Topic area
Visa and entry
What happens between the decision and the arrival — and where you have influence.
From the decision to the arrival
After the matching, the visa process begins for your au pair. Processing times differ depending on the country of origin and the responsible Auslandsvertretung (the German embassy or consulate abroad). As an agency, we have no influence on how long the visa takes.
At the agreed Botschaftstermin (the appointment at the German embassy), your au pair submits the required documents to the responsible German embassy or consulate in their home country and applies for the au pair visa.
In the further procedure, the documents are — where required for the respective visa process — passed on to the responsible authorities in Germany. Once the necessary approval is given, the procedure continues at the German Auslandsvertretung and the visa is processed there.
Questions in this area
How long does the processing of the au pair visa take?
The processing time for the au pair visa varies depending on the country of origin and the relevant German Auslandsvertretung (German diplomatic mission abroad).
Can the processing of the au pair visa be speeded up?
No. Neither the au pair nor the host family nor we as the agency have any influence on the processing time of the visa. Speeding up the procedure is not possible in principle.
What happens at the Botschaftstermin?
For the Botschaftstermin (the appointment at the German embassy), the au pair already needs to have a host family as well as the corresponding contract and visa documents.
What happens after the Botschaftstermin?
After the Botschaftstermin (the appointment at the German embassy), the visa processing begins. The documents are first checked in the home country and then submitted digitally to the ZAV in Bonn. …
When do we learn whether the visa was granted?
As soon as the visa has been granted, the au pair receives a notification from the embassy. Depending on the country of origin, the visa is then either collected in person from the embassy or delivered by courier.
When may we book the flight?
The flight is only booked once the visa has been granted and the au pair actually holds the visa in their hands.
Must the au pair arrive exactly on the contract start date?
No. The contract start date is the earliest possible date on which the au pair is allowed to enter Germany. They do not have to arrive on this exact day.
Who decides the arrival date?
You as the host family agree the specific arrival date together with your au pair. By mutual agreement, you can decide when the au pair should start with you and travel to Germany.
Who books and pays for the flight?
When it comes to booking the flight, we as an agency provide support together with the au pair and our partner agency in the home country, and coordinate the right flight with you as the host family.
Which airport does the au pair fly to?
Please choose a larger international airport for the arrival wherever possible. Airports such as Frankfurt, Munich or Hamburg offer a wider range of international connections and often cheaper flights too.
Do we have to collect our au pair from the airport?
Yes. As a host family, you are responsible for collecting your au pair from the agreed airport on arrival, and for providing corresponding support with the departure at the end of the au pair stay.
What happens if the visa is delayed?
Do not worry — a delayed arrival does not automatically mean you lose part of the au pair time.
Does the au pair contract need to be adjusted if the arrival is delayed?
No. The au pair contract does not need to be reissued or adjusted if the arrival is delayed.
What happens to the insurance if the arrival is postponed?
If your au pair's arrival is postponed, please inform the Dr.-Walter-Au-pair-Versicherung before the originally agreed insurance start date and before the first payment is collected. The insurance can be put on hold, or the start date adjusted, until the actual arrival.
How does the return journey after the au pair year work?
Towards the end of the au pair time, the au pair should decide in good time whether they will return to their home country or, for example, stay in Germany for an FSJ (a voluntary social year) or vocational training.
What happens if the au pair then stays in Germany for an FSJ (a voluntary social year) or vocational training (Ausbildung)?
If the au pair wants to stay in Germany for an FSJ (a voluntary social year) or Ausbildung (vocational training) after their au pair year, they must independently and in good time find a suitable place.
What happens if the FSJ (a voluntary social year) or vocational training does not start straight after the au pair time?
If there is a gap between the end of the au pair time and the start of an FSJ (a voluntary social year) or vocational training, the au pair must contact the relevant Ausländerbehörde (local immigration authority) in good time.
Can the au pair year be extended?
No. An au pair stay in Germany is legally limited to a maximum of 12 months and cannot be extended beyond that.
How recent must the erweiterte Meldebescheinigung be for the Botschaftstermin?
For the au pair's visa application, the host family needs an erweiterte Meldebescheinigung (an extended certificate of registration). This should be as current as possible and no older than 12 months.
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