Become an Au Pair in the Netherlands

Have you always dreamed of going abroad? Do you love taking care of kids and being around them? Would you like to experience the Dutch culture and explore the Netherlands? Learn Dutch or improve your English? Then the Au Pair Program in the Netherlands might be for you!

As an au pair you can experience the Dutch life from up close, as you are part of a host family during your stay. The important task of caring care of the children will be assigned to you, and light household tasks such as; laundry, ironing, cooking and vacuuming may also be included on your duties as an aupair. In return you will receive room and board, and a pocket money of 340€ per month.

Being part of a host family’s household is the best way to discover and explore the Dutch culture!

WHAT IS AN AU PAIR?

An au pair is a young person who comes to live in a foreign country with a host family to learn the language and/or experience a different culture. The French word Au Pair means “equal to” which means the aupair and host family are on the same level, differently from an employee-employer relationship. As an Au Pair you help a family with childcare and light housework. In return for your help you receive full board and lodging, your own private room and a fixed amount of pocket money. Next to these conditions you should be treated as part of the family during your stay.

WHY THE NETHERLANDS

“””The Dutch culture is known to be very open and friendly. Young foreign people will notice the free and open vibe as soon as they arrive. The Dutch is also known for being the best English speakers among non native countries, which makes it easy for foreigners to communicate. It is very easy to get from A to B safely, so you can easily explore our little country and visit its beautiful cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam.

The Dutch

Integration and adaptation in the Netherlands is easy when you’re open to new experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to people you don’t know. Dutch people are very hospitable and will always help you out. Since most people in the Netherlands speak one or two extra languages (usually English), communicating is not a problem.

The Dutch are known for their professionalism; they like to get down to business straight away and they have a no-nonsense culture. Another trait of the Dutch is almost the opposite of this. The Dutch love to have a lot of time off and they like to spend their leisure time socializing; this is called “gezelligheid”. It is a typical Dutch word, which is untranslatable in any other language. Ask anybody in the Netherlands about this and they will all give a different explanation to the meaning of this word.

Transportation:

The Netherlands is small and cosy (also “gezellig”). Next to cars and public transport, biking is the most important and used transportation mode. With its endless miles of cycle paths and flat terrain, cycling is enjoyable and relaxing. The Dutch love their bikes!

Traditional festivities:

The most important holiday for Dutch children is “Sinterklaas”. This is celebrated on the 5th of December. On this date, also known as “pakjesavond”, Sinterklaas rides his horse over the roofs of the houses together with “zwarte Piet” to bring the little children presents. During the period leading up to Sinterklaas, the kids place their shoes near the chimney and sing songs at night to find them filled with small presents from Sinterklaas the next morning.

Another traditional festivity is Kingsday or ‘Koningsdag”, celebrated on the 27th of April. This is celebrated in honor of the King’s birthday. All people wear orange clothes and everything is decorated in orange. This day is celebrated throughout the country and it is an experience you will definitely enjoy.

Although the Dutch are very down to earth, they go mad whenever there is a national event. If, for instance, you’re visiting during the European football championships, the meaning of the Dutch word “gezelligheid” will be apparent in every city you visit.

DUTCH AU PAIR LAW (IND)

You cannot come to the Netherlands without an official IND ( Immigration and Naturalization Service) sponsored agency (Erkend Referent IND) like HBN. Au Pairs with a European nationality do not need an Au Pair visa or residence permit. However, they do need an authorized agency like HBN to legally join the Au Pair Program in the Netherlands. The Au Pair program in the Netherlands is set under strict legal conditions. These are set up to protect you as an Au Pair in the Netherlands.

LEGAL AU PAIR CONDITIONS

Aged between 18 and 31 years old
Legal valid passport
Never had a long-term residence in the Netherlands before (Au Pair VISA/ long-term VISA)
Certified birth certificate
Health certificate including a non-pregnant statement
Police Clearance /declaration of good behaviour
Non marital/ no children statement or declaration*
Maximum stay of 1 year
Visa/ residence permit (i.a)**
Need a Legal Sponsor (Erkend Referent)
Return ticket to the Netherlands (majority is paid by au pair)
May not pay more than 34 euros for registration/screening/training

*HBN keeps this condition, although legally the IND does not set this condition anymore

** Not applicable for citizen of the European Union

LEGAL PROGRAM CONDITIONS

Maximum of 30 working hours per week
Maximum of 8 working hours per day
Maximum of 3 babysitting nights per week
Minimum of 2 days off per week
Minimum of one full weekend off per month
2 weeks paid vacation per year
Full board and lodging
340 euros pocket money per month (maximum legal limit)
10 euros mobile phone credit per month
An Au Pair insurance + basic health insurance
A Dutch language course or other course to the maximum amount of 300 euros
Public Transport card (optional)
Museum card (optional)