How to Apply for the Au Pair Visa (D-Visa) Programme in Germany

The aim of the Au-Pair stay is to improve German language skills and to broaden general knowledge through experience.

When is the Application Deadline:

• There is no specific deadline, but processing time may take up to 4 weeks. It is recommended to apply early and secure an appointment as soon as possible.

Tell Me About the Au Pair Visa:

• The Au Pair visa allows young people to stay in Germany while living with a host family, improving their German language skills, and experiencing the culture. It offers the opportunity to live in a German-speaking environment, with the primary aim of broadening one’s horizons and learning through cultural exchange.
• An au pair stay aims to improve German language skills and to broaden your horizons and general knowledge through experience. To work as an au pair in Germany, you must be at least 18 years old and not older than 26 years at the time of the application. You must stay for a minimum of 6 months. The maximum stay is 12 months. You may not have more than one au pair stay, even with a different family.
• A visa or residence permit will not be granted if the host family and the au pair are related to each other. In general, German must be the native tongue spoken by the host family. If German is not spoken as a native tongue but as the host family’s usual language of communication, an au pair may not originate from the home country of the host parents. This is to ensure that communication in the family takes place in German and not in the language of the country of origin.

Which Fields are Eligible?

• The program is focused on cultural exchange, language learning, and childcare responsibilities, not a particular academic or professional field.

Type:

• D-Visa for cultural exchange.

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Who can Apply?

• Applicants aged between 18 and 26 years at the time of the visa application.
• The stay must be for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months.
• Basic German language skills (A1) are required.

How are Applicants Selected?

• Selection is based on fulfilling the age criteria, language proficiency, and having an au pair contract with a host family.
• Applicants will be interviewed to verify their language skills and motivations for the program.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

• Visa-free travel: Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Korea (Republic), UK, and USA can apply for a residence permit after arriving in Germany.
• Visa required prior to travel: All other nationalities need to apply for a visa before traveling.

Where will the Au Pair Visa be Taken?

• The au pair’s stay and visa are for Germany, and the visa is granted by the relevant German embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.

How Many Visas?

• Not limited to a specific number; open to qualified applicants who meet the requirements.

What is the Benefit of the Visa?

• The visa allows cultural exchange, improving German language skills, and a stay with a German host family. Health insurance is mandatory and must be arranged prior to arrival.

How Long Will it Last?

• The Au Pair visa is valid for 6 to 12 months.

How to Apply for the Au Pair Visa:

1. Complete the VIDEX online application form and gather supporting documents (passport, language certificate, contract with the host family, etc.).
2. Submit the documents and book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your country.
3. Attend an interview where your German language skills will be assessed if you don’t already have a language certificate.
4. Processing takes about 4 weeks.

Visit the Award Webpage for Details:

• For more information, visit the official German Mission website.