Au pair stay in the Netherlands

PLEASE NOTE: From 1 June 2013, it will be COMPULSORY to apply through an offically recognised agency in the Netherlands to organise the au pair stay! For further information, please read our news.

Step 1: Check the validity of your passport

Make sure that you hold a valid passport or identity card before planning your trip. As an EU or EFTA citizen, you do not need an entry visa to the Netherlands. You will however need a residence permit as an au pair.

Step 2: Register with the municipality of your host family

As you intend to stay in the Netherlands longer than 3 months, you must register with the municipality of your host family upon your arrival. There, you will be registered in the municipal basic administration (de Gemeentelijke Basisadministratie persoonsgegevens – GBA). Please note that you will need to take a certified and translated birth certificate with you.

Step 3: Register with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service

Once you have registered with the municipality of your host family, you will have to apply for a residence permit (verblijfsvergunning – VVR) at the Immigration and Naturalisation Services (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst – IND). You should submit your application within 8 days of your arrival. First make an appointment with the IND desk in your region. They will tell you which documents you need to bring along. After having made an appointment, the IND will send you a confirmation to your address along with the application form. You will also be asked to include official foreign documents to your application. These might need to be legalised and/or translated if they are not in Dutch, English, French or German. Please note that the application for a residence permit costs 600 euros. The issued residence permit is valid for maximum 12 months and cannot be extended. Do not forget to sign the official au pair contract with your host family. You will also have to sign a declaration of awareness (bewustverklaring) stating that your stay in the Netherlands is temporary.