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Cultural exchange
and flexible
childcare

Au pair in Luxembourg

Host families and young adults who are interested in the Luxembourg au pair programme will receive helpful information on how to prepare for the exchange and on living together during their stay.

Let yourself be inspired so that the exchange becomes a positive experience for all parties.

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Insight into the everyday life of an au pair

Many of the questions that host families and au pairs think about before, during and after the exchange are already regulated by legal requirements or can be answered by experience reports from families and au pairs.

Below are some tips that may help in the preparation of the exchange.

Discover what it is like to get to know a foreign culture in your own home and benefit from flexible childcare.

See our testimonials
  • “Great! We have decided together on an au pair”

    Host families who are interested in the au pair programme as a complementary childcare solution should find out in advance what the conditions and legal regulations are.

    Is the family really suitable to host an au pair? Click here for the online test

    Once the family members have agreed on common ideas and expectations, the task is to find an au pair who fits the family and fulfils the conditions.

  • “How exciting! The first encounter over 10,650 km away”

    Once an au pair candidate has been found, telephone calls or Skype interviews are essential to get to know each other better.

    Wishes and expectations should be discussed openly.

    The interview is also a good opportunity to exchange information about tasks and obligations during the au pair stay and to discuss these in detail. The SNJ application template can serve as a guideline, since it already includes the legal requirements.

  • “That was easy!”

    Once the host family and au pair have reached an agreement, the application form is filled out and signed. It contains all admission and approval applications for both the host family and the au pair, so that all parties involved only have to fill out this one document for the SNJ.

    The application serves to secure both parties and must be submitted to the SNJ and approved BEFORE the au pair travels. If all required documents are submitted correctly and completely, a processing time of approximately four weeks can be expected.

    The au pair must be familiar with the entry and residence regulations in Luxembourg before undertaking the journey and make the necessary preparations.

  • “The kids were so excited”

    Preparing welcome gifts or notes will put the whole family in the right mood for the upcoming meeting.

    A warm welcome, a small gift or a few sentences in the local language make it easier for everyone to start the exciting time ahead.

    Then it’s time to arrive and inform all the important bodies such as the SNJ and insurance company in good time. Host family obligations

  • “Sharing with other au pairs has helped me a lot”

    At the compulsory information events, the newcomers are introduced to their contact persons at the SNJ and informed about their rights and obligations. In addition to providing important information, the events offer the opportunity to make acquaintance with other au pairs.

    Another opportunity to get to know other au pairs and possibly make friends are the meeting points offered by the SNJ. These meetings are voluntary. WhatsApp groups also simplify the exchange between au pairs, promote contact between them and can be an important help.

  • “Creating a weekly schedule together”

    A detailed weekly schedule containing information about the time and place helps the au pair to find their way in their new tasks.

    Involving the au pair in drawing up the plan will help prevent conflicts.

    The weekly plan should be visible for everyone and changes or problems should be discussed right away.

  • “Time to play and learn from each other”

    Free afternoons can be spent relaxing at home with au pairs. Cooking or playing together results in a carefree cultural exchange.

    In order to fetch the children by car or to drive them to leisure activities, au pairs need a driving licence recognised in Luxembourg and sufficient driving experience.

  • “Language barriers? We overcame them quickly!”

    Language connects people!

    In the compulsory language courses, au pairs not only deepen their knowledge in the chosen language to make life in the host family easier – by learning together, they also exchange experiences and build friendships. The au pair can choose the institute and the language to be learned.

    To cope independently outside the family, it is compulsory to be able to speak one of the national languages (French, German, Luxembourgish) or English (level A2). If another language is spoken in the host family, the au pair must also have basic knowledge (level A1) of the family’s language.

  • “Time for yourself – that’s what everybody needs”

    The host family must provide the au pair with a room of their own and respect their free time. This also applies to the children.

    An au pair is not allowed to work more than 5 hours per day as a weekly average, and not more than 25 hours a week on average for the host family.  

  • “Shared experiences bring us closer together”

    Preparing food for the children is one of the tasks of an au pair.

    If the children are involved, this is a way of enjoying cultural exchanges in everyday life.

    Socialising, having fun, learning to make new dishes – shared experiences strengthen the relationship between the au pair and the host family.

