Quick answer
The German Au Pair Visa (national visa) allows young adults aged 18–26 (per S1; S3 states 18–27) to live with a German host family for 6 to 12 months to improve language skills and experience the culture [1][2][3][4]. You need basic German (A1), a signed contract with a host family, health insurance, and other documents [5]. Processing can take 4 weeks (UK) or up to 12 weeks (Namibia) [6][7]. The entry visa is valid 90 days; after arrival you must register and apply for a residence permit [4].
Key facts
| Age requirement | 18 to 26 years (some sources state 18–27)[1][2] |
| Stay duration | Minimum 6 months, maximum 12 months[3] |
| Entry visa validity | 90 days (entry permit); then residence permit in Germany[4] |
| Language requirement | Basic German (CEFR A1) – certificate or interview assessment[5] |
| Processing time | Usually 4 weeks (UK) or up to 12 weeks (Namibia)[6][7] |
| Visa fee | Approx. EUR 75 (or equivalent)[8] |
| Health insurance | Required – min. EUR 30,000 coverage for Schengen area[9] |
| Unique stay rule | Only one Au Pair stay in Germany allowed[10] |
| Host family language | German must be native or usual language; no shared nationality with host parents if German is not native[11] |
Requirements
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Requirements in detail
You must be at least 18 and not older than 26 at the time of application.
You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
You must not be older than 26 at the time of application.
You must have a signed Au Pair contract with a host family in Germany, including invitation and host documentation.
You must prove basic German skills at level A1 (CEFR) either by certificate or by demonstrating sufficient ability at the embassy.
Provide a certificate of successful completion of a German language course at level A1 from an ALTE-recognized institution (e.g., Goethe-Institut).
If you do not have a certificate, you can show your German skills during the visa interview at the embassy.
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay, issued within the last 10 years, and have at least 2 blank pages.
Submit copies of the signed Au Pair contract, invitation letter from host family, host's ID/passport with registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung), and host questionnaire.
Pay a non-refundable fee of €75 (cash in NAD or credit card) at the time of application.
You must have travel/medical insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical expenses, repatriation, and pre-existing conditions, valid for the entire Schengen area for the full stay.
Provide a motivation letter explaining your interest in the Au Pair program and your last school report or school leaving certificate.
Documents you'll need
Form
- Completed and signed VIDEX application form with barcode page [12]
Identity
- Valid passport (issued within 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond stay, with 2 blank pages) and a copy of biodata page [C27][C28][C29][C74]
- Two biometric passport photos (35x45 mm) [C31]
Residence
- UK residence permit/visa (for non-British applicants) [C30]
Language
- Proof of German language skills (CEFR A1 certificate or will be evaluated at interview) [5]
Host family
- Signed au pair contract (based on Federal Employment Agency specimen) [C36][C78]
- Host family’s completed questionnaire [C36]
- Confirmation of having read the government factsheet [C21]
Personal
- Motivation letter explaining reasons and expectations [C36]
- Curriculum vitae [C36]
Insurance
- Proof of health insurance (covering medical expenses, repatriation, min. EUR 30,000) [9]
Logistics
- Prepaid, self-addressed Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope (if applying directly to mission, not TLScontact) [C36]
Fee
- Visa fee payment (EUR 75 or equivalent) [8]
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Complete the VIDEX online application form, print and sign it [12].
- 2
Compile all required documents as per the checklist [C27].
- 3
Book an appointment with the German mission (or TLScontact) having jurisdiction over your place of residence [C43][C44].
- 4
Attend the appointment in person, submit documents and biometrics, pay the fee [C37][C68].
- 5
Wait for processing – usually 4 weeks for UK applications, up to 12 weeks elsewhere [6][7].
- 6
If approved, receive a 90-day entry visa [4].
- 7
After arrival in Germany, register your residence (Anmeldung) within 2 weeks and apply for an Electronic Residence Permit at the local Ausländerbehörde within 90 days [C6][C45][C46].
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for the visa before traveling to Germany?
Yes, all nationalities except citizens of certain countries (e.g., UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Israel, Korea) must obtain a visa before travel. Even if you are exempt, you may still apply for a visa in advance to start au pair work immediately upon arrival [C5][C7][C10][C11].
Do I need a language certificate before applying?
A CEFR A1 certificate is recommended but not mandatory; if you do not have one, your language skills will be assessed during the visa interview [C33][C35].
Can I switch to a different visa or extend my au pair stay?
No, only one au pair stay is permitted in Germany, and the maximum duration is 12 months. You cannot extend beyond that or do a second stay [10].
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
Age requirement (18-26)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referencedPrimary source S1 states au pair must be at least 18 and not older than 26.
- [2]
Age requirement (18-27)
National Visa for Au-Pair Stay · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Needs verificationSource S3 (U.S. factsheet) states ages 18 to 27 – conflicting with S1.
- [3]
Minimum and maximum stay duration
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referencedMinimum 6 months, maximum 12 months.
- [4]
Visa validity upon entry
AU PAIR (Merkblatt) · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referencedEntry visa is valid for 90 days; residence permit is obtained in Germany.
- [5]
German language requirement
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referencedBasic German (A1) required; can be proven by certificate or evaluated at interview.
- [6]
Processing time (typical for UK applications)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referencedMost applications processed within 4 weeks.
- [7]
Processing time (up to 12 weeks for Windhuk office)
AU PAIR (Merkblatt) · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Needs verificationS2 states processing can take up to 12 weeks – conflicts with S1's 4-week estimate.
- [8]
Visa fee
AU PAIR (Merkblatt) · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referencedFee is EUR 75 (or equivalent), non-refundable.
- [9]
Health insurance requirement
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referencedSufficient health insurance (including coverage for the Schengen area, min. EUR 30,000) required.
- [10]
One au pair stay only
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referencedOnly one au pair stay in Germany is permitted.
- [11]
Host family language
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referencedGerman must be the native or usual language in the host family; au pair may not originate from the host parents' home country if German is not native.
- [12]
Application form (VIDEX)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referencedComplete and print the VIDEX online application form, sign it, and include barcode page.
This page reflects Germany's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Germany's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.