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Everything you need to know as a host family
Here you will find a clear overview of the host family journey, including the key steps and important information to help you get started.
You can begin by choosing between our self-match and full-service formulas. Once you have found a suitable candidate, the registration process can begin. Should you have any questions along the way, our team will be happy to assist you!
Discover the next steps below
How does it work?
1.
After exploring the information on our website, you will have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the programme. You are then ready to book your intake call & to register on our portal platform, where you can choose between the self-match and full-service formulas. The team will be happy to guide you through the next steps of your au pair journey.
2.
Once your registration has been completed and you have a clear understanding of the cultural exchange programme, we schedule an intake interview for your self-match au pair. Candidates within our full-service formula will be presented to you and can be interviewed by your family. Matching the right au pair is an important step in creating a successful experience.
3.
Once a match has been made, we take care of the administration. After the administrative file has been completed, flights can be arranged. You can monitor the progress of your file online or contact us for updates at any time. Before your au pair’s arrival, we provide the insurance documents and all the necessary information to ensure a smooth arrival in Belgium.
4.
Upon arrival in Belgium, the au pair must register with the local municipality and complete the necessary formalities. Au Pair Office provides guidance and support throughout the placement. Au pairs can participate in our social events and coffee calls. We remain in close contact with both host families and au pairs throughout the entire placement.
Requirements
To become a host family in Belgium, the following requirements must be met:
» officially live in Belgium;
» have at least one child under 13 years old lives home at least 50% of the time;
» all family members must have a clean criminal record;
» speak one of the Belgium’s national languages;
» be able to communicate with the au pair;
» provide board and lodging;
» provide a private bedroom that can be closed;
» provide insurance for the au pair;
» provide monthly pocket money of at least €450 (€750 in Wallonia);
» give the au pair time to attend the obligatory language lessons;
» limit child related and light household tasks to max. 4h/day and 20h/week;
» allow the au pair to experience Belgian culture;
» cooperate with any inspections required by the competent authorities;
» invite the au pair as full member of the family;
» grant the au pair free access to the house.
Self match
In this formula, the host family has already found an au pair independently, for example through platforms such as AuPairWorld or through their own network. We support both the host family and the au pair by providing professional guidance throughout the placement process.
To ensure a smooth placement, both the host family and the au pair register through our platform. During the host family intake, we discuss expectations and whether the au pair programme is the right fit. Self match au pairs are invited for an intake with Au Pair Office to discuss the cultural programme, expectations, and their motivation for becoming an au pair in Belgium.
We verify the required documentation and manage the administrative process for both EU and non EU au pairs. Acting on behalf of the host family, we apply for the work permit where required and guide all parties through the necessary formalities.
The Self Match fee is divided into two parts: (1) start up costs, payable upon completion of the host family registration, and (2) administration and consultancy costs, payable once the match has been confirmed. The au pair does not pay Au Pair Office.
Full service
In this formula, host families are introduced to carefully selected candidates recruited by our trusted sending partner agencies. During the host family intake, we discuss expectations and whether the au pair programme is the right fit. Through our secure portal, families can review comprehensive au pair profiles and explore suitable matches.
Candidates are screened by their local sending agencies and are expected to demonstrate strong communication skills, together with a genuine affinity for children and cultural exchange. Following successful interviews, the match can be confirmed.
We verify the required documentation and manage the administrative process for both EU and non EU au pairs. Acting on behalf of the host family, we apply for the work permit where required and guide all parties through the necessary formalities.
The Full Service fee is divided into three parts: (1) start up costs, payable upon completion of the host family registration, (2) matching costs, payable once the match has been confirmed, and (3) administration costs relating to the placement process. The au pair does not pay Au Pair Office.
Good to know
» Host families should know that the program is one of cultural exchange.
» Household chores and childcare are not the sole purpose of the au pair stay.
» If an au pair arrives later than the start date of the work permit, we can take care of extending the paperwork at an administrative cost;
» We also offer short-term and summer placements.
» Your kids of age are welcome as an outbound au pair with us too.
» Families pay for the ticket/travel of au pair to Belgium, and for the return ticket home, if the contract is completed.
» Host families pay for the obligatory language courses.
Important information
Navigate the tabs on the left to read detailed information
Navigate the tabs to read detailed information
» Non-European au pairs and host families sign the official Belgian au pair contract.
» European au pairs and host families sign an official European contract.
» The au pair contract remains valid for the entire duration of the au pair stay.
» The au pair undertakes not to work in Belgium in any other way during the au pair stay or after the work permit expires and undertakes to leave Belgium from that moment onwards.
» It is important that all expectations are discussed in advance and communicated to Au Pair Office so that we can include them in the official contract.
» Au pairs are allowed to work 4 hours per day (including babysitting & light household chores) which amounts to 20 hours per week, spread over a maximum of 6 days per week. The work schedule should be agreed in advance and should be clear to both parties.
» One day off per week is mandatory. It should always be possible to freely engage in religious expression.
» (Public) holidays of au pairs are not regulated by law in Belgium; during (public) holidays, au pairs are paid.
– In case of early termination-
» It is possible to terminate the contract early for valid reasons.
» The advice here is to observe a 14-day notice period with mutual consent.
