Germany•Europe

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Au Pair Visa

Working Holiday

At a Glance

Processing Time

4-12 weeks

Estimated Cost

EUR €75

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Germany

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€36,000

Quality of Life

195/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Au Pair Visa (Exchange/Temporary)

The German Au Pair visa (Type D national visa) allows young adults aged 18–26 to live with a German-speaking host family for 6 to 12 months. Applicants must hold a signed au pair contract and demonstrate at least A1 German. The €75 visa fee is paid at the German mission.

Work is restricted to the host family, with no remote work or PR pathway. Processing typically takes 4–12 weeks at the responsible German mission. The visa is not renewable; a second au pair stay in Germany is not permitted.

This visa is ideal for young adults outside the EU who want cultural immersion in Germany through family living, childcare duties, and basic German language practice.

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Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

1 year

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Age 18–26 at the time of application

Not related to the host family

Basic German skills (minimum A1 level)

Signed Au Pair contract

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Signed Au Pair contract

Proof of A1 German language skills

Valid passport

Health insurance

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Cultural exchange opportunity
Includes work authorization

Worth Knowing

No direct pathway to PR
Strict age limits
Restricted to one host family
Age under 18 or over 26
Relation to host family

Application Process

Secure a contract with a host family

Apply for a National Visa (Type D) at the German mission

Register at the local Residents' Registration Office

Apply for the final residence permit at the local Immigration Office

Application Forms

Go to application portal

VIDEX National Visa Portal

Fill online

Verified Claims (20)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Secure a contract with a host family; Apply for a National Visa (Type D) at the German mission; Regi…

berlin.de

Fee Breakdown

National Visa (Type D) Fee: 75 EUR

germany.info

Fees

€75

germany.info

Forms

VIDEX National Visa Portal

berlin.de

Included Nationalities

—

berlin.de

Job Offer Required

true

berlin.de

Application Portal

https://videx-national.diplo.de/

videx-national.diplo.de

Official Info

https://www.berlin.de/einwanderung/en/entry/employment-as-an-au-pair/

berlin.de

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Germany

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€36,000

Quality of Life

195/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

Au Pair Visa (Exchange/Temporary)

This visa is ideal for young adults outside the EU who want cultural immersion in Germany through family living, childcare duties, and basic German language practice.