Lighthouse Nanny offers temporary nanny contracts to fill in for short, fixed periods. Same caregiver each day, no long-term commitment. From one week up to 6 months.
Need a temporary nanny in Berlin?
Make transitions easier with extra help
Sometimes, you only need extra childcare help for a season. Our short-term placements give your children the same familiar face day after day, for as long as you need it. Families often use our short-term nanny service for:
- Extended stays, work trips, or summers in Berlin
- Settling in after relocating to Germany
- Bridging the gap before a Kita place opens up
- Covering while your regular nanny is on leave
- Extra support after a new baby arrives
- Busy work periods, conferences, or projects
The same standards as every Lighthouse Nanny
Short-term doesn’t mean second-best. Every nanny in our pool passes an in-person interview and provides a German police clearance certificate (Führungszeugnis), an infant and child First Aid & CPR certificate, proof of personal liability insurance, and vetted references from previous childcare roles. All of our nannies speak English at a native or near-native level, and other languages are available on request.
How the short-term nanny search works
- Complete your registration. Sign the service agreement, fill out your family background form, and pay your €150 deposit.
- Review your matches. We’ll share 1 to 3 candidates selected for your family.
- Meet your candidate(s) in a 30-minute interview by phone, Zoom, FaceTime, or in person if you’re already in Berlin.
- Schedule a trial day (optional). If you’re already in Berlin, you can spend 1 to 4 hours with your nanny at home before committing. Trial days are paid at the nanny’s regular rate.
- Sign your contract. We prepare the contract for you using our own Lighthouse templates.
Not in Berlin yet?
No problem. Many of our short-term families start their search from abroad. Interviews can be done remotely, and your nanny can be ready to start the week you arrive.
What does a short-term nanny cost?
Agency fees
Deposit: €150 (incl. VAT), applied toward your placement fee.
Short-term nanny (under 6 months): 20% of your nanny’s total earnings (plus VAT)
Nanny rates
Our starting rate for freelance nannies is €25 per hour. Freelance nannies with baby and toddler experience tend to charge €30–€35 per hour. Every nanny sets her own rate based on her experience and the role.
Frequently asked questions
Can the nanny come to our hotel or holiday rental?
Yes. Our nannies regularly work with visiting families in hotels, serviced apartments, and holiday rentals across Berlin.
How do I pay if I don’t have a European bank account?
Your agency fees can be paid by credit card or SEPA transfer. Your nanny is ideally paid by SEPA bank transfer, but if that’s not possible, options include Wise, Xoom, PayPal, or cash. (Unfortunately, Venmo doesn’t work in Germany.) Get in touch and we’ll send you our full list of payment options.
What if we need to cancel a day?
Every Lighthouse contract includes a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, your nanny is paid in full for the scheduled time.
What if we decide to stay longer?
Wonderful! If your plans change and you’d like to continue for 6 months or more, get in touch and we’ll talk through extending your placement. Learn more about our long-term nanny service.
Is the deposit refundable?
The €150 deposit is non-refundable, but it’s credited in full toward your final placement fee.
