The host family must provide not only a room but also an allowance of at least one-fifth of the legal minimum wage as pocket money and cover most expenses. These include language lessons, insurance, and meals, among others.
Create your file
You are about to actualise your decision and embark on a beautiful journey!
Now that you know the prerequisites, you can complete the file online or using the paper version.
Important
Remember, we do not handle au pair search requests! We are here to oversee and manage proper administrative procedures.
If you need assistance, specialised agencies or associations can help you with the search and matching services.
Before you begin – ensure you have all the necessary documents ready. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
For the host family
For each new hosting of an au pair, the host family must submit these documents even if they already have approval.
A certificate of residence issued within the last 3 months (issued by the municipality of residence)
An extract of the criminal record dated within the last 3 months for each adult member to prove compliance with moral standards
Evidence that day-care for childrenunder the age of 6 has been arranged for the period of the young au pair’s stay
For the au pair
A copy of a valid ID card or passport
A residence certificate from the current residence
A copy of the education certificate/diploma enabling access to higher education in the home country, or proof that the applicant attended classes at least until the age of 17
A medical certificate issued less than 3 months before submitting the complete file to the SNJ, attesting to the au pair’s ability to perform light household tasks, including childcare.
A sworn statement declaring that there is no family relationship up to the 4th degree between the host family and the au pair.
Include the hosting agreement outlining the rights and duties of both parties. The agreement must include the following elements:
The duration of the au pair stay (without exceeding one year)
The time dedicated to family tasks and the planned schedules
The days off
The location of the au pair stay and the housing conditions
The tasks to be performed by the au pair and the means provided for their execution
Language courses funded by the host family for the au pair
The amount of the allowance granted as pocket money to the au pair throughout the stay
A statement that the agreement is concluded subject to the host family’s approval and the au pair’s acceptance (a template is included in the application file).
Practical Questions
What are the conditions a family must meet to host an au pair?
- The family must have at least one child under 13 and for those with children under 6, the family must prove that they employ external supervision.
- They should provide a separate room for the au pair. The au pair is not available 24/7, and there are regulations on their working hours: a maximum average of 5 hours per day over a week, and 25 hours per week over a month or four weeks.
What are the criteria an au pair needs to meet?
- The au pair should have a diploma or other proof from their country granting access to higher education or evidence that they attended school until age 17.
- They should have English or one of the country’s administrative languages (Luxembourgish/German/French) at level A2 and basic knowledge of one of the family’s spoken languages (level A1). If the family speaks a different language than those mentioned, a contract must be agreed upon with an approved host family.
- They must present a medical certificate proving their mental and physical abilities for childcare and light household tasks.
- They must not have a family relationship with the host family up to the 4th degree.
Is the au pair at the disposal of the host family?
No, the weekly work time of an au pair is limited to 25 hours. The premise of the au pair exchange is that the host family receives help with child care in exchange for hosting a young person to familiarise themselves with the Luxembourgish language and culture. To achieve this, the au pair needs sufficient free time. Typically, the au pair is entitled to one day off weekly and two extra days off monthly. The specific working hours should be agreed upon by the host family and the au pair in the contract.
Do we need to take an au pair on holiday with us?
No law obliges the host family to include the au pair in private activities. However, it’s essential to consider the au pair as part of the family, making cohabitation easier if the au pair feels welcome.
What expenses are the responsibility of the host family?
What are the tasks of an au pair in a host family?
Childcare :
- Prepare children in the morning for school/nursery (help them dress and prepare their packed lunch/bag);
- Play with children;
- Supervise children during homework;
- Take children to and from school/nursery;
- Accompany children to leisure activities and excursions;
- Introduce children to their language and culture; Play with children;
- Have meals with children or assist them;
- Supervise children in the evening if parents are absent.
Light household tasks:
- Take care of children’s laundry;
- Prepare small meals for/with children;
- Run small errands; Unload the dishwasher;
- Tidy the children’s room;
- Tidy and clean their own room and bathroom.
What tasks should an au pair not undertake in a host family?
- Cleaning private family spaces (for example, parents’ bedroom or bathroom);
- cleaning or tidying the garage, cellar, attic, etc.;
- Car washing; Gardening; Family laundry;
- Preparing meals for the whole family.
Are language courses mandatory for the au pair?
Yes, the obligation to attend language courses throughout the stay in Luxembourg is part of the agreement. The host family covers the costs, although the choice must be discussed with the host family beforehand (duration, costs, etc.).
Can an au pair work elsewhere?
No, the au pair program in Luxembourg aims to share Luxembourgish culture with young people from other countries. For this purpose, the au pair must have enough free time that should not be used to earn money.
What are the SNJ's missions?
The SNJ processes requests from host families and au pairs and ensures compliance with legal conditions. Additionally, the SNJ organises mandatory information sessions for au pairs and mediates conflicts between both parties.
Is there a law in Luxembourg governing the stay of au pairs and the conditions of the stay?
Yes, it’s the amended law of February 18th, 2013. The au pair enters into a contract with the host family that includes previous agreements on tasks, free time, pocket money, etc., and the rights and duties that apply to both parties. The SNJ ensures compliance with this contract.
Is there a standard contract for the stay of an au pair?
Yes, the standard contract is in the application form to be authorised to host an au pair.
What is an au pair?
An “au pair” is a person aged 18 to 29 who lives with a family abroad for a short period of time and helps with childcare.
In return, the young person is integrated into the family, accommodated and fed by the host family, provided with pocket money, and allowed to discover and experience a country, language, and culture. Au pairs are not employees but full members of the family.
They’re not meant to serve as 24/7 babysitters. The aim of the au pair program is a cultural exchange between the host family and the au pair.