» For serious reasons, the au pair contract can also be terminated immediately without notice.
» In Belgium, the au pair is entitled to a one-off rematch if the au pair has not yet reached the age of 26 in Flanders and Brussels and 30 in Wallonia.
» It is possible for a resident to drive with a legally valid national driving license plus international driving license for 185 days in Belgium.
» An au pair can drive with a recognised European or recognised non-European driving license and convert it into a Belgian license during the stay.
» Recognized licenses in Belgium can be found here.
» Questions about liability and insurance will be answered by an insurance broker.
» Host families should know that the program is one of cultural exchange.
» Household chores and childcare are not the sole purpose of the au pair stay.
» If an au pair arrives later than the start date of the work permit, we can take care of extending the paperwork at an administrative cost;
» We also offer short-term and summer placements.
» Your kids of age are welcome as an outbound au pair with us too.
» Each au pair must be insured during the au pair stay.
» Host families can take out these policies via Au Pair Office.
» Outbound au pairs can take out this policy via the receiving or sending agency.
» Each host family is obliged to take out an insurance for the Non-EU au pair during the entire period of the stay. The insurance shall cover medical, pharmaceutical and hospitalization costs. Furthermore, this insurance should cover any early repatriation of the au pair due to illness or accident.
» The EU au pair should check with the health insurance company whether the cover for the stay in Belgium is guaranteed. The host family should also take out an additional insurance policy covering all medical costs and repatriation.
» Au pairs must attend language courses throughout their placement. Depending on the region, the au pair will attend a language course in Dutch, French or German.
» The course must be offered by a recognized institution: private lessons or distance learning will not be accepted by the Belgian authorities.
» If the au pair has no basic knowledge of one of the regional languages, he/she will attend an intensive language course on arrival in Belgium.
» The time commitment will be organized so that the au pair has the opportunity to follow courses.
» You can check these links for accredited schools in Belgium.
– Flanders and Brussels Capital region:
· Compulsory test Dutch for foreigners click here. For adult education schools click here.
– Wallonia and Brussels Capital region:
· For recognized schools click here.
» Au pairs receive at least €450,- (Flanders, Brussels) or €750,- (Wallonia) pocket money per month, including during inactivity or holidays.
» Non-European au pairs must open a bank account on arrival.
Considering a rematch can be a difficult step. Living together in a cultural exchange setting requires flexibility, communication, and mutual respect. Occasionally expectations or personalities simply do not match as hoped.
Before considering a rematch, it is important to take time to reflect and to discuss concerns openly. In many situations misunderstandings can be resolved through clearer communication or adjustments in expectations.
Au Pair Office is here to support and to guide the emotional, practical, and administrative aspects of a rematch.
Things you may want to reflect on:
• Have expectations and responsibilities been clearly discussed with the au pair?
• Could the situation improve through better communication or clearer structure?
• Have concerns been discussed calmly and respectfully with the au pair?
• Has Au Pair Office been informed so that we can help explore possible solutions?
Sometimes these conversations already help improve the situation. If not, a rematch may lead to a better match for everyone involved.
Au Pair Office will always encourage open dialogue and constructive solutions first, while ensuring that the rules and spirit of the au pair program are respected by all parties.
– Important facts-
• The work permit issued for the au pair is specific to your host family and cannot be transferred to another family.
• If a rematch takes place, a new work permit application must be submitted by the new host family for the next placement.
• After the notice period ends, the new work permit application must be submitted within one month.
• During the rematch process the au pair must remain legally registered, insured and enrolled in a language course, as required by the au pair program.
• The rematching au pair must not deregister from the municipality during the rematch process, as this may affect the legal residence status.
• Once the new work permit is approved, the au pair must register at the municipality of the new host family’s address with the new work permit. If this registration does not take place within the required time, the residence status may eventually be cancelled by the authorities.
• In case of an early termination, the authorities may carry out an inspection before a new work permit can be approved.
• There is no legally fixed notice period, but in mutual respect we strongly recommend observing a two-week notice period whenever possible.
Au Pair Office will guide the rematch process and help ensure that the transition happens in a respectful and well-organized way for everyone involved.
» A European au pair can apply for a residence card in Belgium without a Visa.
» A Non-European au pair can apply for a residence card in Belgium with a Visa or with a valid residence card from another EU country.
» Some countries are exempt from Visa requirements for short-term stays, and can therefore already travel to Belgium as a tourist. These nationalities can apply for a residence permit without a visa, if the other procedure has been followed.
» It is allowed to stay in Belgium, during a work card application.
To become a host family in Belgium, the following requirements must be met:
» officially live in Belgium;
» have at least one child under 13 years old lives home at least 50% of the time;
» all family members must have a clean criminal record;
» speak one of the Belgium’s national languages;
» be able to communicate with the au pair;
» provide board and lodging;
» provide a private bedroom that can be closed;
» provide insurance for the au pair;
» provide monthly pocket money of at least €450 (€750 in Wallonia);
» give the au pair time to attend the obligatory language lessons;
» limit child related and light household tasks to max. 4h/day and 20h/week;
» allow the au pair to experience Belgian culture;
» cooperate with any inspections required by the competent authorities;
» invite the au pair as full member of the family;
» grant the au pair free access to the house.
Let's keep in touch!
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