Congratulations! Finding the right au pair is an exciting milestone. Now comes the important part: making everything official and preparing for your au pair’s arrival. To help you get started, we’ve put together a step-by-step overview of what to do next.
An au pair contract helps both you and your au pair know what to expect. It should include things like:
You'll find all the details for your country including contract information in the Host Country Guides.
Whether your au pair needs a visa depends on your country and your au pairs nationality. If a visa or residence permit is required, it’s important to start the process as early as possible.
Select your country in the Host Country Guide to see the exact visa requirements and next steps.
Insurance rules vary by country:
If insurance is required in your country: You, as the host family, may need to take out coverage for your au pair (often health, accident, and liability insurance). You’ll find the exact rules in the Host Country Guides.
If it’s not required: It’s still strongly recommended. You should advise your au pair to check whether their current health insurance covers them abroad. If not, they should take out additional coverage for:
To make things easier, we work with a trusted insurance partner that offers tailored au pair insurance for both families and au pairs. You can find more details about our insurance partner and share the link with your au pair.
Tip: If you expect your au pair to drive your car — for example, to take the children to school or run family errands — you must inform your car insurance provider and register them as an additional driver.
The visa and formalities can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s where our trusted partner agencies come in. They specialise in supporting families with the challenging paperwork and administrative steps, making the whole process much easier.
We work with established agencies in a variety of countries, so you can be sure you’re getting the best possible guidance for your specific situation. While it’s not required to use an agency, many families appreciate the peace of mind and time saved when they do.
Want to make things even smoother? Our Extras page includes practical services like:
Finding your au pair is the hardest part. Now it’s about preparation and making sure everything is in place for a smooth start.
When you’re ready, take a look at our article on how to prepare for your au pairs arrival for practical tips on preparing the room, using the Family Handbook, and helping your au pair settle in the first few weeks.
And remember — if you ever need personal help along the way, our Support Team is just a message away.