Host Family Requirements
Use this page to understand who can host, what is commonly checked, and when a recognised agency or sponsor may be involved.
Focus
Eligibility, permit rules, and paperwork
Common check
Private room, board, and income
Country note
Rules change by destination
Who can usually host an au pair?
Most destinations expect a stable family home, at least one child of school age, a private room for the au pair, and enough income to cover pocket money, board, and local admin steps. Some countries also check nationality, residence permit status, language at home, or whether the family has already hosted an au pair.
What documents are commonly checked?
Expect to show proof of address, family composition, insurance arrangements, and a draft written agreement. In the US and the Netherlands, sponsor or agency status matters; in Switzerland, canton rules matter.
- Proof of income or financial stability
- A private room and board arrangements
- A draft contract or written agreement
- Background or screening checks where required
How the rules differ by country
If you are comparing countries, read the official guidance before you post a listing. The highest-value requirement pages are the ones that explain permit, registration, official language, and school-age children in one place.
Frequently asked questions
- Do host family requirements differ by country?
- Yes. The basics are similar, but permit routes, age limits, room standards, income checks, and agency rules can vary a lot from one destination to the next.
- Do I need a recognised agency or sponsor?
- Sometimes. The US uses a sponsor agency, the Netherlands uses an IND-recognised sponsor, and Switzerland often involves canton rules and agency placement for non-EU cases.
- Is a private room mandatory?
- In practice, almost always. A private room is a basic requirement, and some destinations also set minimum room standards.
Need the au pair side too?
Read au pair requirements