Are you a non-EU citizen? Have you already done the Quick Check? On this page, formalities and visa requirements to travel to the Netherlands are explained to you step by step.
Make sure that you hold a valid passport before planning your trip.
If you want to stay for more than three months in the Netherlands to work as an au pair, you will need a so-called sponsor to go through the administrative steps. Only one of the officially recognised au pair agencies can submit an application on behalf of an au pair. Therefore, you and your host family should first choose one of the officially recognised au pair agencies in the Netherlands.
To come to the Netherlands, you will need a so-called Provisional Residence Permit (MVV) and/or a residence permit (VVR). An MVV is a visa that is issued for a stay longer than 3 months. Not everyone needs an MVV to enter the Netherlands though. Citizens from the following countries are exempt from applying for an MVV: EU/EEA member states, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Vatican city, the USA and South Korea.
If you need an MVV, your au pair agency will initiate a so-called TEV procedure. It will apply for an MVV and a residence permit (VVR) at the same time.
If you do not need an MVV, your sponsor may apply for a residence permit (VVR) while you are still abroad. In the application form, your sponsor will indicate your estimated arrival.
Please note that the TEV procedure costs 600 euros which will not be refunded should your application be rejected. The issued residence permit is valid for a maximum of 12 months and cannot be extended. Do not forget to sign the official au pair contract with your host family. You will also have to sign a declaration of awareness ("Bewustverklaring") stating that your stay in the Netherlands is temporary and undergo an examination for tuberculosis in the Netherlands.*
*Citizens from the EU/EEA member states, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Surinam and the U.S.A are exempt from undergoing this examination.
Step 4: Collect your MVV and/or residence permit
Once your application has been approved, your au pair agency will inform you that you can collect your MVV at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your own country (country of origin) or country of residence. The MVV is valid for three months.
In the TEV procedure, the residence permit is issued immediately after your MVV has been granted. Once you arrive in the Netherlands, you can collect your residence permit within two weeks without having to make an appointment with the IND first.
Upon arrival in the Netherlands, you must register with the municipality of your host family. There, your personal details will be registered in the so-called Municipal Personal Records Database (GBA). Please note that you will have to take a certified and translated birth certificate with you and your identity card and/or passport. You might be asked to bring along further official documents that might have to be certified and translated. We advise you therefore to first contact the municipality to get further information.
Alternative for citizens from Canada, Australia and New Zealand
The Working Holiday Programme (for Canada) and the Working Holiday Scheme (for Australia and New Zealand) offer you an interesting alternative that allows you to work as an au pair in the Netherlands.
