2026 business survey: Fewer au pairs in Germany – industry calls for better conditions

Restrictive and Inconsistent Visa Policies as a Major Obstacle
A key reason for the decline lies in restrictive and inconsistent visa practices. While prospective trainees can obtain a visa relatively easily, au pair arrangements often fall through due to complex and opaque procedures. In addition, there is increasing unpredictability in the countries of origin, as the respective embassies suddenly issue fewer or, conversely, more visas. Traditional sending countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia currently play hardly any role. In contrast, more au pairs have recently been able to enter from countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tunisia, Thailand, Mexico, and Rwanda.

Germany is falling behind in the European competition
Despite continued high demand from German host families, it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract suitable candidates. Compared to countries such as France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden, Germany performs significantly worse. Reasons for this include the high requirements for German language skills as well as the comparatively low benefits, such as pocket money and subsidies for language courses. Many young people therefore consciously opt for the more attractive conditions in other European countries.

Decline in Au Pair Agencies Threatens Program Quality
A worrying trend is also evident structurally: the number of full-service agencies in Germany has currently dropped to 87. As the number of professional placement agencies declines, so do the chances of a successful and supported cultural exchange. A lack of standards and support can, in the long term, threaten the quality of and trust in the program.

Outgoing Sector Under Pressure
Challenges aren’t limited to the incoming sector. For German au pairs, the range of attractive destination countries is shrinking. The U.S. continues to lose ground—with only about 1,800 German au pairs remaining, the number has halved since 2017. In the UK, the program has stagnated since Brexit. Consequently, 40 percent of outgoing agencies rate their economic situation as difficult.

Au pairs as an opportunity for integration and recruiting skilled workers
Yet the au pair program offers great potential: It provides young people with a low-barrier entry into the language, culture, and working life in Germany. Compared to direct skilled worker immigration, it creates an important orientation and integration phase. Many au pairs subsequently decide to pursue vocational training, a study program, or volunteer service in Germany.

Industry Calls for Clear Political Support
Given the shortage of skilled workers, Germany relies on immigration. The industry sees an urgent need for action: a clear political commitment to the au pair program and improved framework conditions are necessary to strengthen Germany’s appeal as a host country. This includes, in particular, more transparent visa procedures, an increase in pocket money, and higher subsidies for language courses.

The 2026 business survey is based on an online survey of 64 German au pair agencies and provides comprehensive insights into market developments for the 20th time. The study is published by DR-WALTER and released by Calypso Verlag.

Free download of the full survey.

(German language only)