Cultural exchange and domestic chores
An au pair is a person who stays with a family in a foreign country in order to improve his or her language skills and to learn about that country’s culture. In exchange, the au pair helps with domestic chores like for example cleaning, washing clothes, cooking, and looking after the host family's children.

Rights and obligations
Au pair means "on equal terms". This means that an au pair is considered to be an equal member of the host family. The au pair must be provided with free room and board and should generally be treated on equal terms with other family members. Their daily domestic chores must not exceed five hours a day and 30 hours a week. The au pair has the right to a weekly day off and must also receive an allowance no less than the current minimum.

Conditions for hiring an au pair
To obtain a residence permit, the au pair must be between 17-29 years of age and unmarried. The au pair is entitled to his or her own room at the host family, who must have at least one child under the age of 18 living at home. The two parties enter into a joint au pair contract, which is linked to a residence permit of up to 18 months. The residence permit can only be extended in exceptional circumstances.