Au Pair FAQs
an au pair in the Netherlands.
Safety & Trust
Does HBN help me if I have issues with my host family?
Yes. HBN provides ongoing personal support. You can contact a real coordinator at any time to discuss concerns, mediate situations, and find solutions early.
Does HBN assist if I am unhappy and need to rematch?
Yes. HBN actively supports rematches by guiding both sides, helping you find a new family, and prioritizing your well-being. Within the HBN Agency under 10% of our au pairs go into a rematch, which is much lower than the Dutch Agencies average of 20%.
How can I be sure that HBN screens host families properly?
HBN conducts thorough interviews, background checks, and reference verification for all families. Matches only happen after careful review and guidance.
Is the Netherlands safe for international au pairs?
Yes. The Netherlands has high safety standards, reliable public systems, and strong regulations for au pair programs. HBN ensures host families meet official requirements.
Program Comparison & Matching
Do I need an agency to join the Au Pair Program in the Netherlands?
Yes. For non-EU nationals, Dutch immigration regulations require a recognized sponsor to apply for the au pair residence permit. Only agencies recognized by the Dutch government can act as a sponsor and arrange participation in the official Au Pair Program. Fortunately, HBN is a sponsor with the IND.
Why should I use an agency if I have an EU nationality?
One of the most important advantages is that host families are carefully screened before joining the program. This helps ensure that families understand the purpose of the au pair program, have realistic expectations, and can provide a suitable and welcoming environment for an au pair.
As an independent au pair, it can be difficult to assess whether a family fully understands and follows the program guidelines. By working with HBN, you have an experienced organization looking out for your interests and helping to ensure that the host family respects the conditions of the au pair program. HBN will also help you meet new people and host fun events which you can attend.
Does HBN guide me through the matching process?
Yes. HBN provides hands-on guidance, including profile review, family selection advice, and interview preparation.
If I found my family on another platform, do I still need a HBN agency?
Yes. Even if you have found a host family through another platform, working with HBN as an agency can still be extremely valuable.
In the Netherlands, only agencies that are recognized and registered by the Dutch government as an official sponsor can arrange the au pair residence permit and bring an au pair to the Netherlands. This means that, regardless of where you found your match, a recognized sponsor is required to complete the immigration process.
HBN has been a recognized sponsor for more than 15 years and has extensive experience guiding both host families and au pairs through all legal, administrative, and practical requirements. Our expertise helps ensure that the process is handled correctly, efficiently, and in full compliance with Dutch regulations.
How does HBN compare to other agencies?
HBN specializes in the Netherlands, provides personal (AI-free) support, and maintains a low rematch rate (<10%), compared to the average of > 20%.
Can I travel during my stay?
Yes. The programme encourages cultural exchange, exploring the country, exploring the rest of Europe, meeting new people and making new friends.
Reviews & Experiences
What do other au pairs say about HBN?
Feedback highlights strong personal support, smooth communication, and good matching quality.
Value for Money
Is the HBN programme worth it financially?
Yes. Benefits include accommodation, meals, pocket money (€340/month), phone allowance, cultural experience, insurance, and training. However, living costs in the Netherlands are relatively high, so budgeting is important.
Are there cheaper alternatives to HBN?
No, the registration fee for every Dutch agency is the same 34,- euros. Some agencies request payment for prep training in the country of origin. Some agencies will not request a contribution for the flight ticket. Though HBN believes some financial investment in this program will create commitment and will make sure both parties are equally serious. If you match on another platform, families might request you to pay for the full flight ticket. Next to this cheaper platforms or agencies often lack structured support, legal guidance, and emergency assistance.
Will I have enough money to enjoy my time in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is relatively expensive, especially in cities like Amsterdam or Utrecht. Au pairs receive around €340 pocket money per month next to some secondary benefits at HBN. We request our Host Families to provide you with some extra benefits to be able to explore the Netherlands and enjoy the cultural exchange. You’ll need to budget carefully for travel, social activities, and shopping though.
Skills & Personal Growth
What skills will I gain through the HBN au pair program?
You will develop childcare experience, communication skills, cultural awareness, independence, and adaptability—valuable for your personal development and future careers in education, travel, or international work.
What if I don’t get along with my host family?
Living where you work can be an adjustment and a challenge. Concerns about privacy, different habits, or feeling like an outsider are normal. You will learn to deal with challenging situations that will make you grow as a person. Next to this HBN will advise you and support you and help you solve issues if needed and will provide you with guidance and mediation to make the experience positive.
What if I make a mistake while taking care of the children?
Childcare is a serious responsibility. HBN provides guidance and training, and families expect a balance of care and friendliness. Honesty is most important, mistakes happen though safety of the children is your number one priority. Support is available if needed.
How can I manage au pair duties-life balance as an au pair?
You are part of a family and it helps if you do not see your duties as work.The program in the Netherlands is very regulated and thus a maximum of 30 hours will make sure you will have enough time off to enjoy free time and explore. Even with regulated hours, some au pairs worry about extra tasks or unclear boundaries. It is give and take but HBN helps set expectations upfront on both sides and mediates if concerns arise.
I’m worried about adjusting to Dutch culture—what should I expect?
The Netherlands has a direct communication style, structured society, and strong emphasis on independence. Some au pairs feel misunderstood at first, but support from HBN and host families helps you adapt.
What if I feel homesick during my stay?
Homesickness is common, especially in the first 1–2 months. Missing family, food, or routines is normal. HBN, host families, and au pair communities help you adjust and feel at home (Only few au pairs (0,01%) experience severe homesickness and returns).
Will I feel excluded if I don’t speak Dutch?
Most Dutch people speak English well, but children may speak Dutch and daily life (signs, apps, bureaucracy) can be in Dutch. For example don’t be surprised if at dinnertime families may speak Dutch because it is easier for all kids to join the conversation. HBN encourages language courses and cultural immersion to help you integrate. If you feel excluded this is a point of evaluating and see how this can be solved together with your Host Family.
How do I make friends while I’m an au pair?
Loneliness is common at first. HBN introduces you to other au pairs from the start. You will be added to our What’s app community. You will join our Welcome Training with all newly arrived au pairs. Throughout the year we organise at least 3 big events to meet other au pairs. From our HBN network mostly makes it easier to join smaller au pair communities, attending meetups, and being proactive socially to build a network.
Will I cope with biking and public transport in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is very bike-oriented. Expect to cycle frequently, learn traffic rules, and navigate public transport. HBN provides guidance for daily life adjustments.
Final Decision
How do I know if HBN is the right choice for me?
If you want a safe, well-supported, human-guided programme with low rematch rates, HBN provides a trusted solution for au pairs.
Can I rely on HBN if something goes wrong during the program?
Yes absolutely. HBN offers emergency support, mediation, and personal mentorship throughout your stay.