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Auost is an innovative online platform that connects families with qualified au pairs. We offer a range of services including personalized au pair matching, verified profiles, real-time messaging platform, online au pair training, video interviews, background checks, and interactive profiles. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive solution for all your au pair needs.

Auost uses an AI-powered matching algorithm to connect verified users based on their needs, preferences and compatibility. Users can browse profiles and chat. Users receive automatic matches directly on the platform as well as daily notifications via email.

How are the users verified?

Similar to various social media platforms, users at auspost can submit relevant documents via platform for verification.

When should I apply to be an aupair?

Ideally, 6-10 months before you want to leave the country.

How good do my language skills have to be?

Language skill requirements differ from country to country. In many countries, aupairs are required to have a basic level of the national language of the country where they would like to work as an aupair.

What are normal tasks for Aupairs?

Some typical tasks for Aupairs are: Loading and unloading the dishwasher Doing the children's washing and putting it away Making the children's beds Tidying the children's rooms Doing a little bit of shopping Looking after pets for children Emptying the rubbish Preparing snacks or meals for children Going to activities with children Communication is key, speak with host families about their expectations and requirements.

Duration for an Aupair varies based on hosts country. Stays between 3 to 12 months are possible.

Working hours vary based on host family and host country. Working hours from 15 to 40 hours per week are typical. Contact your host family or check the embassy of your host family to get specific information.

Requirements to be an Aupair

1. Age: Typically, between 18 and 30 years old. Visa: Some countries may require a specific aupair visa. Language skills: Some countries require basic knowledge of the host country. Childcare experience: Some countries require having some experience working with children, such as babysitting or volunteering. Health insurance: Aupairs are typically required to have health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay. Background check: Some countries require aupairs to undergo a background check. Education: Some countries may require aupairs to have a high school diploma or equivalent education level. It's essential to check the specific regulations and guidelines of the country you are interested in working in to ensure you meet all the necessary criteria.

Host families requirements

1. Legal requirements: Host families must comply with the legal requirements set by their country's government for hosting an aupair. Cultural exchange: must foster cultural exchange by assisting aupair in learning about their country. Housing: Host families must provide a private room and access to shared facilities like the kitchen and bathroom. Meals: Host families are typically responsible for providing the aupair with meals or a food stipend to cover such costs. Transportation: Host families may need to provide transportation or access to public transportation. Language: In some countries, host families must provide access to a langauge course. Requirements vary per host country.

The amount of pocket money varies in every country but ranges usually between 250 and 450 Euro.

Depending on the country, au pairs get 1-2 full days off minimum a week. Once a month, a complete weekend.

Depending on the host country regulations, aupairs may have 2 to 4 weeks vacation yearly.

Working hours Aupairs

Working hours differ between countries and host families. But are typically 20 and 40 hours a week.

It is recommended that au pair insurance includes travel, health, liability and travel accident insurance. Depending on the host country, the costs of the au pair's insurance are covered either by the au pair or by the host family.

Aupair Language Course

Aupairs normally pay for language courses themselves. Some countries such as Germany stipulate that hostfamilies must contribute a sum towards language course and also transportation to language course.

Travel to host family

The travel costs to the host family are usually covered by the Aupair. In some cases, the host family may offer to cover all or part of the travel costs.

Host families are not obligated to pay for visa fee but some families may offer to reimburse it. Host family pays for shipment of documents to Aupair for visa processing.

What Does an Au Pair Cost in Germany? A Host Family Budget Guide

Hosting an au pair in Germany costs more than the monthly pocket money. The host family must provide €280 in pocket money, contribute €70 per month toward an actually attended German course, pay the necessary journey to the nearest suitable course, provide free accommodation and meals, and pay for the required insurance. Food, utilities and optional benefits should also be included in the family budget.

Quick answer: For 12 months, pocket money plus the language-course contribution can total €4,200. That figure excludes insurance, food, utilities, accommodation and transport to the language course, so it is a baseline—not the complete cost of hosting.

Need a budget tailored to your placement? Log in to your Auost account and open the Program tab for detailed information about costs, insurance, contracts, visa requirements and the steps that apply to your situation.

Mandatory and typical au pair costs at a glance

Cost	Amount	Usually paid by	Notes
Pocket money	€280 per month	Host family	It is pocket money rather than an hourly wage and is not reduced because fewer than 30 hours are scheduled.
German course contribution	€70 per month	Host family	Due when eligible course expenses are actually incurred; up to €840 over 12 months.
Journey to the language course	Variable	Host family	Necessary travel to the nearest suitable course is paid in addition to the course contribution.
Health and accident insurance	Variable	Host family	Cover must include sickness, pregnancy and birth, and accidents.
Accommodation and meals	Variable	Host family	A suitable room and full board are provided free of charge.
Travel to and from Germany	Variable	Usually the au pair	The contract can provide otherwise if the family contributes voluntarily.
National visa application	Normally €75	Usually the applicant	Exemptions or reductions may apply; later residence-permit fees can be separate.
Platform or agency support	Variable	Depends on provider	Check what matching, support and safeguarding services are included.

Fixed-cost calculation for 6, 9 and 12 months

The following figures combine only pocket money and the language-course contribution. The €70 course amount assumes that qualifying course expenses are incurred each month.

Placement length	Pocket money	Course contribution	Fixed-cost baseline
6 months	€1,680	€420	€2,100
9 months	€2,520	€630	€3,150
12 months	€3,360	€840	€4,200

To estimate the real monthly cost, use this formula:

€280 pocket money + up to €70 course contribution + insurance + food and utilities + course transport + optional benefits and service fees.

The largest variables are usually insurance, household living costs and local transport. Obtain current quotes rather than relying on a single nationwide estimate.

