Netherlands: Au Pair Rules
In the Netherlands the au pair stay is a residence permit that only an au pair agency recognised by the immigration service (IND) can apply for. The conditions below are the IND’s own.
The rules
- Hours
Light housekeeping tasks for the host family, no more than 8 hours a day and a maximum of 30 hours a week.
Source: Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND), Netherlands (checked 17 Sep 2026)
- Time off
At least two days off each week.
Source: Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND), Netherlands (checked 17 Sep 2026)
- Age
At least 18 and no more than 25 years old at the time of the application.
Source: Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND), Netherlands (checked 17 Sep 2026)
- Length of stay
The au pair residence permit is valid for a maximum of one year.
Source: Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND), Netherlands (checked 17 Sep 2026)
- Agency
Only an au pair agency recognised by the IND can apply for this residence permit.
Source: Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND), Netherlands (checked 17 Sep 2026)
- Application fee
The application costs €423.
Source: Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND), Netherlands (checked 17 Sep 2026)
What we could not verify
These figures are missing on purpose. We found no official source stating them, and an estimate on a page about rules is worse than a gap.
- Pocket money. The IND page we cite states the hours and the permit, not an amount.
Sources
- Residence permit au pairImmigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND), Netherlands · checked 17 Sep 2026
This page is a summary of published rules, not legal advice. Rules change, and an authority can read its own rules differently in an individual case. Check the linked source, and ask your agency or the responsible authority before you sign.
Other countries
United States (J-1)
Federal exchange-visitor rules: 45 hours a week, 1½ days off, education requirement, sponsor and DS-2019.
Germany
30 hours a week, €280 pocket money a month, €840 towards a German course, six to twelve months.
France
25 hours a week, at least €320 pocket money a month, French course, long-stay visa “jeune au pair”.
Austria
16.5 hours a week including on-call time, at least €551.10 a month, notified to the AMS in advance.
United Kingdom
No au pair scheme: an au pair is an employee entitled to the National Minimum Wage.
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