Contract
You and your family should clarify in advance what you expect from each other and sign a contract that includes your work schedule. Moreover, the au pair contract is mandatory for citizens who need a regular residence permit or a regular provisional residence permit (Machtiging tot Voorlopig verblijf, MVV). Consult our page on Visa and regulations for non-EU citizens to find out more.
Health insurance
In the Netherlands, the host family has to conclude a health and accident insurance for their au pair. It is also compulsory to insure the au pair for repatriation. There are Dutch insurances that have been specifically tailored for au pairs such as the Young Global Traveler health insurance from the OOM insurance company or the ISIS Au pair insurance from the JoHo insurance provider.
Are you an EU citizen? Turn to your own national health service and insurance company first. You will most probably be covered during your stay in the Netherlands. You will however need a European health insurance card that you will be asked to show to your attending physician in the Netherlands.
Alternatively, you may register with the Dutch health and social insurance upon arrival in the host country. In this case, you should follow the registration procedure for non-EU citizens (see below). The Dutch health insurance will cover your costs should you fall ill during your au pair stay.
Are you a non-EU citizen? Please contact one of the local health insurance offices in the Netherlands. It will cover your costs should you fall ill during your au pair stay. The mandatory health insurance, called "Basic Health Insurance" (basisverzekering), is available to all residents and provides general medical care by specialists, GPs, hospital care, medication, rehabilitation, etc. We advise you to find a health insurance office in the area of your host family. They will give you more information on local doctors (huisarts) and dentists (tandarts) and on how to register with a practice. We advise you to take all evidence with you on your trip so that you have all necessary documents at hand.
Car driving and driving licence
Host families usually prefer an au pair who has a driving licence. You should also have sufficient driving experience.
As an au pair, you will probably be expected to drive the car of your host family. Issues of insurance and liability should thus be clarified in advance. Should any damages result from an accident, it should be clear beforehand who will have to bear the costs.
If you wish to drive in the Netherlands, you should first find out whether your driving licence is valid there.
Be on the safe side:
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Have you already spoken with your host family on the phone to find out how well you get along with each other? For more safety tips, visit our Security page.
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You should have a sufficient knowledge of the language spoken in your host country. It will help you to express your needs and wishes from the beginning. Especially if you fall ill or if you have to warn the children of an immediate danger, having the adequate vocabulary at hand will prove most helpful.
More information for au pairs about the Netherlands:
More information for host families in the Netherlands
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[Last update: October 2011]
