Despite the high demand from German host families, the number of foreign au pairs is falling. According to the latest DR-WALTER Business Survey 2025, only around 10,000 au pairs came to Germany in 2024, a significant decline compared to the previous year. The main reason for this is the increasingly restrictive and non-transparent visa issuing practices of German diplomatic missions abroad. Placement agencies are sounding the alarm: without stable visa regulations, the au pair program is at risk of losing its social and cultural significance.

More host families than au pairs - the system is faltering

More and more families want the support of an au pair, especially in economically strong regions such as Bavaria, the Rhine-Main area or Baden-Württemberg. However, according to a survey, every second agency had more inquiries from host families than available au pairs. The gap between supply and demand is widening and is calling the entire system into question. A third of the agencies received more than ten inquiries from so-called exchange au pairs who had left their original host family and entered the country without the support of a full-service agency.

Visas are a lottery - countries of origin fluctuate greatly

The five most important countries of origin in 2024 were India, Madagascar, Colombia, the Philippines and Indonesia. However, there is a great deal of uncertainty: in Madagascar, up to 80% of visa applications have been rejected since spring 2025 and au pair visas are currently no longer being issued in Indonesia. In the Philippines, the embassy there has suspended contract certification. Agencies speak of “arbitrary visa issuance” and a lack of willingness to talk on the part of the embassies. As soon as there is a high level of applicant interest and agencies have established stable cooperation with local partners, there are sudden restrictions on the issuing of visas.

Language courses too expensive - pocket money no longer up to date

Another problem for the au pair program and the au pairs themselves is the changing framework conditions. Au pairs are supposed to improve their language skills through classroom courses, but these usually cost far more than the host family's monthly language course allowance of 70 euros. A third of courses cost more than 150 euros. Online courses are also no longer affordable for many. The survey shows that an increase in the allowance and pocket money would make Germany more attractive for many young people.

Outgoing sector: hope for Great Britain - USA losing relevance

Agencies are hoping for new impetus in the outgoing sector: Great Britain could become an au pair destination country again after the Brexit-related standstill. The USA, on the other hand, is losing relevance. No new visa appointments are currently being granted there. The number of German au pairs in the United States has been declining for years. China, South Africa and Mexico could offer new prospects if viable programs are established.

Comprehensive data source

In the outgoing sector, agencies are hoping for new impetus: the UK could become an au pair destination country again after the Brexit-related freeze. The USA, on the other hand, is losing relevance. The number of German au pairs in the United States has been declining for years and no new visas are currently being issued there. China, South Africa and Mexico could offer new prospects if viable programs are established.

For a free download of the full survey conducted by DR-WALTER, go to this link.
(German language only)

The infographics for download