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Family FAQs

At HBN, we believe a successful au pair experience starts with the right support. Below you’ll find answers to the questions we receive most often from host families. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, our team is always happy to help.

Safety & Trust
Does HBN help host families if there are issues with their au pair?

Yes. HBN offers direct mediation and guidance to resolve misunderstandings quickly and fairly.

Yes. HBN supports both the host family and the au pair throughout the rematch process. We provide guidance, assist with communication, and help find a suitable new match whenever possible. Please note that finding a new au pair on short notice is not always possible. Therefore, host families should ensure they have backup childcare arrangements in place during the transition period. Our goal is to make the rematch process as smooth and professional as possible while supporting all parties involved.

HBN uses careful profile screening, personal interviews, and ongoing communication, contributing to a low rematch rate (<10%).

Yes. HBN follows Dutch regulations, provides personalized support, and maintains low rematch rates.

Process & Legal Requirements
How does matching work for host families?

Families create a profile, browse candidates, conduct interviews, and receive HBN support throughout the process. 

In the fastest case, an au pair can start approximately within 3 months. The timeline mainly depends on how quickly a suitable match is made. When needed, we always do our best to arrange starting as quickly as possible.

This is subject to all required documents being completed and approved, as well as processing times from external authorities such as the IND and embassies.

An au pair receives a residence permit for a maximum of one year (365 days) and may stay in the Netherlands for the duration of this period. After 365 days the au pair program stops and the au pair needs to return to their country of origin. There may be possibility for the au pair to apply for an alternative visa however the legal sponsorship from HBN stops after 365 days. Same goes for EU residencies, the au pair program is maximum one year. 

The au pair is allowed to perform duties up to 30 hours per week, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. In addition, an au pair is entitled to two days off per week, one free weekend per month (from Friday evening to Sunday evening), and two weeks of holiday per year. These holiday periods may be planned separately.

Understanding Our Candidate Selection
How does HBN select its au pair candidates?

At HBN, we believe the au pair programme is first and foremost about cultural exchange, personal growth, and becoming part of a host family. This philosophy guides our entire selection process.

We carefully screen every applicant to ensure they understand the purpose of the programme and are motivated by the opportunity to experience a new culture, develop personally, and contribute to family life. We look for candidates who are enthusiastic, responsible, open-minded, and genuinely interested in becoming a temporary member of a Dutch family.

As a recognised sponsor, we also ensure that every applicant meets the legal requirements of the Dutch au pair program. An au pair is not a professional nanny, housekeeper, full-time childcare provider or a parent, but someone who participates in a cultural exchange while helping with light childcare and household duties.

By selecting candidates who share these values and carefully matching them with like-minded host families, we help create safe, rewarding, and successful au pair experiences for everyone involved.

Most of our au pairs come from South Africa and South America. Over the years, we have built strong partnerships and gained extensive experience working with candidates from these regions, allowing us to provide high-quality support to both au pairs and host families.

We welcome applications from many other countries and regularly assess new opportunities to expand our network. As a recognised sponsor, we can only work with candidates when we are confident that the placement meets the objectives of the Dutch au pair program and all the legal requirements.

In some situations, such as political instability, conflict or changing immigration regulations, we may temporarily pause recruitment from certain countries. This helps us ensure that every placement is safe, responsible and focused on genuine cultural exchange. 

Hosting an EU Au Pair
Why use HBN for an EU au pair?

Many families wonder why they should use an agency when hosting an EU au pair is legally simpler than hosting a non-EU au pair. While the administrative process may be easier, creating a successful au pair experience requires much more than simply finding someone who is available.

Unlike non-EU au pairs, EU candidates do not need a residence permit or visa to participate in the program. This means the application process is often quicker and less complicated. However, it also means there are fewer practical barriers to joining, and, if expectations are not met, fewer barriers to leaving the program early.

At HBN, we believe that commitment is one of the most important factors in a successful placement. That’s why we invest significant time in getting to know every candidate before introducing them to a host family. We don’t just assess experience; we explore their motivation, expectations, and understanding of what it means to become part of a Dutch family for a full year.

As part of our screening process, every EU candidate:

  • Completes a detailed application
  • Participates in a personal interview with our team
  • Discusses their motivation, expectations, and commitment to the program
  • Receives clear information about the purpose and responsibilities of the au pair program
  • Completes a self-health declaration

Our goal is to introduce host families only to candidates who are genuinely committed to the cultural exchange program and who understand the responsibilities that come with living as a temporary member of a Dutch family. By investing in this careful selection process, we help create stable, successful placements and contribute to our low rematch rate.

