With self-match, you choose the au pair that best fits your family, for example through platforms like AuPairWorld. You remain in control of the selection process, while Giggles at Home supports the entire journey — from screening and preparation to arrival and follow-up. This way, you combine freedom with the security of professional guidance.

• Maximum: 12 months
• Minimum: EU au pairs can stay temporarily (e.g. 2 months during the summer holidays); non-EU au pairs: at least 6 months. The stay cannot be extended.

An au pair may stay in the Netherlands for a maximum of 12 months. This period is designed to support your family while giving the au pair the opportunity to experience Dutch life and culture.

• Sufficient income for the au pair
• Separate, private bedroom available
• At least one minor child in the family
• Open to cultural exchange, not a substitute for domestic help

To host an au pair, a family must meet certain requirements. A sufficient income is required: in 2025, this means €3,368.70 gross monthly salary for a couple or unmarried partners, and €2,694.96 gross monthly salary for a single parent, excluding holiday allowance.

The host family must provide a separate bedroom for the au pair (see also "What are the requirements for au pair housing?"), have at least two family members, and offer the au pair a meaningful cultural experience, treating them as a full member of the household.

A maximum of 30 hours per week, spread over up to 5 days, with at least 2 days off. No more than 8 hours per day.

An au pair assists with light household tasks and childcare, such as taking children to school, playing together, feeding, bedtime routines, preparing simple meals, doing laundry, and minor household chores like vacuuming and dusting. Intensive cleaning is not included.

• At least 3 references from previous families or employers
• VOG (Statement of Conduct)
• Medical certificate
• Declaration of singleness
• Interview on motivation, experience and language skills In addition, all au pairs take a first aid and Dutch language course beforehand.

At Giggles at Home, we ensure everything is thoroughly checked. We verify important documents, such as a VOG (Certificate of Conduct), medical certificate, and declaration of single status. We also contact at least three references and conduct a personal interview to assess motivation, experience, and language skills.

An au pair must be between 18 and 25 years old upon arrival in the Netherlands.

If things don’t go smoothly between an au pair and the host family, we mediate and provide support to improve the situation. If it still doesn’t work out, we organize a rematch. With insurance, this can be done at a reduced cost.

An au pair may only drive if they have a valid driving license and the host family allows it. Any agreements are recorded in the contract.

For au pairs, Dutch health insurance is mandatory. Additional recommended insurances include:

• ISIS Au Pair Insurance: a comprehensive all-in-one policy covering medical expenses, accidents, and liability. If this is taken, separate accident or liability insurance is usually not necessary.
• Accident insurance: optional, for extra security.
• Rematch insurance: optional, covers the cost of a new match if the au pair leaves early.

Note: Some coverage, such as liability or accidents, may already be included in the family’s insurance. It is important to check this carefully to avoid overlaps or gaps.

At Giggles at Home, you select the au pair that best fits your family, but you are not alone. We guide and advise you throughout the process, helping clarify your wishes and expectations, giving tips on suitable platforms, and providing advice for interviews and the right questions to ask.

We also assist with setting house rules, creating a suitable daily schedule, and sharing best practices from our experience as a host family. This way, you stay in control while ensuring everything is professionally prepared and guided.

During the exchange year, the au pair lives with the host family and has their own lockable room. The room is fully furnished with basic amenities such as a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, heating, a window, and internet access, providing a comfortable and personal space.

Depending on the family situation, the au pair may have shared or exclusive access to other areas, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. These arrangements are always discussed in advance to balance integration into the family with personal privacy.