About Au Pair Garden
Au Pair Garden is a cultural exchange placement agency based in Germany. We facilitate connections between international au pairs and host families across Germany, operating in accordance with the guidelines of the German Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) and applicable European Union law.
Scope of Services
Au Pair Garden provides matching and placement services between au pairs and host families. Our services include profile review, candidate matching, consultation, and ongoing support throughout the placement process. We do not employ au pairs directly; the placement constitutes a cultural exchange arrangement, not an employment contract.
Eligibility
Au pairs must be between 18 and 26 years of age at the time of application, hold basic German language skills (minimum A1 level), and must not have previously participated in an au pair program in Germany. Host families must have at least one parent holding German, EU, EEA, or Swiss citizenship and must speak German as the primary household language.
Agency Fees
Au Pair Garden's placement services are provided entirely free of charge to au pairs, in compliance with German law which prohibits agencies from charging au pairs more than a nominal amount. Host families are charged a service fee based on the scope of the package selected. Our Pre-Matched Service (€350) covers legal administration, contracts, and visa preparation. Our Full Match & Placement Service (€1,200) covers full candidate screening, matching, all legal requirements, and ongoing support with a rematch guarantee. All fees are due after the service has been confirmed and agreed upon.
Placement Process
Au Pair Garden acts as an intermediary only. Once a match is made and accepted by both parties, the legal relationship is exclusively between the au pair and the host family. Au Pair Garden is not a party to the au pair contract and accepts no liability arising from the conduct of either party during or after the placement.
Regulatory Framework
All placements arranged by Au Pair Garden are intended to comply with the conditions set by the German Federal Employment Agency, including the statutory limits on working hours (maximum 30 hours per week), mandatory pocket money (currently €280 per month), accommodation and meal obligations, language course contributions, and health, accident and liability insurance requirements.
Cancellations & Withdrawals
Either party may withdraw from a confirmed placement before the au pair's arrival without penalty, provided written notice is given to Au Pair Garden at least 14 days in advance. Fees already paid by host families will not be refunded after the au pair's stay has begun. Au Pair Garden reserves the right to cancel a placement at any time if either party is found to have provided false information or to be in breach of these terms.
Limitation of Liability
Au Pair Garden's liability is limited to direct damages caused by gross negligence or wilful misconduct on the part of the agency. We accept no liability for the conduct, actions, or omissions of au pairs or host families, nor for any losses arising from a breakdown of a placement. Our total liability shall not exceed the fee paid by the host family for the relevant placement.
Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany. Any disputes arising from or relating to these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Germany.
Changes to These Terms
Au Pair Garden reserves the right to amend these terms at any time. Updated terms will be published on this page with a revised effective date. Continued use of our services after publication constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
Contact
For any questions regarding these terms, please contact us at inquiries@aupairgarden.com.