Even when hosting an EU au pair, it is important to have the proper program documentation in place, including:

  • A clear au pair agreement
  • A weekly schedule that complies with program guidelines
  • Documented expectations and responsibilities for both parties

Without these safeguards, the relationship may be viewed as regular employment rather than an au pair arrangement. This can create legal and financial risks for host families, including potential claims regarding employment rights and wages.

What truly sets HBN apart is our commitment to supporting both families and au pairs throughout the entire year.

We provide:

  • A comprehensive welcome training at the start of the program
  • Ongoing guidance and coaching for both families and au pairs
  • Regular check-ins and support when questions or challenges arise
  • Multiple au pair events throughout the year
  • Resources and practical advice to help create a successful match and positive experience

Our mission is to help families and au pairs build a relationship based on mutual respect, cultural exchange, and clear expectations from the very beginning.

By choosing HBN, you are not only finding an au pair—you are investing in a well-supported, legally compliant, and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Programme Comparison
How does HBN compare to other au pair agencies?

HBN emphasizes human-led support (AI-free), including personal mentorship, interviews, conflict mediation, emergency support, and ongoing check-ins. Many other agencies provide less personal guidance.

Independent arrangements or other agencies are the alternative, however these may lack structured support, legal guidance, and emergency services.

Risks include poor matching, lack of legal compliance, limited support in emergencies, and potential conflicts without professional mediation.

Reviews & Experience
What do other host families say about HBN?

Families report positive matches, professional guidance, and helpful mediation if conflicts arise. Review more stories here.

Value For Money
What am I paying for when I choose HBN Au Pair Services?

Fees cover careful matching, training, legal compliance, insurance guidance, and ongoing support to ensure a smooth and safe experience. HBN offers different subscription options depending on your family’s needs and whether your Au Pair is from the EU or outside the EU.

  • Platform / Self-Match – You find your own Au Pair, and HBN provides screening, onboarding, and guidance throughout the placement.
  • Matching Service – HBN assists in finding and matching you with a suitable Au Pair, as well as supporting the placement process from start to finish.
  • Plus / Enhanced Support Options – Additional guidance, support, and benefits throughout the Au Pair year.
  • EU Au Pairs, there are no legal immigration requirements. HBN’s role is to guide both the Host Family and Au Pair through a successful cultural exchange under our approved program.

Loyalty Benefits

Families who complete consecutive successful placements with HBN can receive discounts and additional benefits through the Silver, Gold, and Platinum Host Family programs, including mediation fee discounts and rematch benefits.

For a full comparison of services and current pricing, please visit Fees & Memberships.

Practicalities
Is a museum card a requirement?

A museum card is not required*. However, as we actively encourage our au pairs to go out and visit museums we highly recommend our host-families to provide their au pair with a museum card.

*If the au pair is a Plus candidate, a museum card is an automatic part of their benefits provided by the host-parents.

A bike is not a strict requirement, however families are requested to provide the au pair with a bike since cycling is the main form of transport in the Netherlands. Having a bike allows the au pair to move around independently in daily life.

This is optional and certainly not required. However, we do notice it significantly improves the communication between the au pair and the host-kids.

Dinner together is not a requirement, but does play a role in a successful au pair program and cultural exchange. We therefore strongly recommend that the au pair joins the family or children for dinner. This helps building a relation between the au pair and the host-family, and allows for everyone to get to know each other. For the au pair, it is also a great experience and helps her feel part of the family.

Each au pair is entitled to 2 weeks of holiday during their one-year stay. This does not need to be taken consecutively and can be split into separate days or two separate weeks.

Of course, it is up to the family to decide whether the au pair joins them on holiday. Please note that when an au pair joins the family on holiday, it is also a holiday for the au pair. So expectations should be clearly communicated in advance.

After arrival in the Netherlands, the au pair is required to schedule a TB test at the GGD. This is mandatory under IND regulations and must be completed within three months after arrival. If the test is not completed within this period, the IND will immediately revoke the residence permit. We therefore advise completing this as soon as possible, ideally within the first month.

The au pair must bring:

  • Passport or ID card
  • Completed IND TB referral form
  • Payment card

The test costs approximately €50, which is to be covered by the host-family.

The procedure is as follows:
 For adults (18+), the GGD takes a chest X-ray to check for signs of tuberculosis.

In some cases, after about 4 weeks, a skin test (Mantoux) may be scheduled to determine whether the person has previously been exposed to TB.

Au pairs from EU countries are allowed to drive in the Netherlands without restrictions. Au pairs from outside the EU may use their foreign driving licence for a maximum of 6 months (185 days) after arrival. After this period, the licence is no longer valid in the Netherlands and they must obtain a Dutch driving licence.

Final Decision
Is HBN worth it for my family?

HBN offers structured, trustworthy, human-led support with strong guidance and low rematch rates, ensuring a positive experience for families and au pairs alike.