  • “Assistance in the household – a real help”

    Light household tasks that the au pair can do are listed in the application form and should be discussed and determined in advance. These include preparing school and kindergarten bags, washing the children’s clothes and emptying the dishwasher. 

  • “A dreamlike sight: the Grand Ducal palace in the snow”

    In addition to the cultural experiences in the family, the au pair should also be able to discover the country and Luxembourg culture on ITS own and with other young people. The basic requirements for this are sufficient free time and financial independence.

    For this reason, the au pair is entitled to at least three free evenings and one rest day per week, in addition to two rest days per month and regular pocket money.

  • “What a lovely party!”

    Participation in family celebrations, excursions and holidays promotes the feeling of togetherness between the host family and the au pair.

    Questions about the cultural aspects of the au pair’s home country or organising meetings with family and friends, where the au pair can present their own home country and culture, show your own interest in the au pair’s cultural exchange and demonstrate your appreciation for the au pair.

    The au pair is part of the family for a certain period of time and not just a worker.

  • “It doesn’t have to be goodbye forever”

    If contact with the au pair is maintained after the farewell, e.g. via Skype and telephone, it makes the separation easier for the children and makes all participants feel better.

    The end of the stay should also be well prepared for the children. Talking about the upcoming return journey and preparing a small farewell party will help all participants cope with the situation.

TEST

Find out if the au pair programme
is right for you.

Find out what you need to consider during your stay as an au pair and which conditions have to be fulfilled by the host family and the au pair.

Click here for the test!

Click here for the test!

Test for host family

Are we the ideal host family?

Test for au pair

Am I the ideal au pair?
SNJ

Role and tasks of the SNJ

The legal framework for au pair work in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg has been in place since 2013. The framework outlines the conditions for the admission or stay of au pairs and is intended to support and protect both the families and the young adult during their exchange.

The tasks of the “Service national de la jeunesse” (SNJ) consist mainly of monitoring compliance with these regulations and processing and approving applications. In addition, the SNJ organises information events for au pairs and offers mediation in the event of conflicts of a legal nature.

However, the support of the SNJ can only be guaranteed if both parties meet the legal requirements and have signed the SNJ’s official au pair agreement.

The conditions that host families have to meet for the approval of an au pair can be found here.

Meetingpoints

Infosessions

Infosession au pair 13/12/2023

In accordance with the Law, the young au pairs must attend an information session upon arrival in Luxembourg, organized by the Service National de la Jeunesse (SNJ). The aim of this session is to inform the au pairs about the SNJ’s position in relation to the au pair program, to remind them of their rights and duties, and to put them in contact with other young au pairs in Luxembourg in order to integrate as good as possible. The information sessions are held, simultaneously in French and in English, every second Wednesday of each month from 09h30 – 11h30. The au pairs are requested to submit their application for participation by email at least 2 days before the desired session to the following address: aupair@snj.lu Please note that the au pair will only be able to take part in the session once registration has been confirmed!
map iconWednesday 13 December, 2023 - 09:30 am
map iconFNEL - 61a, rue de Trèves L-2630 Luxembourg-Cents

Testimonials

Former au pairs and host families talk about their experiences and adventures during their time together.

The most important thing is to communicate well with each other. This applies both during the run-up to the exchange as well as during the exchange to prevent any possible problems or conflicts. These should be addressed directly and promptly.

FAQ

  • They must have a school-leaving certificate or other proof that allows them to enter a university in their country or prove that they attended school until the age of 17;
  • they must have knowledge of English or one of the three administrative languages (Luxembourgish/German/French) (A2);
  • they must have basic knowledge of one of the languages spoken by the host family (A1) if different from those mentioned higher;
  • they must sign a contract with an approved host family;
  • they must have a medical certificate confirming that they are mentally and physically capable of looking after children and doing light housework;
  • they must not be a relative of the host family (up to and including the 4th degree).

No! The working week of an au pair is limited to 25 hours. The basic idea of the au pair exchange is that the host family receives childcare support and in return takes in a young person and introduces them to their language and the Luxembourgish culture. In order for this to succeed, the au pair needs sufficient free time. The au pair is generally entitled to one full day of rest per week plus two additional days of rest per month. The host family and the au pair determine the exact working hours together in the contract.

