Follow our tips on how to find the perfect au pair / the perfect host family with connectAuPair.

To obtain a working holiday visa, theoretically it is not necessary to obtain an invitation letter, if the person is able to prove sufficient funds.

It is necessary to have a minimum of EUR 2,500.

The host family is responsible for sufficient insurance of the au pair (see also "rules and regulations - health, accident and liability insurance").

See "rules & regulations - health, accident and liability insurance".

When staying in Belgium for more than 3 months, au pairs must normally have a national visa (D). The body responsible for issuing this visa is the Belgium diplomatic mission (embassy, consulate) in the country of origin.

Required documents:

• a completed visa application form;
• a valid passport;
• a medical certificate, written in the six months preceding the filing of the visa application by a doctor approved by the Belgian embassy.
• a valid work permit B (see also "step by step once you are in Belgium - work permit");
• a certificate attesting to the lack of any convictions for crimes or offenses under common law.

All documents must be translated to German, French or Dutch by a sworn translator.

It is necessary to pay a contribution covering administrative costs of an application (215 EUR).

For staying in Belgium for more than 3 months, the applicant must normally have a national visa (D). The body responsible for issuing this visa is the Belgium diplomatic mission (embassy, consulate) in the country of origin.

A list of the required documents can be found here.

It is necessary to pay the visa application fee (EUR 180 - 6660 NTD).

Which further documents the au pair probably needs to bring along?

To proof the payment of the pocket money, most families will want to transfer the money to a bank account of the au pair. Therefore the host family should check what documents the bank asks for to open a bank account for an au pair, so the au pair can organize them at home already (see also “bank account” below).

If the au pair wants to drive a car in the host country, (s)he eventually needs e.g. a legally attested copy of the national driving license. See also “driving license” further below.

The trip will normally be organized by the au pair, of course in accordance with the host family.

Even when everything is clear and all questions are asked, it's good to stay in touch until the journey starts - it's important that also the children get to know that a new au pair is coming and communicating from time to time through Skype is a good way to get used to each other.

What to take with you as au pair? In our community you can find tips from other au pairs!

Please note: Border authorities may examine whether the prerequisites for entry continue to apply. This examination is international practice. The au pair might be refused entry even though (s)he is in the possession of a valid visa, if the prerequisites for entry no longer apply.

Therefore the au pair should carry with him/her documents giving evidence to the purpose of the stay - in particular proof of sufficient funds (au pair contract) and health insurance.

Although it's not mandatory, normally the host family picks up the au pair from the airport or train station (or organizes a pick-up).

The first days should then be reserved for getting to know each other and introducing the au pair to the family's daily routines.

You are not sure how to welcome your au pair and which rules you should define? Have a look at our tipps and discuss with other families in our community!

You are feeling homesick, the kids don't seem to like you and you just feel like returning home asap? Get comfort and tipps from other au pairs in our community!
And with our nearBy function you can immediately see which other au pairs live nearby and can meet with them.

After arriving in Belgium, it is necessary to register in the municipal administration within 8 days.

Necessary documents:

• D-type Schengen visa;
• passport.

All nationals from non-EU countries need a valid work permit to be allowed to work as an au pair in Belgium. The host family must apply for a type B work permit for the au pair. The application must be submitted to the immigration service of the region where the au pair is going to stay (Brussels, Flanders or Wallonia).

In relation to the work perrmit:

The applicants who take up employment will be exempt from the obligation to hold a working permit.

The pocket money must be paid directly into a bank account.

Opening a bank account is generally a quick and simple process in Belgium. Banks usually only require passport, a bank application form and proof of address.

Some banks allow customers to open bank accounts online, and there are banks in Belgium that allow foreigners to open an account online before they arrive in Belgium. The bank must be informed once a residency permit has been issued.

A very good option for au pairs is an online bank like N26: It's very easy to open an account, it's for free and everything can be done via smartphone.

If the au pair comes from a country outside the EEA/EU area, different rules apply depending on what country he/she is from. However, it is possible to drive with a driver’s license from another country for one year, but the au pair must carry his/her license at all times, together with the International Driving Permit, which contains a translation of the license.

Belgium has a license agreement with certain countries in the world, so that their citizens are able to simply trade their license in for a Belgian one. To find out about what non-EU countries have which requirements, click here. 

According to the Immigration Office:

Only one change of host family is permitted, and only insofar as the total duration of the placement of the au pair does not exceed a total duration of one year and provided that all other conditions for the granting of the employment authorization and the work permit are likewise satisfied.

As normally the family pays for the insurance, either the current insurance must be taken over by the new family or the current insurance is terminated and a new policy is issued.

When changing residence in Belgium, the change of address must be declared at the local municipality's administration building of the new address within 8 working days of moving. 

On departure, it is recommended to notify the Belgium authorities and surrender the identity cards. If this cannot be done in person, notification may be given in writing. The authorities request that they are notified no later than the day prior to final departure.

Also consider the following, especially when the au pair leaves earlier than planned:

• Cancel standing order for pocket money
• Cancel au pair insurance