Becoming an au pair in Europe offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a language and experience life abroad. This guide covers the steps, requirements and tips for becoming an au pair in different European countries.
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I was actually an au pair in 3 countries and that’s how my travelling adventures began. So, if you have any questions about this whole thing, please let me know in the comments down below.
An au pair is a young adult, typically between 18-30, who travels to a foreign country to live with a host family. They offer childcare services in exchange for accommodation, meals and a small stipend. The program allows au pairs to improve their language skills and experience cultural exchange.
Key Benefits of Becoming an Au Pair
Cultural Exchange: Experience life in a foreign country from the inside, living with a local family.
Language Learning: Full immersion in a new language.
Affordability: Low living expenses as room and board are provided (not to mention all that home maintenance you don’t have to worry about!)
Travel Opportunities: Get the chance to explore a new country and surrounding areas during time off.
New people: The chance to meet people from all walks of life and make friends for life.
Eligibility and Requirements for Au Pairs in Europe
Each country in Europe has its own eligibility requirements for au pairs. Here are general conditions that apply across the board:
Age: Most countries require au pairs to be between 18 and 25, some up to 30 years old.
Language: Basic knowledge of the host country’s language is often required or encouraged.
Duration: Au pair programs typically last between 6-12 months.
Experience: Childcare experience is usually required and references may be asked for.
Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa to become an au pair in Europe.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose a Country
Different countries have varying rules and regulations for au pairs. Choose a country where you’d like to experience the culture, language, and lifestyle. Popular destinations for au pairs include France, Germany and the Netherlands.
Step 2: Research Visa Requirements
EU Citizens: If you are from an EU or EEA country, you can work as an au pair without needing a visa.
Non-EU Citizens: If you’re from outside the EU (e.g., the US, Brazil, Australia, Canada), you will likely need a specific au pair visa to work in Europe. Each country has different processes, so it’s essential to research visa requirements thoroughly. My advice is to ALWAYS check with the the ultimate source: the embassy.
Step 3: Find a Host Family
Several platforms allow au pairs to connect with host families:
GreatAuPair: Another popular website for finding host families worldwide.
Local Agencies: Some countries have specific au pair agencies that can help match you with families. Some countries require you go through an agency which is the case with the Netherlands and Switzerland. Although that process is nowhere near as costly or longer than the one to go to the US.
Create a compelling profile and be clear about your skills, interests and expectations. Ensure your profile highlights any previous childcare experience and be prepared to provide references.
Step 4: Negotiate Terms with the Host Family
Before finalising your match, discuss:
Working Hours: Ensure you’re comfortable with the number of hours required.
Stipend: Agree on the weekly or monthly allowance (this varies by country).
Responsibilities: Clarify your duties, including light housework, cooking and specific childcare tasks.
Days Off: Typically, au pairs have one or two days off per week, plus time for holidays.
Lifestyle: make sure to talk about your individual lifestyles and personalities. After all, you will all live together for a whole year.
Step 5: Prepare for Your Trip
Documents: Ensure you have a valid passport, visa (if necessary) and any required paperwork.
Health Insurance: Some countries require au pairs to have private health insurance.
Pack Smart: Pack for the climate of your host country but remember you will likely travel, so pack light.
Au Pair Visa in Europe*
Austria
Visa: Non-EU au pairs require a visa which can be applied for in-country.
Age: 18-27
Hours:18 hours per week.
Stipend: 518.44€ per month + 3 extra months’ bonus.
Language: Basic knowledge of German is necessary.
Good and bad: 👍 earn more, work less + can apply for the visa in the country; 👎 not many families looking for au pairs (and they just elected a far right government…)
Belgium
Visa: Non-EU au pairs require a visa.
Age: 18-26
Hours: 20 hours per week.
Stipend: 450€ per month.
Language: Some knowledge of French, Dutch or Flemish is recommended.
Good and bad:👍 fewer hours, decent money; 👎 cost of living a little higher than Germany and France, for example
Denmark
Visa: Non-EU au pairs require a visa.
Age: 18-29
Hours: 25-30 hours per week.
Stipend: 4700DKK per month + 18705DKK for language studies.
Language: Some knowledge of Danish, Swedish, German or English is required.
Good and bad: 👍 the visa can be extended for another year; 👎 Danish host families are known for requesting heavier housework and not much childcare (some might prefer it!)
Finland
Visa: Non-EU au pairs require a visa.
Age: 18-30
Hours: 25 hours per week.
Stipend: 280€ (net) per month.
Language: Some knowledge of Finnish or Swedish is required.
Good and bad: 👍 living in the happiest country in the world; 👎 visa processing times are LONG (about 8 months apparently) and Finnish is super hard to learn (but obviously not impossible)
France
Visa: Non-EU au pairs require a long-term visa (VLS-TS).
