Found a host family in Germany but don’t know the requirements for the Au Pair Visa? Check out this post to learn more about the Au Pair Visa Germany and the requirements for Americans.
As someone who is in the process of becoming an Au pair, getting a visa whether its for 6 months or a year is always a lengthy process. In fact, the last time I had to apply for a visa was when I was planning to study abroad in Rome, Italy.
Although that visa was secured, there were a lot of steps that I needed to take to get everything in order. From renewing my U.S. passport with the Department of State to getting my passport picture taken at CVS. Getting a visa is quite the experience.
So, to make it easier for my fellow Americans who are planning to be an Au pair in Germany, I thought it would be a great idea to make a post about the general requirements for the Au Pair Visa.
Therefore, if you’re an American that has secured a host family and you’re ready to start the visa process, you’ve come to the right place. This post alone highlights where to apply for the Au Pair Visa in Germany and the documents required.
Au Pair in Germany Series
P.S. This is a post in my Au Pair in Germany series. Here is the complete series:
Au Pair Origin and History: What is an Au Pair: The Origin and History
Au Pair Tasks: What Does an Au Pair Do: Au Pair Tasks
Au Pair Agencies: The 7 Best Au Pair Agencies for Americans
German Language Learning Apps: The 10 Best Apps for German Learning as an Au Pair
Au Pair Guide: How to Become an Au Pair in Germany
Au Pair Visa: Au Pair Visa Germany: Requirements for Americans
Au Pair vs. Nanny: Au Pair vs. Nanny: What is the Difference?
Where to Apply for the German Au Pair Visa
For those applying for the Au Pair Visa in Germany
Since there is an amicable relationship between America and Germany, Americans who are interested in becoming Au pairs are actually welcome to enter Germany without a visa. This is a special privilege for many U.S. citizens and it allows the American to stay in Germany visa free for 90 days. However, if the American is planning to be an Au pair in Germany for more than 90 days, then they would have to apply for a residence title at the closest immigration office in Germany (Ausländerbehörde) once they arrive. If you are unsure of where the closest Ausländerbehörde is where you are in Germany, please visit this site. It will help you find the closest Ausländerbehörde in your federal state as well as their contact information and opening hours.
For those applying for the Au Pair Visa in the States
Applying for an Au Pair Visa in the States is also another option for Americans who are planning to become an Au Pair in Germany. The American would essentially have to apply for the visa at their local German consulate or embassy. Once an appointment has been made, the German consulate or embassy would then forward the applicant’s application and supporting documents to the competent German authorities at the applicant’s intended place of residence and employment during his or her stay. Then, once the application has been processed and approved by the German authorities abroad, the German consulate or embassy in the States will issue the applicant a national visa for the first 90 days of their intended stay. If the Au pair is staying for more than 90 days in Germany, then a final resident permit will be issued upon arrival in Germany by the Ausländerbehörde. So, if you’re unsure of where the closest German consulate or embassy is to you in the States, please visit this site.
It will help you find the closest German Mission by you as well as the states they serve.
After Arrival in Germany for the Au Pair Visa
After arriving in Germany to embark on your journey as an Au pair, you must register your address with your German Federal State in a process called Anmeldung if you’re planning to stay in Germany for more than 3 months. Anmeldung is an administrative process in Germany in which you are registering a specific address with the government so that they are aware of where you live. This process can be done at the local Bürgeraemt in your area and an Au pair is expected to register with their host family’s address.
In fact, completing the Anmeldung is necessary to your arrival as an Au pair since it is essential to obtain your resident permit if you’re applying for the visa in Germany. Without registering your address in Germany, you would not be able to obtain the resident permit for the Au pair visa or open a bank account.
So, if you are unsure of where to locate the closest Bürgeraemt near you, be sure to visit The Deutsche Post website for a directory of Bürgeraemter. You will have to select the Einwohnermeldamt for the Anmeldung and then type in your zip code/city in the search bar.
Required Documents for the German Au Pair Visa
Here is a list of some standard documents that are required for the German Au Pair Visa. These documents however may vary depending on where you apply. So, as a rule of thumb, be sure to contact your local German Mission or Ausländerbehörde for more information.
***In addition, please be prepared to have two copies of the following documents***
Valid Passport (au pair visa germany)
A valid passport is required to apply for the German Au Pair Visa. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months longer than the intended stay, with a minimum of 2 blank pages. The passport should have also been issued within the past 10 years.
