Nanny abroad - Belgium / Luxembourg

Working as a Live-in Nanny Abroad (Belgium/Luxembourg)

In Belgium, a live-in nanny is legally classified either as an au pair or as a professional nanny/governess, depending on the arrangement you choose.

Professional Nannies

Because a professional nanny provides extensive childcare and takes on significant responsibility within the family home, agencies and parents generally look for mature candidates. Many nanny agencies require applicants to be at least 21 years old.

Experienced Nannies

There is also strong demand for older, experienced childcare professionals. For example, a large proportion of nannies represented by De Gouvernante are over the age of 50.

At nanny agency De Gouvernante, around 80% of nannies are over 50 years old. This is no coincidence—more families than ever are deliberately choosing the maturity, reliability, and life experience that seasoned caregivers bring to their homes.

For both women and men who have previously worked in healthcare, education, or the social sector, nanny work is often a natural next career step. It offers meaningful work with a real impact, regular working hours, and flexibility to organize their own schedule, creating a healthy balance between work and personal life.

Working as a Professional Nanny (Employment Contract)

If you wish to work full-time as a childcare professional within a family, you will be employed as a salaried worker.

Employment Contract:
You will work under an official employment contract, either through a domestic services provider, a temporary employment agency, or directly employed by the family.

Qualifications:
A childcare qualification or relevant professional experience is often required by placement agencies.

Language & Legal Documents:
You must have the appropriate residence and work permits and be able to communicate in the family’s language.

Accommodation:
The host family is required to provide you with a private, properly furnished bedroom, and in many cases, access to a private bathroom.

For official information about the legal requirements and procedures, please refer to the Belgian government’s information on Au Pairs in Belgium.