There are no legal requirements for the host family to include the au pair in private events. However, it should be kept in mind that the young person should be integrated into the family and it makes living together easier if the au pair feels welcome and has a sense of belonging.

The host family must provide the au pair not only with a room of their own, but also pocket money amounting to at least one fifth of the legal minimum wage and must cover a large part of the costs incurred. This includes language courses, insurance and food.

Yes, the requirement to attend language courses during the stay in Luxembourg is part of the contract. The host family is responsible for the costs and the au pair can freely choose the courses, but this should be discussed with the host family in advance (duration, costs, etc.)

Childcare:

  • getting the children ready for school/kindergarten in the morning (helping to get dressed
  • preparing school lunch/school bag);
  • supervise the children’s homework;
  • taking the children to school/kindergarten and picking them up again;
  • accompanying the children to their leisure activities or excursions;
  • familiarizing the children with their language and culture;
  • playing with the children;
  • having meals with the children or helping them at mealtimes;
  • watching the children in the evening when their parents are out

Light household tasks:

  • taking care of the children’s laundry;
  • preparing light meals for or with the children;
  • doing small shopping errands;
  • emptying the dishwasher;
  • tidying the children’s room;
  • cleaning and tidying their own room and bathroom

  • They must have at least one child younger than 13 years of age and provide proof of main care for children younger than six years of age; they must be able to provide the au pair with their own room; they must be aware that an au pair is not available around the clock.
  • But that the following working time restrictions apply: a maximum average of 5 hours per day during a reference period of one week; a maximum average of 25 hours per week during a reference period of one month or 4 weeks.
  • cleaning the family’s private rooms (e.g. parents’ bedroom or bathroom);
  • cleaning or tidying up the garage
  • cellar
  • attic
  • etc.;
  • washing the car;
  • gardening;
  • doing the family’s laundry;
  • cooking for the whole family.

No! This is because the stay as an au pair in Luxembourg is intended to convey Luxembourg culture to young people from other countries. For this purpose, au pairs need to have enough free time, which, however, must not be used to earn money.

The SNJ examines and approves the applications of host families and au pairs and is responsible for monitoring compliance with legal requirements. In addition, the SNJ offers compulsory information events for the au pairs and mediates between the two parties in case of legal conflicts.

Yes. The au pair concludes a contract with the host family in which the agreements made in advance regarding the tasks to be carried out, free time, pocket money, etc., as well as further obligations and rights of both parties are listed. The SNJ monitors compliance with this contract.

Yes, the contract template is included in the au pair’s application.

Au pair” is the term used for young people between 18 and 29 years of age who live with a family abroad for a limited period of time and support them with childcare.

In return, the au pair is integrated into the family and receives free board and lodging as well as pocket money and the opportunity to experience and get to know the country, language and culture at first hand.

Au pairs are not employees, but family members on an equal footing. They are not responsible for round-the-clock care of the children. The goal of the au pair programme is the cultural exchange between the host family and the au pair.

Information

How to apply

If you can imagine having an au pair in your family or are interested in participating in the exchange programme as an au pair, then we invite you to visit the following links.

Here you can find  all the detailed information about welcoming an au pair into your family, as well as all the necessary documents for your application.

WELCOMING AN AU PAIR

Text available in DE, EN and FR.

Here you can find information about the legal regulations and requirements that you have to fulfil in order to come to Luxembourg as an au pair as well as all the necessary documents for your application.

BECOMING AN AU PAIR

Text available in DE, EN and FR.

Documents

In order to have more information about the programme, we encourage you to read our information brochure.

Here’s a weekly au pair scheduling template, that allows you to properly plan the stay during the entire au pair experience.

Ready for the experience? Download the Au pair hosting application dossier.

Contact

We offer you an email service in the 3 administrative languages,

English, French, Luxembourgish, and English.

We are a competent team and will answer your questions as soon as possible.

aupair@snj.lu

Feel free to send us an e-mail at any time for a quick and efficient written response.
If you have a reference or endorsement, please mention it in all correspondence.

We will make every effort to process your applications as quickly as possible and to respect the processing time for “au pair” applications, which is as usual 4 weeks.