Copies of Passport’s Data Page (au pair visa germany)
Photocopies of your passport’s data page is also a standard document for the German Au Pair Visa. The data page contains the most important information about the applicant as well as the passport itself.
Proof of Address in the U.S. (au pair visa germany)
If you are applying for the German Au Pair Visa at a German Mission in the U.S., then a proof of address in the States will be required. Some examples of proof for this requirement could be a valid driver’s license, a lease or a utility bill.
Application Form (au pair visa germany)
A duly and fully completed application form for the Au pair visa will also be required. This form will look different depending on where you apply and you may be able to print it online.
For example, if you’re applying for your German Au Pair Visa in Frankfurt, the form can be retrieved here.
Declaration of Accuracy of Information (au pair visa germany)
A signed and completed Declaration of Accuracy of Information is also another standard document for the German Au Pair Visa. This document is usually included in the final page of the visa application form.
Passport Sized Photos (au pair visa germany)
Passport sized photos are also standard documents for the German Au Pair Visa. They generally shouldn’t be older than 3 months and they must meet bio-metric standards.
If you are in the U.S., you can have your passport photos taken at the nearest pharmacy, retail store, or professional photography studio.
If you are in Germany, you can visit this site, to find the nearest passport photo machine, photo booth, or dm drogerie markt to have your passport photos taken.
Proof of Residency in Germany (au pair visa germany)
If you are applying for the German Au Pair Visa at the Ausländerbehörde, then a proof of residency in Germany will be required. To meet this requirement, it is important to register your address with the German government so that you can receive an Address Registration Certificate as proof.
In fact, if you are doing the Anmeldung in Frankfurt, you can retrieve the registration form for the process here.
Au Pair Contract (au pair visa germany)
The Au Pair Contract is another standard document for the German Au Pair Visa. The contract should state the full address of the host family as well as the duration of the stay, the Au pair’s responsibilities, stipend, working hours, and holiday entitlement.
Proof of Basic German Language Skills (au pair visa germany)
Proof of Basic German Language Skills is another requirement to obtain an Au Pair Visa in Germany. This requirement can be met with a certificate from the Goethe-Institute or depending on the location, a German interview at the visa appointment.
So, if you’re planning to get a certificate from the Goethe-Institute, I highly recommend learning German in advance. Babbel is one of my favorite apps for studying and learning German as a prospective Au pair so I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase a subscription from them. In fact, if you purchase your subscription online through their site, you’ll even get additional free time on your account as a reward.
Motivation Letter (au pair visa germany)
A motivation letter is another standard document for the German Au Pair Visa. The letter should convincingly demonstrate your motivation for coming to Germany and why you should be given the opportunity.
Invitation Letter (au pair visa germany)
An invitation letter is another standard document for the German Au Pair Visa. The letter should show that the Au pair is invited and welcomed into the host family living in Germany.
CV in German Format (au pair visa germany)
A CV in German Format is another standard document for the German Au Pair Visa. The CV should simply just be a resume highlighting your work experience, skills, and education.
Proof of Travel Health Insurance (au pair visa germany)
Proof of Travel Health Insurance is another standard document for the German Au Pair Visa. Prior to your visa appointment, your host family should arrange for you to be added to their German health insurance policy. This policy, however, must cover you in the event of illness, pregnancy, childbirth, or an accident as an Au pair in Germany.
So, if their health insurance policy is able to meet those standards, then you must take the policy documents with you to the visa appointment.
Au Pair Visa Germany FAQs
Overall, to end this post, I would like to answer some frequently asked questions you might have about the Au Pair Visa in Germany!
How much is a German Au Pair Visa?
Expect to pay anywhere between 75-100 euros for the German Au Pair Visa.
How long does it take to get the German Au Pair Visa?
Depending on where you apply for the German Au Pair Visa, it can take around 4-12 weeks from the time of your appointment to get it. However, if you need a more exact time frame, be sure to ask the German Mission or Ausländerbehörde where you applied.
Can I stay in Germany after being an Au pair?
Yes, there are many ways to extend your time in Germany after being an Au Pair. Some of these options include:
- Marrying a German
- Doing a Voluntary Social Year
- Becoming a Student at a German University
- Participating in a Apprenticeship/Ausbildung
In the end, I really hope you enjoyed reading this post about the requirements for the German Au Pair Visa for Americans. Please let me know in the comments down below if you have any questions about them. I would love to hear from you! 🙂
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