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n many cities and municipalities, as an au pair, you will also get a welcome folder with interesting information and tips about your town and region. Often, you can also find coupons or information about events in the welcome folder.
If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU) or if you are coming to Germany from a country of the European Economic Area (EEA), then your registration process is finished after registering with the local registration office. As an au pair, you don’t need a separate work permit.
The earlier application for a “certificate for freedom of movement” is not necessary any more, the law was abolished and the new regulations came into effect on January 29th, 2013. This follows the general idea of the European Union of freedom of movement: EU citizens should be able to live and work freely in another country of the EU. You still need to register with the municipal administration as an au pair, not in order to receive a document of residency, but to fulfill the general registering requirements in Germany.
After your arrival you have to get in touch with the local migration office before starting your work as an au pair. Afterward, you have to register with the local registration office within 3 days. For these appointments, bring your passport with your visa, a copy of the invitation letter from your host family, a copy of your au pair contract and your medical certificate. If you are not a citizen of the EU or the EEA, as an au pair, you need a residence title for specific purposes to enter the country and in order to be able to stay in Germany. This title has to state explicitly that you are allowed to work on German territory (visa/residence permit). You already got your visa at the German embassy or consulate. While deciding whether to approve your application, they contacted the migration office in Germany that is responsible for you. The migration office then got in touch with your host family. Also, the Central Labor Office (Zentrale Auslands- und Fachvermittlung, ZAV) was informed of your entry.
Your visa allows you to start working immediately upon arrival, in the profession mentioned in your visa (as long as the purpose of your stay or the work permit appear in your passport). Your visa normally is valid for three months, although some embassies give out visas for 12 months right away.
If you are planning a longer au pair stay , make sure to apply for an extension of your residence and work permit (§18 AufenthG) at the local migration office before your visa expires. For this appointment, you’ll also need your passport with the visa, 3 passport pictures, a copy of the invitation letter from your host family, a copy of your au pair contract and your medical certificate. The host family pays for the extension of your au pair visa. Again, for this application, you will need the approval of the ZAV. If you are not an EU or EEA citizen, the approval for your visa extension can only be granted for one year at the most. You cannot ask for another extension of your au pair visa. If you have questions or are not sure about something, ask the local immigration office for help.
Have your host mother or father come with you to these appointments. This will make you feel more secure and if you have any questions about your au pair situation they can be answered quickly and directly.
In order to open up a bank account you should also bring your passport, your registration card and your au pair contract.
