Hosting an au pair in the Netherlands involves several costs. However, many families find that the flexibility and support an au pair provides make it a valuable investment for their family life.

Agency Fee

At Nest AuPair Agency, the fee for a full-match placement is €1,950. This includes candidate recruitment, screening, matching, administrative support, guidance throughout the placement process, and ongoing support during the au pair’s stay.

Monthly Pocket Money

Under Dutch au pair regulations, host families provide their au pair with monthly pocket money. The maximum amount currently allowed is €340 per month.

It is important to note that an au pair is not an employee. The au pair programme is a cultural exchange programme, which is why pocket money is provided instead of a salary.

Public Transport

Host families are expected to contribute to reasonable public transport costs. This enables the au pair to travel to language lessons, cultural activities, and other activities related to daily life in the Netherlands.

Dutch Language Course

A key part of the au pair programme is cultural exchange and personal development. For this reason, host families contribute to the costs of a Dutch language course.

Learning Dutch helps the au pair integrate into Dutch society, communicate more confidently, and gain a deeper understanding of Dutch culture during her stay.

Health Insurance

Au pairs staying in the Netherlands are required to have valid Dutch health insurance.

In many cases, au pairs are eligible for healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) from the Dutch government, provided they meet the applicable requirements. This allowance often covers a significant portion of the monthly insurance premium.

As a result, host families are generally only responsible for any remaining insurance costs that are not covered by the healthcare allowance. The exact amount may vary depending on the au pair’s personal circumstances and the amount of healthcare allowance granted.

Accommodation and Meals

As part of the programme, host families provide the au pair with a private bedroom and daily meals. The au pair lives as a temporary member of the family and participates in everyday family life.

Example of Typical Costs

When hosting an au pair, families should generally budget for:

* One-time agency fee: €1,950
* Monthly pocket money: €340
* Contribution to public transport costs
* Contribution to a Dutch language course
* Remaining health insurance costs after healthcare allowance
* Private room and meals

More Than Childcare

An au pair offers much more than childcare support. Families benefit from flexible help with daily routines, while children gain exposure to a new language and culture. Many host families describe the experience as enriching, rewarding, and a wonderful addition to family life.