Au pair permit in the Netherlands
A cultural exchange of up to one year with a Dutch host family. The rules are strict – for the au pair, the host family and the agency.
Last checked: 20 October 2026 · 4-minute readWho can come as an au pair?
Age 18 to 25
You are at least 18 and not older than 25 when the application is filed.
Single, no children
You are not married and have no children or foster children.
First stay
You have never held a regular Dutch residence permit before.
No fees, no fines
You paid no fees to an agency – preparation costs are at most €34 – and signed no contract with a penalty clause.
The host family
Registered and resident
The family lives in the Netherlands, is registered in the BRP and you register at their address.
Two or more members
At least two family members, with Dutch nationality or a valid residence permit.
Income
The host family meets the IND income requirement.
No relatives
You are not related to the family, and you have not worked for them before.
The rules during your stay
Light housework only
At most 8 hours a day and 30 hours a week – no nursing or specialised care.
Two days off a week
A signed schedule for all 7 days shows your hours and your days off.
Only for your host family
No other job and no second family. You do not need a work permit.
One year, no extension
The permit is valid for at most 1 year and cannot be extended.
How the application works
- 1
Choose a recognised au pair agency
Only an agency recognised by the IND can apply for an au pair permit. The family and the au pair cannot apply themselves.
- 2
The agency files the application
Online through the IND Business Portal or on paper with form 7502 – together with the schedule and the family’s documents.
- 3
Decision and MVV
After approval, the au pair collects the MVV visa sticker at the Dutch embassy or consulate.
- 4
Arrival in the Netherlands
Collect the residence permit, register at the host family’s address and – if required – take the TB test at the GGD within 3 months.
When something goes wrong
The application is refused
You can object to the decision. We prepare the objection and represent you at the IND and in court.
Problems with the host family
More than 30 hours, no pocket money or no days off is abuse. Report it – you may change family through your agency.
The agency stops
With more than 3 months left on your permit, you have 3 months to find a new recognised agency.
After the au pair year
Study, a partner or a job? If you meet the conditions, you can apply for another permit.
Source: IND – Residence permit au pair and IND – FAQ au pairs and host families. Yari Immigration Services is an independent advisory firm and not part of the IND.