A unique way to welcome cultural exchange into your home while finding additional childcare support.
Fill out a short registration form. It takes less than 5 minutes and there's no obligation at this stage.
One of our program managers will reach out by email to discuss your needs and guide you through next steps.
Present your own self-matched candidate or we can present our au pairs for your review. We support both options.
After interviews, and mutual acceptance, we finalise the matching and prepare for the next step.
We handle the IND visa application and guide you through all required documentation until your au pair arrives.
Watch: The whole process in a nutshell
For most families, the idea of hosting an au pair starts with childcare. That is usually the practical need. But the program works quite differently from hiring a professional nanny or a part-time babysitter.
In the Netherlands, the au pair program is legally a cultural exchange. There are clear limits on working hours, responsibilities, and flexibility, and these are checked as part of the visa conditions.
The program is not built for open-ended availability, and knowing that from the start saves a lot of frustration later on.
At Sunshine Au Pair, a big part of what we do is help families shape their childcare needs into something that fits the program rules, so the arrangement actually works in daily life and not just on paper.
From the outside, arranging an au pair can look fairly quick, especially once a family has found someone they like. In reality, several stages depend on outside requirements that cannot be skipped or rushed.
These are the steps that shape the timeline:
Collecting official documents from the au pair's home country
Legalisation procedures for certain documents
Scheduling appointments at embassies or consulates
IND processing times once an application is submitted
Even when everything is prepared correctly, the embassy appointment itself depends on local availability in the au pair's country. In some regions, this can take several weeks.
Check that documents are correct before submission, so delays are avoided
Guide both the family and the au pair through each requirement
Keep the process moving as efficiently as possible
So while we manage the process closely, the overall timeline is shaped by legal and administrative steps that are built into the system. This is why we always advise families to begin well ahead of their preferred start date. The earlier you start, the more room there is to handle each step without pressure.
Here's what it takes to qualify as a host family. Watch the overview, then check the full details below.
Income requirements are set by the IND. As an IND-recognized agency, we must follow these rules. Simply earning enough does not automatically qualify you — you must be a Dutch taxpayer, your income must be provable and sustainable for the duration of the stay, and business owners must have operated for at least 18 months. Savings, or family support do not qualify. View IND requirements →
Our support doesn't stop once your au pair arrives. We stay involved to make sure everything runs smoothly for both of you.
We organise regular cultural outings, city tours, and social gatherings so your au pair can build connections and explore the Netherlands.
Every au pair receives a first aid orientation to ensure they're prepared and confident when caring for your children.
Regular check-ins with both the family and au pair throughout the stay. If any issues arise, we're here to mediate and help resolve them.
Hosting an au pair means inviting the world into your home. Watch how the best host families turn that invitation into a meaningful exchange for everyone.
Share meals, traditions, and stories — your au pair becomes part of your family while bringing their own culture into your home.
Register as a host family and we'll guide you through every step — from finding the right match to handling the IND paperwork.
Register as Host FamilyHave questions first? Get in touch — we're happy to help.
