Allowances & other expenses

Allowances

Host families are legally obliged to pay you the agreed allowance amount. The allowance must be paid monthly into a bank account (not cash) and it may never be less than 450 euros.

  • Allowances must be paid in full, based on the amount determined in the contract.
  • No deductions or reductions are allowed.
  • The allowance must be paid in full regardless of periods of inactivity, even if the au pair is ill or the host family (or the au pair) is away on a trip.
  • The host family may pay more than the minimum amount of allowance but they may not ask the au pair to work more hours in exchange.

Who pays what?

Host families are legally obliged to pay certain expenses but other expenses must be paid by the au pair. In order to be able to have clear agreements with the host family, it’s important to know which expenses must be paid and by whom.

Wat moet het gastgezin voorzien?

  • Free accomodation and meals.
  • Allowances.
  • Medical insurance.
  • Repatriation in the event of illness or accident.

Host families are legally obliged to cover these expenses. No exceptions, deductions or reductions are allowed.

Wat moet de au pair dekken?

  • Their plane ticket.
  • Language lessons.
  • Personal expenses.
  • The administrative costs of obtaining the visa and residence card.

Host families are not legally obliged to cover these expenses. If they choose to, they may pay these expenses, however they may not deduct them from the allowance and they may not ask the au pair to work extra hours in exchange.

It is illegal to pay someone less than 450 euros. If the host family deducts certain expenses from your allowance or does not pay you the agreed amount, you can file a complaint with the labour inspectorate.