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Become an Au Pair

Your Dutch Adventure Starts Here

Live with a Dutch family, explore a new culture, and gain valuable childcare experience — all while being fully supported by Sunshine.

Up to 12 months
€300–340/month
Events & support
Au pair enjoying life in the Netherlands
A cultural exchange

Life as an Au Pair

Here's what you can expect — what you'll receive and what your daily role looks like.

What You'll Receive
  • Private room and all meals provided
  • Pocket money of €320–€340 per month
  • Flight cost refund (optional, depends on agreement)
  • Optional Dutch language course
  • Events, meetups, and year-round support
  • Official residence permit for up to 12 months
Your Daily Role
  • Follow a set schedule of weekly hours
  • Max. 30 hours per week and max. 8 hours per day of program hours
  • 2 days off per week and at least one full weekend per month
  • Help with childcare related tasks and light household chores
  • Cooking simple meals and preparing snacks according to the schedule
Au pair programme guidelines and boundaries
Good to Know

Programme Boundaries

The au pair programme has clear rules set by the IND to protect both you and your host family.

  • You're not here to be a full-time cleaner or nanny — this is a cultural exchange
  • You cannot work outside the host family during your au pair year
  • Schedule changes is not allowed. Any schedule changes must follow IND rules
Exploring the Netherlands as an au pair
Cultural Exchange

Experience the Netherlands as an Au Pair

Living with a Dutch family is more than just living abroad — it's about joining in, learning a new culture, and sharing your own.

  • Discover Dutch traditions and daily life first-hand
  • Make friends from around the world at our events
  • Travel across Europe on your days off
Why the Netherlands?
Eligibility

Who Can Apply?

We welcome au pair applicants from around the world who meet the following requirements.

Single, never married, not in an official partnership and has no (foster) children
Between 18 and 25 years old
Speak English fluently (minimum B1 level)
Have a valid passport
High school or college graduate (or equivalent)
Fit to work with families and children, proven through medical clearance
Independent, caring, patient, communicative, open-minded with a positive attitude
Willing to learn and adjust to a different climate, culture and environment
Enthusiastic about working with children, with childcare experience proven through references
Can cook simple meals (sandwiches, omelettes, pasta, etc.)
Does not mind doing light household chores
Preferably can cycle (not required)
Important: Applicants should not pay more than €34 for registration, screening & training. Sunshine does not collect any agency or processing fee from applicants. We are not affiliated with any agents or third-party recruiters. Participation in our Dutch au pair programme is entirely free. If anyone requests a fee, it may be indicative of a scam.

Au Pair Responsibilities

Once matched with a host family, the au pair is responsible for:

  • Cost of relevant apostilled documents
  • All domestic travel costs
  • Cost of necessary medical checkup and lab tests
  • Have at least €400 available as an emergency fund
  • CFO seminar and travel tax costs (Filipino au pairs only)
These costs are paid directly by the au pair, not through Sunshine.

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

Apply today and take the first step toward an unforgettable experience in the Netherlands.

Apply as Au Pair
Free to apply Dedicated support Fully guided process

Have questions first? Get in touch — we're happy to help.