What is an Au Pair?

 Au Pair in the Netherlands

An au pair is someone between 18 and 25 years old who wants to live and stay with a host family in a country of their choice for a short or longer period of time.

The term “au pair” comes from French and literally means “on equal terms.” This means that an au pair is not an employee but is considered a full member of the host family. The au pair participates as much as possible in the family’s daily life, for example by eating meals together with the family and joining family outings.

The au pair program is a cultural exchange program. It offers the au pair a unique opportunity to become fluent in another language, experience another culture, and gain international experience. However, an au pair is not allowed to perform work as defined under the Dutch Foreign Nationals Employment Act (Wav).

An au pair stay in the Netherlands lasts a minimum of three months and a maximum of one year.

The Au Pair in the Netherlands

An au pair:

• May provide childcare and perform light household tasks for a maximum of 30 hours per week.

• Works an average of no more than 6 hours per day, with a maximum of 8 hours per day.

• May be asked to babysit for a maximum of two evenings per week. These babysitting hours count toward the 30-hour weekly limit.

• Receives room and board, including their own furnished room.

• Must be given the opportunity to take a language course.

• Receives a monthly pocket-money allowance of €340, which is deposited into their own bank account.

• If staying for one year, is entitled to 14 days of paid leave.

Insurance for the Au Pair

The host family is responsible for arranging health insurance and travel insurance for the foreign au pair.

Babs Au Pair Agency works with an insurance company that offers an insurance package specifically designed for au pairs and host families. This insurance provides benefits that a regular health insurance policy generally does not offer.

With au pair insurance, the au pair is covered for, among other things:

• Medical expenses

• Extraordinary expenses, such as repatriation and hotel costs when being transferred to another host family

• Personal liability

• Cancellation costs

• Travel luggage

• Accidents

Practical Information