If you’re raising kids in Germany, you probably feel it too — finding reliable childcare keeps getting harder.
Daycare spots are limited. Costs go up every year. And finding someone you trust, Even harder.
That’s why so many German families are turning to au pairs. They offer real help at home, a cultural exchange for your kids, and more importantly an Au Pair helps busy parents feel less stressed, and brings peace in mind.
But here’s the thing: while more families want au pairs, there just aren’t enough of them anymore.
Let’s talk about why this is happening, what the numbers actually show, and how families like yours can still find the right match.
What the Numbers Say About Germany’s Au Pair Demand?
Germany continues to lead Europe in hosting au pairs — but demand keeps rising faster than supply.
2022: About 14,000 au pairs came to Germany.
2023: The number dipped slightly to 13,500, mostly because of visa issues.
2024: Only around 10,000 au pairs were placed, yet agencies report that family requests have doubled.
So no, families aren’t losing interest. They’re waiting longer because the system can’t keep up.
In a recent survey, every second agency said they now have more host family requests than au pairs.
Some agencies even get ten families asking for every available au pair.
That’s not a slow market — that’s a race.
👨👩👧 Why So Many German Families Want Au Pairs?
You might be wondering, why are au pairs suddenly so popular?
The reasons are simple — and real:
Affordable childcare: Au pairs cost much less than hiring a nanny or full-time help.
Flexible help: They live with you, so schedules fit around your family life.
Cultural value: Kids learn a new language and perspective from someone their age.
For working parents, an au pair can make daily life calmer, more balanced, and—honestly—more joyful.
📍 Regions Where Demand Is Exploding
Families in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and the Rhine-Main area are feeling this shortage the most.
These are regions with strong economies, where many parents can afford childcare help and value cultural exchange.
Agencies in these areas often have waiting lists. Families apply early and still need to wait months for a match.
So if you live there, it helps to start early and stay flexible.
💶 The Business Behind It: A Market Worth Billions
The au pair market isn’t small anymore.
According to recent research from DataHorizzon, the European au pair service industry, led by Germany, was valued at Euro 1.55 billion in 2024, and report projects Europe’s market to reach Euro 3.44 billion by 2033.
That growth comes from two main things:
More German families joining the program each year.
And easier matching through online platforms and trusted agencies.
It’s no longer just about finding childcare. Hosting an au pair has become a lifestyle choice for many families who value connection and help at home.
🌎 Where Most Au Pairs Come From?
German families are welcoming au pairs from more countries than ever before.
Top Applicant countries in 2023–2024 include:
- Madagascar
- Colombia
- Indonesia
- India (over 500 Indian au pairs arrived in 2023)
Fewer au pairs now come from places like Nepal, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Morocco, and Tajikistan because of stricter visa approvals.
This shift has made candidate profiles more varied — great news for families open to learning from different cultures and traditions.
🕒 The Real Problem: Appointment, Visa Delays and Fewer Approvals
The biggest challenge right now? Visa appointment and long wait times.
German embassies are processing visas slower than before. That’s the main reason for fewer arrivals.
Many young people still want to come, but the approval process takes longer.
Some au pairs even switch families mid-stay or connect directly with families online, which makes the statistics harder to track.
This is why it pays to start early and use an experienced agency that knows how to handle visa steps correctly.
💡 How Smart Families Stay Ahead?
If you plan to host an au pair soon, here’s what successful families are doing differently:
They start months in advance.
They work with trusted Au Pair agencies that handle matching, paperwork, and visa preparation.
They stay open-minded about candidate nationality and timing.
They act quickly once they find someone they like.
The earlier you start, the better your chances. Waiting too long can mean missing out on great candidates.
🧭 Why Using an Au Pair Agency Makes All the Difference?
Some families try to find au pairs on their own. It sounds simple—until something goes wrong.
Agencies exist for a reason.
A good agency:
Checks candidates’ backgrounds and language skills
Helps both sides understand program rules
Guides you through visa steps
Supports you during the stay
That’s exactly what we do at AuPairWave.
We’ve been matching families in Germany, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Austria for over ten years.
Our goal is simple: make the process easy and make sure the match truly works for both sides.
❤️ Why German Families Still Choose Au Pairs?
Sure, hosting an au pair comes with adjustments.
You’re sharing your space and routines, and that takes a bit of patience.
But most families say it’s worth it.
Their kids learn empathy, new words, and confidence. Parents get extra help and more time together.
And the au pair gains real-life experience and a second home in Germany.
That’s the kind of exchange no daycare can offer.
✅ The Big Picture: Au Pairs Are Here to Stay
The data is clear:
Germany still leads Europe in au pair placements.
Host family requests are higher than ever.
The industry keeps growing every year.
Families want more than just childcare — they want meaningful help and connection at home.
So if you’ve been thinking about hosting an au pair, this might be the best time to act.
Because in a market where demand is climbing fast, the best matches go first.
📞 Ready to Find the Right Au Pair?
We’d love to help you find your perfect match.
At AuPairWave, we connect German families with trusted, pre-screened au pairs from around the world.
We take care of matching, visa support, and ongoing guidance — so you don’t have to stress about the details.
⭐ Claim your FREE 30-minute strategy session with our au pair specialists!