Au Pair Visa and Residence Permit
This page captures the official route language people search for: visa application, residence permit, sponsor agency, registration, biometrics, and the permit card you receive after approval.
Focus
Visa application and permit steps
Common actor
Sponsor or recognised agency
After arrival
Registration and biometrics
Who handles the process?
In the US, the Department of State-designated sponsor handles the J-1 route. In the Netherlands, an IND-recognised sponsor is usually required. In Switzerland, the route often runs through canton rules and an agency process.
What the application usually includes
Expect a passport, photos, application forms, proof of placement, insurance details, and sometimes a background check or health information. Some routes also require registration after arrival, biometrics, and a residence permit card.
What to watch for after arrival
The legal work does not end at the border. You may still need to register your address, collect the permit card, complete local registration, and keep copies of all sponsor or agency paperwork in case the family rematches or the placement ends early.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the agency apply for the visa?
- Often yes when a sponsor or recognised agency is part of the route, but the exact division of tasks depends on the country.
- What is a residence permit card?
- It is the local proof that you are allowed to stay and, in some cases, to work or participate in the au pair programme.
- Are biometrics common?
- Yes. Fingerprints, photos, or an in-person appointment are common in formal permit routes.
Need the local rules for Switzerland?
Read Switzerland requirements