Routes after your au pair year
The au pair permit cannot be extended. If you meet the conditions, another permit can follow – but your au pair exchange ends.
Plan it early
3 months before
Check which permit fits and gather your documents.
Apply in time
Apply before your au pair permit expires – late means leaving first.
Leave on time
No next permit? Leave before your permit ends to avoid an entry ban.
Questions about after au pair
Can I stay as an au pair with another family for a second year?
No. The au pair permit is a one-time permit of at most one year.
Can I switch to another permit during my au pair year?
Yes, if you meet the conditions – but then your au pair exchange ends.
Does my au pair year count for permanent residence?
No. The au pair permit is temporary and does not count towards permanent residence.
What if I stay after my permit expires?
Then you stay illegally – which can lead to a return decision and an entry ban.
After your au pair year
Student permit
Admitted to a Dutch university or university of applied sciences? Your next step.
study-visa.nl Open website FamilyPartner visa
Met your partner here? Living together in the Netherlands.
partner-visa.nl Open website WorkHighly skilled migrant
A Dutch employer wants to hire you as a knowledge migrant.
hsmvisa.nl Open website Short staySchengen visa
Family or friends visiting you – up to 90 days.
shortstayvisa.nl Open websiteInformation valid for 2026, based on ind.nl and the European Migration Network. Rules can change – always check the latest information with us or on ind.nl.