Au pair residence permit

You are at least 18 and no more than 25 years old at the time of the application.

You are unmarried. You do not have any (foster) children.

You are going to live in the Netherlands temporarily on an exchange programme as an au pair through a recognised au pair agency (recognised sponsor).

You will carry out light housekeeping tasks for the host family. You do this no more than 8 hours a day and for a maximum of 30 hours a week. You have at least 2 days off each week.

As an au pair, you may only perform light housekeeping tasks. This is only allowed for the host family and at the address of the host family. In all cases you are only allowed to carry out the tasks from the day that you receive the residence permit. A work permit (in Dutch: tewerkstellingsvergunning or TWV) is not needed. You are not allowed to work for a second host family or an employer.

Only an au pair agency recognised by the IND can apply for this residence permit for you.

You have not had a residence permit in the Netherlands before.

You have not worked for the host family before, in the Netherlands or abroad.

You are not related as a family member to the host family.

You will not carry out tasks for people who need more specialised care, for which you need to have a specific skill, such as nursing.

You have not signed a contract with a host family, intermediary agency (Dutch or foreign), or au pair agency stating that you must pay a fine if you do not fulfil the contract. You have not paid any fees to an intermediary agency (Dutch or foreign) or au pair agency. You have not paid more than €34 in costs to prepare for your stay in the Netherlands.

You have insurance that covers the cost of healthcare in the Netherlands.

You are going to live with a host family which is registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP). You will also be registered at that address. Your host family has 2 or more members. They have Dutch nationality or a valid residence permit for the Netherlands. Your host family meets the income requirements.

Application for a residence permit as an au pair These required amounts are valid from 1 July 2026 up to and including 31 December 2026. ​Host family of a married/unmarried couple living together Gross SV salary per month without holiday allowance € 3,505.50

Host family of single parent Gross SV salary per month without holiday allowance € 2,804.40

Your passport must be valid for at least another 6 months when the Dutch representation places the MVV visa sticker in the passport.

The au pair residence permit is valid for a maximum of 1 year.

You may switch to a different host family or a different au pair agency. The au pair agency must, however, notify the IND of this.

You cannot extend the residence permit for an au pair.