An au pair lives with a German host family and helps with childcare and light housework in exchange for a room, meals, a small allowance and the chance to improve German. It is a cultural exchange, not a job or a study route. To qualify you must be 18 to 26, unmarried, without children, and able to show basic German (level A1).
This guide follows official German embassy information and the Philippine Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), in plain words. Each point links to its source so you can check it yourself. Exact rules can differ between embassies, so confirm the details with the German Embassy in Manila before you apply.
Who can be an au pair
- You are between 18 and 26 years old when you apply.
- You are not married and have no children.
- You have not been an au pair in Germany before. An au pair stay is only possible once.
- You are not related to the host family.
What you need
A host family and a written contract
You need a placement with a host family before you apply for the visa, found directly or through a placement agency. The written contract covers your allowance, working hours, accommodation and health insurance. The host family’s main spoken language must be German.
Basic German: level A1
Official embassy guidance asks for basic German knowledge. Some embassies may accept conversational ability shown at the interview instead of a formal certificate, but that varies by embassy and is not guaranteed. Ask the Manila embassy which proof it accepts.
Insurance and length of stay
You need health and travel insurance that meets the minimum coverage. The stay is planned for 6 to 12 months.
The Philippine side: CFO registration
Au pair visa holders leaving for Europe must complete registration with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and its Guidance and Counseling Program before they go. You receive a Guidance and Counseling Certificate and an Emigrant Registration Sticker. Without them, you can be denied departure at the airport even with a valid German visa.
Where do I start?
- Find a host family, directly or through a placement agency.
- Book a basic German course or an A1 test if you are not at that level yet.
- Ask the German Embassy in Manila what German proof it accepts and which documents it needs.
- Register with the CFO and complete the Guidance and Counseling Program well before your departure date.
Not sure au pair is the right route for you? Answer a few questions and get a free roadmap that compares the options that fit your situation.
Need German for the A1 test? Find language schools and exam centers. Other routes: study, Ausbildung or work.
Official sources
- German embassy: au pair visa
- Commission on Filipinos Overseas: visa class checklist
- Bureau of Immigration: CFO requirements
Last checked: September 20, 2026. This is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Rules change and differ between embassies, so confirm them on the official pages.