The aim of au pair stays is to improve German language skills and to broaden 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 at the time of the application. For your stay, a minimum duration of 6 months is required. You are not allowed to work as an au pair in Germany for more than 12 months.
 

In general, German has to be spoken as mother tongue in the host family. If German is spoken as a family language, employment can only be permitted if the au pair does not come from the same country as the host parents.
 

Basic German language skills of at least level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages are required.
 

An au pair stay in Germany is possible only once.
 

You can apply for an au pair visa after setting an appointment by e-mail. Please attach all listed documents to your e-mail. After checking the completion, you will be assigned an appointment.
 

At the time of your visa appointment you have to submit the following documents in person (original plus one copy):
 

• completed and signed application form for a long-term visa
• 1 recent passport photograph
• your national passport
• residence permit for Portugal
• visa fee 75,- Euros
• proof of health insurance for the whole stay
• A1 language certificate
• passport copies of the host parents
• Au pair contract  – a template can be found here
• Questionnaire for host families – the download can be found here 
• Letter of motivation with details regarding the motivation for the au pair stay and information on future plans after the stay

Please note that in individual cases additional documents can be required.