it was confirmed that au pairs in Germany typically receive around €260 per month in pocket money. While some sources now mention a slightly higher amount such as €280 per month this article focuses on the €260 per month figure often quoted in au pair program resources. Let’s explore the eligibility benefits and process for the Germany Au Pair Visa with €260/month pocket money.
What Is the Germany Au Pair Visa Program?
The Germany Au Pair Visa is a type D national visa that lets young people live with a German host family help with childcare and light housework and learn German and culture for up to 12 months. This program is a cultural exchange where you get to interact daily with a local family build language skills and experience life in Germany.
Participants must pay attention to the pocket money detail. Though some resources mention €280 in many programs tied to agencies or specific arrangements candidates are offered €260/month in pocket money plus room and board provided by the family.
Read More: Germany Job Seeker Visa 2025 – Requirements, Apply Online, Success Rate, and Costs
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for a Germany Au Pair Visa you must meet a few clear rules:
- Age: You must be between 18 and 26 years old if you’re from a non-EU country.
- Language: You need basic German skills usually A1 level to communicate with the family and children.
- No Dependents: You should be unmarried and without children of your own.
- Stay Duration: The stay must be at least 6 months and can be up to 12 months.
- Non-Repeat: You must not have already worked as an au pair in Germany before.
- Health & Good Character: You need to be in good health and a criminal record check may be required.
These rules ensure you can integrate assist the family and benefit from the cultural experience.
What Do You Get?
Pocket Money
You receive about €260 per month as personal spending money enough for leisure and small essentials.
Room & Board
Your host family provides a private room (at least 9 m² lockable heated) and meals.
Language Course Support
Host families often contribute around €70 monthly toward your German course fees and may also cover travel costs to the language school. Some agency programs offer even €90 educational allowance.
Insurance
The host must cover your health accident and liability insurance during your stay.
Vacation and Time Off
You earn about 2 days off per month and enjoy at least 1.5 free days per week including at least one full weekend off per month.
Transport or Ticket
Many families provide a public transport pass or cover your commute to language class.
Cultural Growth
You’ll immerse in German culture improve your language skills and gain confidence and responsibility.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Find a Host Family
Use reputable platforms such as:
- AuPairWorld
- AuPair.com
- Ayusa Germany
- GreatAuPair
- AuPairGermany.de
You choose a family share your profile and arrange interviews to ensure a good match.
Sign the Au Pair Contract
Once you agree with a family draft a contract including tasks working hours (max 30 per week) pocket money insurance language allowance and holidays. The contract must be valid for at least 6 months.
Prepare Documents for Visa
If you’re a non-EU citizen gather:
- Valid passport (min 6-month validity)
- Signed contract + invitation letter
- A1 German proof
- Health insurance coverage
- 2 biometric photos
- Visa application form (two copies)
- Motivation letter CV birth certificate host family’s registration visa fee (~€75)
Apply at Embassy
Submit the papers and attend your visa appointment. Processing may take 6–12 weeks so apply early.
Travel to Germany & Start
Once approved travel meet your host family settle in and start your language classes and childcare duties.
Pocket Money—€260 or €280?
There’s a slight discrepancy across sources:
- €260/month is what some programs advertise especially via agencies offering educational allowances.
- But official portals and legal guidelines cite €280/month as the standard minimum with additional contributions for courses.
In practice your pocket money is often €260 plus course support or transport perks. Families must not exceed €280 to keep the arrangement compliant with regulation.
Sample Weekly Schedule & Financial Snapshot
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Weekly Working Hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Pocket Money | €260/month |
| Language Course Support | €70–90/month |
| Room & Meals | Provided by host family |
| Insurance Coverage | Health accident liability |
| Vacation Time | ~2 days/month + free days/week |
| Transportation Support | Common (public pass or commute) |
| Total Living Cost | Largely covered except visa & travel |
Benefits at a Glance
- Affordable living: No rent or groceries
- Language immersion: Daily German practice
- Cultural experience: Festivals traditions and daily life
- Flexible free time: Time to study or explore Germany and Europe
- Resume boost: International skills independence and intercultural exposure
Conclusion
The Germany Au Pair Visa with €260/month pocket money offers a valuable blend of cultural exchange affordable living and personal growth. To be eligible you need to be between 18–26 hold A1 German skills and commit to a 6–12 month stay with no prior au pair experience in Germany. You’ll receive around €260 monthly for personal use while room board and insurance are covered by the host. Families often help with language fees and transport making your stay smoother. The visa process involves finding a host family signing a contract preparing documents (like health insurance and language proof) and applying through the German embassy. Processing may take 6–12 weeks so begin early.
Living as an au pair in Germany means joining a family learning a language and growing as a more independent culturally aware individual—all without a high cost of living. It’s a unique way to explore Europe while doing meaningful childcare and cultural exchange. If you’re drawn to personal development travel and gaining international experience this path is worth pursuing.