Preparing your au pair stay in Germany: an arrival checklist

Visa and Anmeldung

Depending on your nationality a visa is required before departure: start the application as soon as the offer is signed. On arrival, the Anmeldung at the city hall registers your address and unlocks many services.

At au pair in Berlin, Anmeldung slots are in high demand: book online as soon as you have housing. At au pair in Munich, the process is smoother but waiting times still deserve attention.

Insurance and health

Insurance is mandatory and often paid by the au pair. Check what the family covers and what you must take out yourself before leaving.

Keep the certificates in a digital folder: they are requested at the city hall, at the bank and sometimes at the language school.

Settling in and getting oriented

Open a bank account, learn the transport network and sign up for a German course in your first weeks. The monthly ticket covers the city at a modest cost.

Keep a reserve for set-up costs: deposit, phone plan and course materials. The first month always costs more than expected.

Documents to gather

Prepare passport, au pair contract, insurance certificate and financial proof in one folder. German administration appreciates tidy, complete files.

Check the validity period of every document and have official papers translated if needed. A missing item can postpone an appointment by weeks.

Note the contacts for the city hall, the language school and the family. Those simplify the first steps.

Mistakes to avoid

Failing to book the Anmeldung in time is the most common mistake: slots are scarce in big cities. Book as soon as you have a housing contract.

Forgetting insurance can delay opening a bank account and joining classes. Take it out before you leave.

Finally, clarify in writing the family’s contribution to course and transport costs. Those points noticeably change the stay budget.

Getting off to a good start with the children

Arrive with one or two simple activities suited to the children’s ages. A prepared activity shows commitment and eases the first contact.

Ask about household habits and precise expectations for mornings and evenings. In Germany these are often written down: read them carefully.

Write down safety instructions and useful numbers. Clear organisation from day one sets the tone for the whole year.