EUR 13.90 gross per hour in Germany and EUR 14.99 gross per hour in the Netherlands – these are the statutory minimum hourly wages in 2026 for workers covered by the general rules. In the Netherlands, the rate of EUR 14.99 applies to people aged 21 and over. If you are planning to work with children abroad, it is worth looking beyond the salary and checking the type of employment, language requirements and scope of responsibilities.
Nanny, au pair, gastouder, Tagesmutter – what childcare jobs are available abroad?
Working with children abroad can involve different responsibilities and employment conditions. A nanny looks after children in a family’s home, an au pair takes part in a cultural exchange programme, while a gastouder and a Tagesmutter provide childcare within regulated national systems.
- Nanny / babysitter – you look after children in the family’s home, for example, when the parents are away, after school or during agreed working hours. If you are legally employed, the relevant wage regulations apply.
- Au pair – you live with a host family, help care for the children and carry out light household duties. In return, you receive pocket money rather than a standard salary.
- Gastouder in the Netherlands – you care for children in your own home or another approved location within the regulated childcare system.
- Tagesmutter / Tagesvater in Germany – you provide daytime childcare, often in your own home, after meeting the relevant qualification and administrative requirements.
This distinction matters because a nanny’s hourly wage cannot be directly compared with an au pair’s pocket money or the fee charged per child under the gastouder system.
How much does a nanny earn in Germany?
Nannies and babysitters – pay rates and language requirements
From 1 January 2026, the statutory minimum wage in Germany is EUR 13.90 gross per hour. As a general rule, it applies to workers covered by the relevant regulations, including those employed on a part-time basis.
A nanny’s actual earnings depend on experience, the number of children, the scope of duties and the location. If you have experience caring for infants or children who need additional support, it is worth negotiating a rate that reflects your qualifications. In major cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, you may find job offers with higher hourly rates.
Knowing German makes everyday communication with children and their parents easier. English may be sufficient in some international families, but it is not always a substitute for German.
Au pair in Germany – pocket money instead of a salary
The au pair programme is designed for people who want to experience another country’s culture and improve their language skills. In Germany, pocket money is usually EUR 280 per month, while the host family provides accommodation and meals. Before signing an agreement, check all the conditions, including insurance and whether the family contributes towards the cost of a language course.
An au pair placement is not equivalent to regular employment as a nanny. Working hours are limited, and the stay also involves language learning and cultural exchange. This is a good option for people who want to gain their first experience abroad but do not necessarily expect to become fully financially independent.
How much do nannies and gastouders earn in the Netherlands?
Nannies – pay rates and working conditions
From 1 July 2026, the statutory minimum wage in the Netherlands for workers aged 21 and over is EUR 14.99 gross per hour. During the first half of the year, the rate was EUR 14.71 gross per hour. Younger workers are subject to separate minimum wage rates depending on their age.
A nanny’s earnings depend on experience, working hours, responsibilities and the family’s expectations. Experience caring for infants, a paediatric first aid certificate and references from previous employers can all improve your chances of finding a job.
In the Netherlands, English may be sufficient when working for international families, particularly in larger cities. However, knowing Dutch broadens your employment opportunities, especially with families who want their children to learn the local language from an early age.
The gastouder system – how does it work and what affects earnings?
A gastouder is a childcare provider who looks after children within the Dutch kinderopvang system. Unlike a nanny employed by a single family, a gastouder can care for several children at the same time, subject to the applicable limits.
In this system, fees are generally calculated per child per hour of care. For example, if the rate is EUR 7 per child per hour, caring for three children generates total revenue of EUR 21 per hour. However, this is not automatically net income. You must also account for operating costs, insurance, taxes and other expenses.
Gastouders must meet the requirements relating to qualifications, safety and registration. Cooperation with a gastouderbureau and registration in the Landelijk Register Kinderopvang (LRK) are important parts of the process. From 1 July 2026, new quality requirements also apply to this system.
Tagesmutter in Germany – providing childcare at home
The German equivalent of a gastouder is a Tagesmutter or Tagesvater. Childcare is provided to a small group of children, and payment arrangements may depend on local regulations, cooperation with the Jugendamt and the type of business or employment arrangement. Therefore, a single hourly rate should not be treated as standard across the entire country.
In most cases, you need to obtain the appropriate authorisation and demonstrate the required qualifications. Suitable premises, child safety and a good command of German are also important for communicating with parents and relevant institutions.
Germany or the Netherlands – which should you choose?
If you want a regular income and prefer working in a family’s home, consider applying for nanny positions. Germany may be a good choice if you speak German and want to develop your career in childcare. The Netherlands may offer more opportunities to English speakers, particularly in international families.
If you want to live with a host family and learn a language, consider the au pair programme. Gastouder and Tagesmutter positions, on the other hand, are suitable for people willing to meet additional formal requirements and take responsibility for organising childcare.
Before travelling, check your contract, working hours, responsibilities, gross salary, insurance arrangements and any accommodation costs. You can find current job offers in Germany and the Netherlands on the europa.jobs portal.
Related articles
- https://blog.europa.jobs/en/art-how-to-prepare-for-a-job-interview-in-germany-2/
- https://blog.europa.jobs/en/art-working-in-germany-or-working-in-the-netherlands-a-starting-budget/
FAQ
1. Do I need to know the local language to work as a nanny abroad?
It depends on the position and the family. In Germany, German is a major advantage and often a practical requirement. In the Netherlands, some international families accept candidates who speak English, while Dutch is important for working within the gastouder system.
2. How does being an au pair differ from working as a nanny in terms of pay and conditions?
An au pair receives pocket money, accommodation and meals as part of a cultural exchange programme. A nanny works under agreed employment conditions and receives payment for their work. These are two different arrangements and should not be compared solely on the basis of monthly payments.
3. Which qualifications can help a nanny earn more abroad?
It is worth completing a paediatric first aid course, gaining experience caring for infants and obtaining references from previous employers. Pedagogical qualifications and experience working with children with additional needs can also be valuable assets.
4. Do I need a certificate or registration to work as a gastouder in the Netherlands?
Yes. A gastouder must meet the relevant qualification and administrative requirements, including registration in the LRK through a gastouderbureau. They must also comply with childcare safety and quality standards.
5. Can I legally work as a nanny abroad without a contract?
The rules depend on the type of work and local legislation, but paid childcare must be properly accounted for in accordance with the applicable regulations. Before starting work, agree in writing on your rate, responsibilities, working hours and payment arrangements. Without formal agreements, it may be more difficult to recover unpaid wages and exercise the rights provided by the relevant regulations.
