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.
- 75 euro 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 national visa costs 75 euro, 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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