If the aupair is not from the US, EU, Liechtenstein,or Switzerland, a residence and work permit for Germany is also required. Aupair must apply for the residence permit at the German embassy or consulate. This permit is the visa and restricted to one year. It is granted only once to the same person and can't be extended. Members of the European Union have the possibility to stay for extra 8 to 10 months. In every case, the visa is first granted for 3 months and then extended to one year. To apply for a visa, aupair needs a letter of invitation from the host family. This is a contract of employment with the host family.
Local authority for foreigners for the host family's area must approve the residence permit request before the visa application. After that, the work permit is given by the locally labor office. Au pairs from out of the European Union need a valid passport for entry. Citizens of the European Union need a valid identity card for their stay.