Au pair from South Africa in Germany
Processing approx. 4 weeks
The hard facts
- Pretoria / Kapstadt
- Roughly 4 to 8 weeks from your appointment at the mission.
- Currently €75 for the national visa (D visa)
- Yes
- Not usual at present
Responsible mission abroad
Approximate duration
Visa fee
Goethe-Institut on site
Document verification
As of 8 September 2026. Waiting times change; the responsible German mission abroad decides.
The money-back guarantee applies to this country.
What you need from South Africa
The list of the responsible mission abroad always counts. In practice almost every mission asks for the following.
- Passport valid well beyond the stay, plus copies
- National visa application form and biometric photos
- Signed au pair contract with the host family
- Proof of German at A1 level (Goethe, telc or ÖSD)
- Exam date at the Goethe-Institut in Pretoria / Kapstadt, or with telc/ÖSD
- School certificates and any childcare references
- Proof of insurance, paid by the host family
- Motivation letter in your own words
- Visa fee, payable in local currency
How long it usually takes
Roughly 4 to 8 weeks from your appointment at the mission.
This is an experience range, not a commitment. The mission decides at its own discretion and may take longer.
Next steps
- 1Create your profile and upload your documents
- 2Review by aupairo, then the academy
- 3Match, contract, visa application in your home country
Questions about South Africa
Where do I apply if I live in South Africa?
At the responsible German mission in Pretoria / Kapstadt. You always apply in your home country, never on arrival.
What does the visa from South Africa cost?
The fee for the national visa is currently €75, payable in local currency. With aupairo you as an au pair pay nothing (§ 296 para. 3 Social Code III).
How long does processing from South Africa take?
Roughly 4 to 8 weeks from your appointment at the mission. This is an experience range, not a commitment. The mission decides at its own discretion and may take longer.
Can I take a German exam in South Africa?
Yes. There is a Goethe-Institut in Pretoria / Kapstadt; telc and ÖSD exams are possible as well.
Related articles
- Au pair visa for Germany: the complete process
- What if my au pair visa is refused?
- Do I need German to become an au pair in Germany?
- All countries
The responsible German mission abroad decides on the visa at its own discretion. We do not promise a visa.
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