Start Your Application

Apply as Au Pair

Whether you've already found a family or want to join our database — fill in the form below and your EP Coordinator will be in touch within 2 working days.

Free to apply
Fully guided
Cultural exchange
Au pairs enjoying their experience in the Netherlands
Your EP Coordinator will reach out within 2 working days

Two Ways to Apply

Choose the path that fits your situation.

No family yet

Join Our Database

Apply to join our candidate database. Our Program Managers will present your profile to suitable families. We don't assign families — matching happens by mutual agreement.

1
Complete the online form below with your personal details
2
Join a video call with your Sunshine EP Coordinator, if you are invited for a conversation
3
If accepted, your profile goes into our database
4
Once matched, we help you through visa, insurance, and flight planning
Already found a family

Self-Match

You've already found a host family in the Netherlands — great! Your host family initiates the process by registering with us and listing you as their chosen au pair. You don't need to register separately.

Share Registration Link with Your Host Family
Your host family completes the registration — not you

What Happens Next?

Once you've submitted the form, here's what to expect.

1
You submit
the form
2
If selected, your exchange participant coordinator
contacts you within 2 working days
3
Begin finding
your perfect match
Have questions? Get in touch with us
The rules behind it

Why the Process Is Structured This Way

In the Netherlands, the au pair program is closely regulated. The structure exists to keep it a cultural exchange, not a form of employment.

For au pairs, this means

Placements must be arranged through a recognised agency

Working hours are limited and monitored

A clear framework for living arrangements and responsibilities

It can feel formal at first, but it gives clarity and protection to both the au pair and the host family.

For Au Pairs

What Being Accepted Actually Means

Being accepted into the program with Sunshine means you have passed the screening stage and can be introduced to host families, unless you already found a family before coming to Sunshine.

What it means

You have passed the screening stage and can be introduced to host families. Unless you already found a family before coming to Sunshine.

What it does not mean

It does not mean that a placement has already been arranged. Acceptance is the start of the matching process, not the end of it.

How matching actually works

  • 1
    Families review your profile and decide whether they would like to speak with you.
  • 2
    Interviews take place between you and interested families.
  • 3
    Both sides decide whether they feel comfortable moving forward.

Some candidates match quickly, while others take longer, depending on preferences, timing, and availability.

Register as Au Pair

Complete your registration. If selected, your exchange participant coordinator will reach out within 2 working days to guide you through the next steps.

Start Registration
Free to apply · No obligation