You qualify if
- You are 18 to 25 years old
- You are not married
- You have no children or foster children
- You never held a regular Dutch residence permit
- You have not been an au pair in the Netherlands before
The au pair
Who can come as an au pair?
All conditions must be met on the day the agency files the application.
You must not have
- Paid fees to an agency or intermediary
- Paid more than €34 in preparation costs
- Signed a contract with a penalty clause
- Worked for this host family before
- A family tie with the host family
Documents
What you usually need
Valid passport
Valid for the whole stay – the agency sends a copy with the application.
Birth certificate
Often legalised or with an apostille, and translated.
Health insurance
Insurance that covers medical costs in the Netherlands.
TB test
Depending on your nationality: a TB test at the GGD within 3 months.
Nationality
Do you need an MVV?
Most nationalities
- The agency applies for the MVV and the permit together
- You collect the visa sticker at the embassy
- Then travel to the Netherlands within its validity
For example
- EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need no permit at all
- Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and some other countries need no MVV
- The agency still applies for the residence permit
FAQ
Questions about the requirements
I turn 26 next month – can I still apply?
Only if the application is filed before your 26th birthday. Timing matters.
I studied here before with a student permit. Can I be an au pair?
No. You must not have held a regular Dutch residence permit before.
Can my cousin host me?
No. The au pair must not be related to the host family – this includes cousins, aunts and uncles.
Do I need to speak Dutch?
No Dutch exam is required, but the agency checks that you can communicate with the family.
Related routes
After your au pair year
Study
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.