Host Family Requirements

To host an au pair in the Netherlands, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) sets legal requirements for the host family, the accommodation, and the conditions of the stay. The main requirements are that the host family has at least one child under the age of 16, meets the minimum income requirement, and provides the au pair with a suitable private bedroom.

Requirements for the Au Pair

The au pair must meet the following conditions:

• Be at least 18 years old but under 25 years of age.
• Stay in the Netherlands as part of a cultural exchange programme through a recognised sponsor.
• Not have previously held a Dutch residence permit as an au pair.
• Not have paid more than €34 in preparation costs for the stay in the Netherlands.
• Not have signed an agreement with a host family, placement agency, or au pair agency (in the Netherlands or abroad) that includes financial penalties or payment obligations if the agreement is not fulfilled.
• Not have paid a security deposit to a Dutch or foreign placement or au pair agency.
• Not perform work requiring specialised care or professional qualifications.
• Live at the host family’s address and register there with the local municipality.

Requirements for the Host Family

The host family must meet the following conditions:

• Consist of at least two people.
• Be legally residing in the Netherlands.
• Not have previously employed the au pair, either in the Netherlands or abroad.
• Ensure the au pair works no more than 8 hours per day and 30 hours per week, with at least two full days off each week.
• Ensure the au pair’s duties are limited to light household tasks and assisting with the daily care of the children.
• Be registered in the Dutch Personal Records Database (BRP).
• Prepare and sign a weekly schedule together with the au pair covering all seven days of the week. The schedule must include:
  • The number of hours per day the au pair performs light household duties.
  • Which two days per week the au pair has off.
  • Who takes over the au pair’s responsibilities on those days.
• Meet the minimum gross monthly household income requirement (including holiday allowance) of 150% of the Dutch statutory minimum wage. For 2026, this means approximately:
  • €3,717 gross per month for married or cohabiting couples.
  • €2,975 gross per month for single parents.
• Ensure the au pair is not related to any member of the host family.

Accommodation Requirements

The host family must provide suitable accommodation for the au pair:

• A private, furnished, and heated bedroom of at least 9 m² with sufficient natural daylight.
• The bedroom must be lockable and the au pair must have her own key to ensure privacy.
• Free room and board must be provided throughout the entire stay, including accommodation, meals, and drinks.