Au pair rules in the Netherlands: the complete guide for host families
All the rules for au pairs in the Netherlands explained. From working hours and pocket money to IND requirements and residence permits. The full guide.
Taking in an au pair is a deliberate choice for many families in the Netherlands. It offers flexible childcare support and a unique cultural experience for the whole household. But it comes with clear rules. Knowing these rules prevents misunderstandings and sets the foundation for a smooth arrangement.
This article gives you a complete overview of the most important au pair rules in the Netherlands, based on IND guidelines, agency standards, and common practice in the sector.
What is an au pair in the Netherlands?
An au pair is not an employee. An au pair is a young person (aged 18 to 25) from abroad who temporarily lives with a host family as part of a cultural exchange. The au pair helps with household tasks and childcare, and in return receives room, board, pocket money, and the opportunity to experience Dutch culture and language.
This distinction matters. As long as the conditions are met, there is no employment relationship and no labor contracts or collective agreements apply. Note: if the conditions are exceeded (for example more than 30 hours per week or heavier tasks), a court can still classify the arrangement as employment, with a right to minimum wage and holiday pay. There are also clear guidelines from the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) and the sector that protect both parties.
Requirements to be an au pair in the Netherlands:
- Aged between 18 and 25 (at the time of application)
- Comes from abroad. Au pairs from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland need a residence permit; EU citizens can also be au pairs but do not need one
- Living with the host family
- Has never held a Dutch residence permit for cultural exchange (such as au pair or Working Holiday) and has not previously worked for the host family, even abroad
- The primary purpose is cultural exchange, not labor
Working hours and schedules
The hour limits for au pairs in the Netherlands are straightforward:
- Maximum 30 hours per week
- Maximum 8 hours per day
- Maximum 5 working days per week
- At least 2 full days off per week
All time the au pair spends on household tasks, childcare, cooking, grocery shopping, or school runs counts as working hours. Personal activities and language courses do not count.
It is wise not to consistently schedule at the maximum. Most host families plan between 25 and 28 hours per week, leaving room for unexpected situations. Read more about hour limits in our article on au pair working hours.
What can an au pair do and not do?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. The core principle: an au pair helps with light household tasks and childcare. They are not a cleaner, chef, or full-time nanny.
What is allowed:
- Looking after the children (playing, school runs, helping with homework)
- Light household tasks (vacuuming, tidying up, doing laundry)
- Preparing simple meals
- Grocery shopping for the household
- Accompanying children to activities
What is not allowed:
- Heavy cleaning work (washing windows, deep cleaning, garden maintenance)
- Full-time childcare without breaks
- Working for third parties (neighbors, friends, the host family's business)
- Tasks outside agreed working hours without prior discussion
- Working more than 30 hours per week
The rule of thumb: if you would hire a professional for the task, it does not belong with the au pair.
Pocket money and compensation
The host family is responsible for several financial obligations:
| Item | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Pocket money | Mandatory; legal maximum of €340 per month (Loonbesluit au pairs) |
| Room and board | Private room in the host family's home, meals included |
| Insurance | The au pair takes out basic health insurance themselves; the host family usually arranges supplementary au pair insurance (liability, accidents, repatriation) |
| Travel costs | Any transport costs for tasks (school runs, errands) |
Pocket money is mandatory: an au pair who receives no pocket money is, according to the IND, a signal of abuse of the arrangement. The amount does have a legal maximum of €340 per month, set in the Dutch au pair wage decree (Loonbesluit au pairs), so the arrangement stays a cultural exchange rather than paid work. Paying more than this brings tax risks. There is no legal minimum; in practice host families pay €300 to €340 per month and many agencies treat the maximum as the standard amount. Pocket money continues to be paid during leave and illness.
Important: the au pair does not pay rent or board. The host family covers all costs of accommodation.
Leave and free time
Au pairs are entitled to adequate free time and leave:
- Around 14 holiday days per year (common sector norm for a 12-month placement; not a legal requirement)
- At least 2 days off per week (preferably including 1 weekend day)
- Free evenings after working hours
- Pocket money continues during holidays and sick days
Leave is planned in consultation. The au pair can indicate preferred dates, but the host family also has input (for example around school holidays). See our detailed article on au pair leave and holiday rights for more information.
IND and residence permits
Au pairs from outside the EU/EEA need a residence permit to stay in the Netherlands. The host family plays an active role in this process.
The process:
- TEV application (Entry and Residence): An IND-recognized au pair agency (the recognized sponsor) submits the application to the IND. This is mandatory; the host family cannot file it themselves
- Awareness declaration: Both the host family and the au pair sign an awareness declaration (IND form 7150)
- Income requirement: The host family must have an independent, sustainable gross income of at least 1.5 times the statutory minimum wage (€3,785.94 gross per month for partners and €3,028.75 for a single parent as of 1 July 2026, including holiday allowance; adjusted twice a year)
- Registration: After arrival, the au pair registers at the municipality for inclusion in the BRP (Personal Records Database)
- Duration of stay: Maximum 1 year, non-renewable
Costs for the host family:
- IND application fees (approximately €423 in 2026, indexed annually)
- Any agency placement fees
- Supplementary au pair insurance (liability, accidents, repatriation)
Curious about the full picture, including pocket money, room and board, and hidden costs? See our complete cost overview for an au pair in the Netherlands.
EU citizens do not need a residence permit, but must register at the municipality (BRP) if staying longer than 4 months.
Overview: rights and obligations
| Topic | Host family | Au pair |
|---|---|---|
| Working hours | Schedule max 30 hours/week | Carry out agreed tasks |
| Pocket money | Pay pocket money, maximum €340/month | Not demand additional compensation |
| Housing | Provide a private room | Keep the room tidy |
| Insurance | Arrange supplementary au pair insurance | Take out basic health insurance |
| Leave | Grant 14 holiday days per year | Plan leave in consultation |
| IND | Submit application and cover costs | Cooperate with procedures |
| Tasks | Make clear agreements | Only perform agreed tasks |
| Culture | Create space for cultural exchange | Be open to Dutch culture |
Tips for a good partnership
The rules provide the framework, but a good au pair relationship depends on communication and mutual respect. A few practical tips:
- Put everything in writing: working hours, tasks, house rules and leave agreements. On paper or digital, so there is no room for dispute. Read our guide to setting up house rules.
- Schedule a weekly check-in. Ten minutes a week on what is working and what is not prevents small irritations from growing into conflicts.
- Respect free time. When working hours are over, the au pair is off duty; do not call or message about household matters unless it is truly necessary.
- Be specific about expectations. "Help out around the house a bit" is vague; "vacuum the living room on Mondays and Wednesdays" is concrete.
- Treat your au pair as a family member. Include them in family activities and show genuine interest in their background and culture.
Keep everything documented?
With Opairly you can manage house rules, tasks, and working hours in one place. So you and your au pair always know exactly where you stand. Try Opairly for free →
Sources
- IND. Background article: au pairs
- IND. Au pair awareness declaration (PDF)
- Government of the Netherlands. Au pair
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