a provisional residence permit (entry visa), which Au Pair Holland will apply for. Au pairs from certain countries are exempt from residence permits.
  • Personal qualities: flexibility, friendliness, and open-mindedness.
  • Language skills: proficiency in English at B1 level is required.
  • Responsibilities: expected to help with childcare and light household tasks for up to 30 hours per week.
  • Program duration: au pair is expected to stay for a minimum of 9 months and a maximum of 12 months. There is also an option to host an au pair for 6 months.
  • First Aid & Au Pair training: all au pairs have completed comprehensive online first aid & au pair training, organised by Au Pair Holland, free of charge for all au pairs.
  • Health: au pair must be in good health without medical conditions.
  • Certificate of conduct: a certificate of conduct (VOG) required.
  • Driving licence: holding a driving licence is desirable but not mandatory.
  • Cycling: cycling proficiency is required.
  • Smokers: smokers are more difficult to place.
  • Marital & parental status: au pairs must be unmarried and have no children. Au pairs also cannot be related to the host family.

    • Au pair support

    All our au pairs receive support and guidance throughout their whole placement in the Netherlands. We ensure they feel safe upon arrival and provide help by supplying handbooks, tips, and we will personally check-ins on them. We facilitate exclusive groups where au pairs can easily communicate with each other, and we organise various events throughout the year where all au pairs can come together, share experiences and make friends. All of this is to make the au pair program as successful as possible and to provide the au pairs with a fantastic cultural exchange experience.
    All our au pairs complete an online First Aid and Au Pair training before their arrival in the Netherlands. This training covers all essential aspects of childcare, child development, and safety. For our au pairs, this training is included in the program. For others who are interested, we offer a discount for this specialised au pair training.

    Want to know more? We are happy to help!

    Explore our program

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    Learn more about our au pair program, our process, team and the benefits of a cultural exchange.

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