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What does "Au pair visa" mean in English?

Last updated on 14 March 2024

The Au pair visa is a type of German national visa that allows young adults to live with a host family in Germany and help with childcare and light housework while experiencing German culture. The term “Au pair” is French for “on par” or “equal to”, referring to the living member of the family.

What is “Au pair visa”?

An Au pair visa is required for individuals who wish to work as an Au pair in Germany. It is a residence permit that allows the visa holder to stay and work in a family environment, providing childcare and cultural exchange. The visa is typically valid for a stay of 6 to 12 months and applicants must be between 18 and 26 years old. The visa includes a work permit and is also known as a “national visa” which permits travel to other Schengen countries for tourism purposes for up to 90 days[1][2].

More information about “Au pair visa”

To obtain an Au pair visa, applicants must demonstrate basic German language skills and provide a range of documents, including a valid passport, a signed Au pair contract with a host family, proof of health insurance, and a motivation letter. The visa application process can take up to 12 weeks and involves coordination with German authorities at the applicant’s intended place of residence in Germany. Upon arrival, the Au pair must register with the local Residents Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt) and extend their residence permit accordingly[1][4].

Here are some additional terms that are related to Au pair visa:

  • Einwohnermeldeamt: The local Residents Registration Office where Au pairs must register upon arrival in Germany[4].
  • Schengen Area: A zone where 26 European countries abolished their internal borders for the free and unrestricted movement of people, which the Au pair visa allows entry to for short stays[1].
  • Bundesagentur für Arbeit: The Federal Employment Agency in Germany that may be involved in the visa application process[4].

Understanding the Au pair visa is essential for young individuals looking to immerse themselves in German culture while providing childcare services.

Sources

[1] https://www.germany.info/blob/943228/cd5351ab18ca8a67c2fea3a2331a9924/working-au-pair-data.pdf [2] https://uk.diplo.de/uk-en/02/visa/-/2449444 [3] https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/au-pair [4] https://www.aupairworld.com/en/au-pair-programs/germany/visa [5] https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=740167 [6] https://www.goaupair.com/department-state-regulations/au-pair-visa/ [7] https://www.aupair.com/en/p-germany-visa.php [8] https://www.berlin.de/einwanderung/en/entry/visa-procedure/longer-stays/artikel.1047895.en.php [9] https://www.culturalcare.fi/department-of-state-au-pair-regulations [10] https://www.germany.info/blob/2435496/5042fa3534db933e0db7d2e11af9ddf9/au-pair-data.pdf [11] https://www.nomadenberlin.com/german-au-pair-visa [12] https://www.aupair.com/en/p-your-rights-as-an-au-pair.php [13] https://www.reddit.com/r/Aupairs/comments/ur9es8/german_au_pair_visa_from_america/?rdt=36341 [14] https://www.aupair.com/en/p-au-pair-visa.php [15] https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/how-to-au-pair-germany [16] https://island.is/en/au-pair-placement-residence-permit/residence-rights [17] https://www.reddit.com/r/Aupairs/comments/o23r5p/american_to_au_pair_in_germany_visa_letter_of/?rdt=56443 [18] https://www.aupairusa.org/host-family/faqs/ [19] https://www.aupair.com/en/p-germany-requirements.php [20] https://myaupairandme.com/au-pair-laws/california-au-pair-laws/