For young people, working as an au-pair is a possibility to improve their knowledge of German, to come into closer contact with people and the country, but also gives them a chance to improve their professional opportunities and educational level.
The only occupation permitted is au-pair work based in a family. All other occupations constitute a criminal offence or a violence of law.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and as a rule not older than 25. Application details should be in German if possible and they should include a suitable photo. Au-pairs, if they are not citizens of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Community (EEC), need a residence permit and a work permit for the Federal Republic of Germany. Au-pairs from Eastern Europe need a residence permit. A residence permit must be applied for at the appropriate Embassy or consulate before the date of departure. The work permit is issued on application to the  appropriate regional employment office. It requires a residence permit or confirmation. The duration of stay in the family is limited to a maximum of 12 months.
It should be warned that there is a large number of dubious au-pair agencies which supposedly sell women to Germany. But there is not sufficient information in order to give evidence to the real extent of the problem. Women’s projects working with women from Southern and Eastern Europe have noticed an increase in such forms of exploitation.