Rematch Applications

Rematching is the process of finding a new host family for an au pair, or a new au pair for a host family, when the current arrangement cannot continue.

It may occur due to unmet expectations, cultural differences, homesickness, miscommunication, or personal incompatibility. The agency supports both parties during the rematch period, but the decision on whether to continue is made by the host and au pair together.

The au pair must not move in with a new host family until the agency has completed the necessary paperwork, including:

• Verification of the new host's documents, income and accommodation for the au pair
• Deregistering the au pair from the current host family
• Registering the au pair with the new host family

Non-compliance may lead to revocation of the au pair's residence permit. The same IND requirements for all host families apply to sponsoring a rematch au pair:

• You have at least one child under the age of 18 registered at your address
• You meet the income requirements set by the IND to host an au pair
• You have someone available to take over for the au pair if necessary
• Your chosen candidate is not related to you and meets all program requirements
• You provide a separate, sole-purpose room with a bed, storage, windows and a door, plus access to a bathroom (shared or private)

The new host becomes the registered sponsor during the au pair's stay. If the new host is not accepted as sponsor and a new agreement is not signed, the pre-existing au pair and host agreement stands, including responsibility for paying the agreed flights. The new host must treat the au pair as a respected, equal family member.

Once a new host family is identified, the rematching paperwork, including document verification and IND processing, typically takes 10 working days. This timeline does not include the period required to find a suitable new host family.

Yes, the au pair has the following options:

• Continue working within the existing agreement (max 30 hours/week, max 8 hours/day) and receive pocket money
• Remain at the current host family's home without performing duties or receiving pocket money until the agreed move-out date

If the current host family cannot accommodate the au pair during this period, emergency accommodation may be arranged at a cost of €20/day, which the current host family covers, unless the au pair willingly left without notice.

No. Moving in with the new host family before IND registration as the official sponsor violates program requirements and can lead to complications regarding responsibility.

• Passport
• Residence permit card
• Personal documentation proving eligibility for the au pair program (if not already with Sunshine Au Pair)
• Deregistration letter from the municipality

• Proof of income to meet IND requirements
• All personal documentation requested by the agency (a comprehensive list will be emailed)
• An agreed and approved weekly schedule for the au pair
• A signed agreement between host family and au pair, including the benefits package and agreement to follow program rules

Sunshine Au Pair acts as a mediator and ensures compliance with program regulations by:

• Helping both parties navigate the rematch process
• Verifying documentation
• Submitting the necessary paperwork to the IND
• Offering guidance and support to both the au pair and host family during the transition

• Serve the two-week notice period unless both parties agree to waive it
• Communicate with the agency about their current address and future plans
• Remain within the legal work schedule (max 30 hours/week) for a registered host family only
• Do not leave the country without following correct departure requirements and deregistering with the IND / returning the residence permit
• Do not undertake work for any other institution or family who is not the registered sponsor

• Disputes over financial responsibilities (e.g. return flight costs)
• Uncertainty and emotional stress if the new match fails
• Loss of pocket money or program termination due to non-compliance

If a new host family cannot be found within a reasonable time, the au pair may need to return to their home country. The current host family will assist in arranging return travel, as per the au pair and host agreement.

If a new host is not registered as the new sponsor and a new agreement is not signed, the pre-existing au pair and host agreement stands, including responsibility for paying the agreed flights.

If the au pair chooses to leave the current host without serving the notice period, despite the offer of continued accommodation, emergency accommodation is not provided, and they must arrange their own housing.

Where the current host family is unable to accommodate the au pair for the notice period despite the au pair's willingness to continue, emergency accommodation may be arranged at a cost of €25/day, which the current host family covers.

Throughout, the au pair must communicate their address and plans with the agency, remain within the legal work schedule (max 30 hours/week) for a registered host family only, and must not leave the country without following correct departure procedures. Leaving the country without following the proper procedures will result in cancellation of the residence permit.

Sunshine Au Pair will only terminate agreements in cases of serious misconduct or non-compliance with IND regulations.

• Be clear about expectations during interviews and personally verify vital skills (e.g. request a video of cycling or nappy changing)
• Be prepared to teach with patience and empathy, an au pair is not a professional nanny or housekeeper, and expectations should match the reality of a young person abroad for the first time
• Communicate openly about cultural differences, work schedules and responsibilities; understanding and compromise make the relationship work
• Do not exceed legal working hours, and ensure free days are completely free of obligations
• Use the agency's mediation services early if challenges arise

For rematch inquiries, contact your Program Manager at Sunshine Au Pair:

• Email: followup@sunshine-aupair.com

Sunshine Au Pair ensures the rematching process is managed smoothly, legally, and with the well-being of both au pairs and host families as the highest priority.