Hiring a nanny is always a big step, but if you’re doing it while living in Europe—especially as an expat or in a multicultural household—there are a few things you’ll want to know before jumping in. And if you’re considering working with a Filipino nanny (which many families across Europe are doing, more than ever before), this will help you get a better sense of what to expect, what to prepare for, and what really matters most.
We’ve helped families in London, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, and many cities in between. Some of them knew exactly what they wanted. Most didn’t. And nearly all of them had a moment—usually a few weeks in—where they said, “We wish someone told us this sooner.”
So we’re telling you now.
Here are five of the most important things to know before you bring a nanny into your home in Europe.
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Define What “Nanny” Means for Your Family
In some parts of Europe, the word “nanny” is used loosely. For some families, it means someone who lives in and works full-time. For others, it might mean 20 hours a week and a bit of light housekeeping. That flexibility is great—but it also leads to confusion.
So before anything else, take a moment to ask: What exactly are we looking for?
- Do you need a live-in nanny who’s fully integrated into your household?
- Are you looking for someone part-time who comes in during working hours?
- Do you expect help with meals, laundry, homework?
- Do you want someone who’ll travel with you or stay overnight when needed?
The more specific you can be—upfront—the easier the search becomes. We always start with these questions when working with new families because once we’re clear on your reality, we can match you with a Filipino nanny who fits it naturally.
If you’re not sure what you want yet, that’s okay too. We help you figure it out.
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Hiring a Nanny in Europe Comes With Logistics
Hiring a nanny in Europe isn’t just about finding someone wonderful and saying, “You’re hired!” Depending on where you live, there may be paperwork, legal requirements, payroll rules, and insurance obligations to think about.
Every country has its own setup:
- In Germany, for example, you’ll need to register your nanny and handle taxes through Minijob or a full employment contract.
- In France, there are specific salary bands and mandatory benefits you need to provide.
- The Netherlands and the UK each have their own nanny tax structures.
It sounds like a lot, and honestly—it can be. But this is where working with someone who knows the local system helps. We walk families through all of this. We let you know what’s standard in your area and what’s optional. We also prep the Filipino nanny we’re placing with you, so they know what to expect as well. Transparency goes both ways.
If you’re moving countries, starting a new job, or hiring your first household employee—don’t worry. We’ll make sure nothing important slips through the cracks.
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Cultural Fit Is Everything (And We Take It Seriously)
We can’t overstate this: your nanny is going to be in your home, with your kids, while you’re not there. That’s more than a job. It’s a relationship. And for it to work, the cultural fit has to be right.
We don’t just mean background or nationality. We mean energy, values, communication style, parenting alignment.
That’s why so many families ask us for a Filipino nanny. It’s not just about experience—it’s about presence. Filipino nannies are widely known for being respectful, steady, nurturing, and emotionally aware. They tend to read the room well. They don’t take over, but they do take initiative. They’re reliable without being rigid.
And in our experience, they often create long-term bonds with the children they care for—not because they’re told to, but because it comes naturally.
We take this match seriously. We don’t just look at logistics. We ask: Is this someone your child will feel safe with? Is this someone you’ll feel good about seeing every morning? That’s what makes the difference between someone who “works” and someone who really fits.
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Trust Doesn’t Appear Overnight — But You Can Lay the Groundwork
Let’s be honest: even if everything looks great on paper, there’s still that first week where everything feels new. Maybe even a little uncomfortable. That’s okay. It’s completely normal. Bringing someone into your home is a huge shift.
The trick is to create structure from the start:
- Set clear expectations, but allow time for adjustment.
- Don’t assume your nanny knows your routines—show them.
- Communicate early and often, especially in the first few weeks.
- Have regular check-ins. Not performance reviews. Just honest chats.
We prepare every Filipino nanny we place for this exact transition period. We also coach families on how to ease into the relationship. When both sides come in with clarity, curiosity, and flexibility, things tend to settle into a rhythm quickly.
The best relationships we’ve seen didn’t feel “perfect” on day one. They grew into something solid because both the family and the nanny were invested in making it work.
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Babysitter vs. Nanny vs. Housekeeper — Know the Difference
In some parts of Europe, families are used to hiring help in mixed roles. Someone who watches the kids, preps dinner, does laundry, maybe even handles cleaning. That’s fine—if it’s clearly communicated and fairly compensated.
But the roles are different, and mixing them without clarity can lead to tension.
A nanny is focused on childcare. They’re tuned into your child’s emotions, routines, development, and safety. Their job is to care—not clean. Some may help with light housekeeping or simple meals, but that should always be discussed in advance.
A babysitter, on the other hand, is usually hired for short-term or occasional care—often evenings or weekends. Their role is more limited: safety, supervision, fun. Not structure, learning, or long-term routine.
A housekeeper is someone who manages the home itself—laundry, cleaning, organizing, groceries—not the children.
When we speak to families, we ask early: what do you actually need? If it’s a blended role, we’ll say that. And we’ll look for someone who’s up for that. But we always want to avoid putting a nanny in a role she didn’t sign up for—or asking too little from someone who could offer so much more.
Being honest about what you need is how we help you find someone who can meet that need—and stay long enough to make a real difference.
Why Work With Us
We know hiring a nanny in Europe isn’t always straightforward. There’s paperwork, cultural differences, expectations to manage, and that lingering fear of “What if we choose wrong?”
That’s why we do things differently.
At filipinonanny.agency, we don’t just match you with a caregiver—we get to know your family. We listen before we suggest. We place Filipino nannies who are experienced, trustworthy, and genuinely passionate about children. And we stay involved. We don’t disappear after the contract is signed. We support both sides—for the long run.
If you’re hiring a nanny in Europe and want someone you can trust—not just to care for your child, but to fit into your life—we’re here to help.
Let’s find someone who feels like the right fit from the start. Visit filipinonanny.agency to begin the process.