What does the €280 pocket money cover?

The monthly payment is intended for the au pair’s personal spending. It is not payment per hour and should not be treated as a substitute for wages in a conventional employment relationship. The full amount remains due even if the family needs fewer than the permitted 30 hours in a particular week.

Accommodation and meals are provided separately. A host family should not deduct the value of the room, food or ordinary household use from the €280. The payment date and method should be stated in the written agreement so both sides know what to expect.

If the au pair is unable to perform duties because of illness, the official Federal Employment Agency guidance provides for continued pocket money for up to six weeks. Families should also define how payments are handled if the placement starts or ends during a month.

German language course and travel costs

Language learning is a central purpose of the programme. The family must allow enough time for the au pair to attend a German course and contribute €70 for every month in which the relevant course cost is incurred. For a full 12-month placement, that can reach €840.

The necessary journey to the nearest suitable German course is a separate host-family cost. This might mean a local public-transport pass or reimbursement for individual journeys, depending on where the family lives and when the course runs. Discuss the course location, schedule and transport before signing the contract—especially in rural areas.

The au pair may choose a course that costs more than the contribution. The parties should agree in writing who pays any additional tuition and for materials, exam fees or online-course equipment.

Insurance: what the host family must arrange

The host family is responsible for taking out and paying the premiums for insurance that covers:

illness;
pregnancy and birth; and
accidents.

Policy prices vary by provider, age, benefits, deductible and duration. Check that the insurer explicitly accepts au pairs and that the coverage is valid for the complete stay. Read exclusions and waiting periods carefully. Personal liability cover is also commonly recommended, but the exact requirements and coverage should be verified for the individual placement.

Do not assume a travel policy or an insurance card from another country provides all necessary protection. Confirm coverage before arrival and keep the policy documents accessible to both the au pair and host family.

Accommodation, food and everyday household costs

The au pair normally lives in the host family’s home and receives a suitable private room. Meals should be provided on the same basis as for family members, including on free days and during ordinary periods when the family is away. The household budget may therefore rise because of:

groceries and household supplies;
electricity, heating, water and internet;
bedding, towels and basic room equipment;
agreed dietary requirements; and
additional costs during family trips or holidays.

These costs are real, but they are not charged back to the au pair through deductions from pocket money. If the family cannot provide meals temporarily, the parties should agree on an appropriate food allowance.

Who pays for the visa and international journey?

The au pair usually pays for the visa application and travel to and from Germany unless a different arrangement is made. A German national visa normally costs €75, although reductions or exemptions can apply. Fees for a residence permit after arrival may be separate and can change.

A host family may voluntarily pay for all or part of the journey, but the conditions should be written clearly. Avoid arrangements that create unclear debts or make repayment dependent on remaining with the family. Flexible or changeable travel bookings can reduce risk if the visa timetable changes.

Read the process in Au Pair Visa for Germany: Application Guide.

Optional costs worth planning for

A supportive placement may also include benefits that are not part of the fixed minimum. Families often budget for some of the following:

platform, matching or agency services;
a public-transport pass beyond course travel;
a German SIM card or phone allowance;
bicycle use and safety equipment;
admission on family outings;
a welcome package or winter clothing contribution;
additional language-course or exam fees; and
agreed travel with the host family.

Clarify whether time spent on family holidays counts as work, free time or the au pair’s paid holiday. If the au pair is expected to provide childcare during a trip, the family should pay the related travel, accommodation and meal costs.

Common budgeting mistakes

Budgeting only €280 per month. Pocket money is just one component of the placement.
Including the €70 course contribution but forgetting transport. Necessary travel to the nearest suitable course is paid separately.
Choosing insurance on price alone. The scope of coverage matters more than the headline premium.
Deducting room or meals from pocket money. These are separate host-family obligations.
Leaving optional benefits vague. Put any transport pass, phone allowance or flight contribution in writing.
Booking non-refundable travel too early. Visa appointment and processing times vary.
Treating an au pair as low-cost full-time childcare. Duties are limited to six hours per day and 30 per week and must remain consistent with cultural exchange.

A fair pre-match cost conversation

Before agreeing to a match, discuss the full monthly budget—not only the legal minimum. Confirm pocket-money timing, course costs, local transport, insurance, meals during family absences, holidays, additional benefits and what happens if either side ends the placement early. A written, realistic plan prevents money from becoming a source of tension later.

Also confirm that the placement itself meets the programme rules. See Au Pair Requirements in Germany or return to the complete Au Pair in Germany guide.

Frequently asked questions

How much pocket money does an au pair receive in Germany?

The standard amount is €280 per month. Accommodation, meals, course support and insurance are provided separately.

Is the €70 language-course contribution mandatory?

The host family contributes €70 for each month in which qualifying German-course expenses are actually incurred. Necessary travel to the nearest suitable course is an additional family cost.

Can room and food be deducted from pocket money?

No. The au pair receives accommodation and meals free of charge as part of the placement.

Who pays au pair insurance in Germany?

The host family arranges and pays insurance covering illness, pregnancy and birth, and accidents. Policy details should be checked before the stay begins.

Who pays for the flight to Germany?

The au pair normally pays for travel to and from Germany unless the written agreement says otherwise.

What is the minimum annual host-family budget?

For 12 months, pocket money and the course contribution alone can total €4,200. The true cost is higher after insurance, food, utilities, course travel and optional benefits are added.

Next step: Log in to your Auost account and go to the Program tab to review the cost, insurance, contract and visa guidance for your placement.

Official sources

Editorial note: Rules, fees and administrative practice can change. Check the competent German mission abroad, local immigration authority and official programme guidance for the individual case. This article is general information, not legal advice.