More than a placement agency. A partner in your cultural exchange.
We provide the safety, structure, and support to ensure both sides thrive.
A successful au pair year requires far more than just signing a contract. It requires careful alignment of values, seamless navigation of German bureaucracy, and a reliable safety net when challenges arise.
Explore our comprehensive service approach below, from our meticulous screening process to the ongoing local support we provide for both host families and au pairs.
Our core pillars:
Guidance
Support
Mediation
It Takes More
Than a Profile
A successful cultural exchange doesn't happen by chance. It requires aligned expectations and continuous support to ensure both the family and the au pair truly thrive. That is where our expertise comes in.
That's WhyOur Support
Matters
A guided path to a
lastingconnection.
Knowing exactly what comes next brings peace of mind. We have mapped out the entire process into six clear steps. From the first interview to your au pair's arrival, this is the exact roadmap we will walk together.
Candidate Screening
OVERVIEW
We manually verify references, conduct criminal background searches, and ensure every candidate aligns with our strict care values before they ever reach your inbox. This ensures you only see top-tier, trustworthy applicants.
TIMELINE
1 - 2 Weeks
WHAT WE CHECK
- 01Criminal Background
- 02Childcare References
- 03Medical History
- 04Psychological Profile
THE OUTCOME
- 01Curated Shortlist
- 02Verified Dossiers
- 03Peace of Mind
Family Matching
OVERVIEW
We don't just match profiles; we match personalities. Our team curates specific candidates based on your family's unique lifestyle, schedule, and childcare needs to guarantee a perfect cultural fit.
TIMELINE
1 - 3 Weeks
ALIGNMENT
- 01Schedule Synergy
- 02Dietary Needs
- 03Discipline Style
- 04Language Goals
THE OUTCOME
- 01Perfect Harmony
- 02Shared Values
- 03Mutual Respect
Interview Support
OVERVIEW
We facilitate the video interviews, provide you with structured question guides, and sit in on calls if needed to ensure expectations are crystal clear from the very beginning.
PLATFORMS
Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp
OUR ROLE
- 01Scheduling
- 02Translation Help
- 03Vibe Check
- 04Post-Call Debrief
THE OUTCOME
- 01Clear Expectations
- 02Confirmed Match
- 03Signed Agreement
Visa & Bureaucracy
OVERVIEW
Navigating German regulations can be daunting. We draft the official contracts, prepare the visa paperwork, and provide the au pair with an embassy checklist so the legal process is seamless.
AGENCY
Bundesagentur für Arbeit
PAPERWORK
- 01Au Pair Contract
- 02Invitation Letter
- 03Insurance Proof
- 04ZAV Approval
THE OUTCOME
- 01Approved Visa
- 02Legal Compliance
- 03Flight Booking
Cultural Orientation
OVERVIEW
Before arrival, we provide a welcome handbook and assist with enrolling the au pair in the mandatory German language course (VHS or Goethe-Institut) so they hit the ground running.
LANGUAGE LEVEL
A1 Minimum Required
PREPARATION
- 01German Handbook
- 02Emergency Contacts
- 03Transit Maps
- 04Cultural Nuances
THE OUTCOME
- 01Smooth Arrival
- 02Confident Au Pair
- 03Immediate Integration
Ongoing Support
OVERVIEW
Our job doesn't end when they arrive. We provide 12 months of dedicated mediation, community events, and a rematch guarantee if things don't work out. You are never alone in this journey.
GUARANTEE
Free Rematch within 4 weeks
COMMUNITY
- 01Monthly Meetups
- 02WhatsApp Group
- 03Mediation Calls
- 04Tax/Elterngeld Advice
THE OUTCOME
- 01Lifelong Bond
- 02Supported Family
- 03Successful Year
Your German adventure starts here. No agency fees, just support.
Host families cover the placement costs. You focus on the journey.
Applying through Aupair Garden is completely free for candidates. We provide hands-on assistance with your profile, host family interviews, and the entire visa process.
Your only job is to understand what it truly means to become an au pair in Germany. We have a dedicated page that covers everything you need to know about the daily life, responsibilities, and cultural benefits.
Review our baseline requirements below, and when you are ready, apply to begin your journey.
Expert Guidance
on Legalities
You have already found your ideal au pair. Let us handle the complex German bureaucracy, contracts, and visa paperwork so you can focus on welcoming them to your home.
Premium All-Inclusive
Service
From meticulous vetting and personalized matching to handling every single legal requirement. This is our complete, hands-free concierge service for total peace of mind.
Expert Guidance on Legalities
You have already found your ideal au pair. Let us handle the complex German bureaucracy, contracts, and visa paperwork so you can focus on welcoming them to your home.
Premium All-Inclusive Service
From meticulous vetting and personalized matching to handling every single legal requirement. This is our complete, hands-free concierge service for total peace of mind.
Baseline Standards.
We hold our au pairs to the highest standard. To guarantee the safety and success of our host families, every candidate must meet strict prerequisites before they are even considered for placement.
We do not rely on algorithms. Every candidate undergoes a rigorous, one-on-one video interview with our team. We evaluate their maturity, adaptability, and genuine passion for childcare to ensure they align perfectly with our core values and your family's expectations.
Safety and capability are non-negotiable. We require extensive, documented childcare references from previous employment, educational settings, or structured programs. Our team manually verifies these references so you can trust the hands holding your child.
Your family's peace of mind is our highest priority. Before a profile is ever presented to you, candidates must provide a spotless, official criminal background check from their home country, alongside a certified medical clearance.
Clear communication is the foundation of a successful year. Candidates must prove a foundational A1 level of German proficiency (via Goethe-Institut or equivalent) or demonstrate active, committed enrollment in a language course prior to arrival.
Questions
We know every experience is unique, and you might have some questions before getting started.
The timeline is entirely up to you. Some families find their perfect match in a few days, while others take time to interview multiple candidates. Once you've matched, German visa and travel processing times will vary based on current embassy schedules.
Host families must provide a private bedroom, full board, a weekly stipend, and welcome the au pair as a member of the family, not just an employee. Specific regulatory requirements strictly follow German au pair guidelines.
Safety is our top priority. We manually verify references, conduct criminal background searches, and hold individual video interviews to ensure alignment on care values and house guidelines before any matching begins.
Your initial consultation to discuss your family's needs is completely free. We only charge a placement fee once you have successfully matched and both parties have signed the placement agreement.
While we strive for perfect alignment, we understand that sometimes things don't work out. We offer a dedicated mediation period, and if the situation cannot be resolved, we provide rematch support to find a better fit for both the family and the au pair.
Yes. The au pair program is a cultural exchange, not full-time employment. Regulations in Germany strictly limit working hours (up to 30 hours per week) and guarantee minimum time off and vacation days.
Yes! We offer a 'Pre-Matched' service where we step in to handle the background checks, contract creation, German visa support, and ongoing community guidance for a reduced agency fee.
Our Services
Discover the comprehensive support and tailored services we offer. From matching and visa assistance to ongoing community support, we ensure a seamless experience.
The Experience
Learn what it truly means to open your home to a new culture as a host family, or to embark on a life-changing journey as an au pair without any application fees.