Is an au pair the right choice for us?
What requirements must our family meet?
Short answer
To become a host family, you must meet the status of a family: as a married couple with at least one child under 18, or as a single parent with at least one child under 18 in the household. At least one parent must hold German citizenship. The au pair also needs their own furnished room in the family's household or in the immediate vicinity.
Important: for a placement through Besondere Sterne, your child does not need a specific diagnosis, and you do not need to provide us with any proof of a disability.
Last updated: 12.08.2026
The key requirements at a glance
Before you can host an au pair, a few basic requirements must be met.
Family status
At least one child under 18 lives in your household. You can become a host family as a married couple or family, or as a single mother or single father.
German citizenship
At least one parent in the host family holds German citizenship.
A room of the au pair's own
Your au pair needs their own furnished room they can retreat to. This can be located directly in the family's household or in the immediate vicinity — for example, with grandparents or in suitable accommodation with neighbours. A suitable basement room with a daylight window can also generally be considered.
Accommodation and meals
The au pair lives with you as a member of the family. You provide accommodation and full meals free of charge during the au pair time.
No diagnosis required
Besondere Sterne specialises in families with children with a disability, developmental delays, autism, ADHD, ADD and other additional needs. A diagnosis, however, is not a requirement for a placement through our agency.
We are here for families who consciously want a specially prepared au pair — regardless of whether an official diagnosis exists for their child. You therefore do not need to provide us with any corresponding proof.