Fill in the form below and your dedicated program manager will be in touch to help you find the right new match.
Everything host families and au pairs need to know about the rematch process, from paperwork and timelines to costs. Tap a question to expand it.
Rematching is the process of finding a new host family for an au pair, or a new au pair for a host family, when the current arrangement cannot continue.
It may occur due to unmet expectations, cultural differences, homesickness, miscommunication, or personal incompatibility. The agency supports both parties during the rematch period, but the decision on whether to continue is made by the host and au pair together.
The au pair must not move in with a new host family until the agency has completed the necessary paperwork, including:
Non-compliance may lead to revocation of the au pair's residence permit. The same IND requirements for all host families apply to sponsoring a rematch au pair:
The new host becomes the registered sponsor during the au pair's stay. If the new host is not accepted as sponsor and a new agreement is not signed, the pre-existing au pair and host agreement stands, including responsibility for paying the agreed flights. The new host must treat the au pair as a respected, equal family member.
Once a new host family is identified, the rematching paperwork, including document verification and IND processing, typically takes 10 working days. This timeline does not include the period required to find a suitable new host family.
Yes, the au pair has the following options:
If the current host family cannot accommodate the au pair during this period, emergency accommodation may be arranged at a cost of €20/day, which the current host family covers, unless the au pair willingly left without notice.
No. Moving in with the new host family before IND registration as the official sponsor violates program requirements and can lead to complications regarding responsibility.
Sunshine Au Pair acts as a mediator and ensures compliance with program regulations by:
If a new host family cannot be found within a reasonable time, the au pair may need to return to their home country. The current host family will assist in arranging return travel, as per the au pair and host agreement.
If a new host is not registered as the new sponsor and a new agreement is not signed, the pre-existing au pair and host agreement stands, including responsibility for paying the agreed flights.
If the au pair chooses to leave the current host without serving the notice period, despite the offer of continued accommodation, emergency accommodation is not provided, and they must arrange their own housing.
Where the current host family is unable to accommodate the au pair for the notice period despite the au pair's willingness to continue, emergency accommodation may be arranged at a cost of €25/day, which the current host family covers.
Throughout, the au pair must communicate their address and plans with the agency, remain within the legal work schedule (max 30 hours/week) for a registered host family only, and must not leave the country without following correct departure procedures. Leaving the country without following the proper procedures will result in cancellation of the residence permit.
Sunshine Au Pair will only terminate agreements in cases of serious misconduct or non-compliance with IND regulations.
For rematch inquiries, contact your Program Manager at Sunshine Au Pair:
Sunshine Au Pair ensures the rematching process is managed smoothly, legally, and with the well-being of both au pairs and host families as the highest priority.
Example: an au pair with a permit valid 30 Jan 2025 to 30 Jan 2026, rematching on 1 Aug 2025, has 6 months remaining → €242 + (€121 × 6) = €968. The rematch fee is non-refundable, even if the match does not work out and the agreement is stopped before the agreed period is completed. Emergency accommodation applies only where the host is unable to accommodate the au pair during the transition period.
You continue providing the au pair's regular pocket money during the agreed notice period, as long as they follow a schedule of duties. If it has been agreed that the au pair performs no duties (including watching the children) during the notice period, you do not need to pay pocket money during this time.
Emergency accommodationIf you cannot accommodate the au pair during the notice period, you are responsible for emergency accommodation costs, typically €25 per day (excluding VAT), unless the au pair voluntarily left without notice.
This involves a rematch administrative cost of €242 plus a placement cost of €121 for each remaining month of the au pair's residence permit (see the estimator above). The rematch fee is non-refundable, even if the match does not work out.
Hosting a new au pair from abroad (Full Service)Where the family was matched with an au pair from the Sunshine database, the agency fee is not refundable after the au pair's arrival. If a new au pair is needed, the agency charges, based on how long the au pair stayed, plus a new IND visa/permit application fee:
Where the family worked with their own candidate, the agency fee is not refundable after arrival. Charges for a new au pair, plus a new IND visa/permit application fee, are:
A standard two-week notice period is required, during which the au pair may continue to reside with your family.
DeregistrationYou must inform the agency to initiate the rematch process. You remain the official sponsor, and the signed agreement still stands until the au pair signs a new agreement and sponsorship is transferred. You will then be deregistered as the sponsor with the IND.
You must ensure all legal requirements are met, including completion of the necessary paperwork with the support of an IND-approved au pair agency, before a new au pair can commence their stay.
For detailed information, please refer to Sunshine Au Pair's Consolidated Terms and Conditions for Host Families and Au Pairs.