Age: 18-30
Hours: 25 hours per week.
Stipend: 320€ per month.
Language: Basic knowledge of French is required.
Good and bad: 👍 lots of families looking and the visa can be extended for another year (+ all the wine, bread, cheese, pastries…); 👎 lower pocket money compared to others (because I had to pick something. Quite frankly, I think France is one of the best choices in terms of location for travelling and opportunities to stay after your au pair experience)
Germany
Visa: Non-EU citizens need an au pair visa.
Age: 18-26
Hours: 30 hours per week.
Stipend: 280€ per month + 70€ per month towards German lessons
Language: Basic German required.
Good and bad: 👍 excellent location for travelling within the country and abroad; 👎 the lowest pay (lower living costs too, tbh…
Iceland
Visa: Non-EU au pairs require a visa.
Age: 18-25
Hours: 30 hours per week.
Stipend: 15000IKR per month.
Language: Some knowledge of English is recommended.
Good and bad: 👍 the most magical place I’ve been! Also, the most expensive so living there for free is a pretty big thumbs up; 👎 the most expensive… + long, cold, dark winters if that bothers you
Ireland
Visa: Non-EU au pairs can apply for a student visa.
Age: no limit
Hours: 25-30 hours per week.
Stipend: minimum wage (12.70€/hour) minus room and board.
Language: Some knowledge of English is recommended.
Good and bad: 👍 a really friendly place where you can work on a student visa and au pair is a regulated job; 👎 LOTS of rain and wind; very hard to get a place to live in Dublin when you’re done with “living at work”
Italy
Visa: Non-EU au pairs can apply for a student visa and attend a course for a minimum of 20 hours/week.
Age: 18-30
Hours: 25-30 hours per week.
Stipend: €250-300 per month.
Language: Basic Italian helpful but not mandatory.
Good and bad: 👍 I mean, it’s Italy! Food, wine, beaches, beautiful architecture, history…; 👎 au pairing is not exactly regulated
Liechtenstein
Visa: Non-EU au pairs require a visa.
Age: 18-25 (cannot complete 25 before the au pair start date)
Hours: 25-30 hours per week.
Stipend: 1835CHF per month.
Language: Basic knowledge of German is required.
Good and bad: 👍 a pretty interesting country with beautiful mountains all around. Once a year the Prince of Lechtenstein throws a party at his royal pad and invites the whole country!; 👎 very expensive as everyone there is rich + very hard to find host families
Luxembourg
Visa: Non-EU au pairs require a visa.
Age: 18-30
Hours: 25 hours per week.
Stipend: 515€ per week.
Language: Some knowledge of French, German, English or Luxembourgish is recommended.
Good and bad: 👍 fairy tale-like towns, excellent location for travelling, free transport all around. Tiny country but SO many languages! 👎 another spenny place… and not a lot of host families
Netherlands
Visa: Required for non-EU citizens. You can find families independently but both parties need to sign up to the same agency for the visa process.
Age: 18-25
Hours: 30 hours per week.
Stipend: 340€ per month.
Language: Basic Dutch knowledge appreciated. English recommended.
Good and bad: 👍 good location for travelling, lots to explore and everyone speaks English (in case you have trouble with Dutch); 👎 not many options to stay in the country post-au pair
Spain
Visa: Non-EU au pairs need a student visa.
Age: 18-30
Hours: 25-30 hours per week.
Stipend: €70-80 per week.
Language: Basic Spanish recommended but not required.
Good and bad: 👍 like Italy… great weather, casual people, tapas, beaches… and you can find host families for the summer only instead of a whole year!; 👎 again, like Italy…au pairing is not exactly regulated
Sweden
Visa: Non-EU au pairs require a work permit.
Age: 18-30
Hours: 30 hours per week.
Stipend: 5730SEK per month.
Language: Some knowledge of Swedish or English is required.
Good and bad: 👍 stunning nature, lots of culture. Out of all the au pairs I’ve interviewed in different parts of the world, the ones in Sweden all want to go back to settle; 👎 again, expensive. But not as bad as some on this list. Long, cold, dark winters.
Switzerland
Visa: Non-EU au pairs require a visa through an agency. Not all cantons in Switzerland accept non-EU au pairs and the ones that do have a yearly quota. It’s paramount to check with the Swiss government before finalising your match whether Switzerland can issue a visa or not.
Age: 18-25
Hours: 25-30 hours per week.
Stipend: 500-800CH per month.
Language: Some knowledge of French is recommended.
Good and bad: 👍 one of the prettiest countries I’ve ever seen! Absolutely beautiful anytime of the year. Also super centrally-located for travelling to neighbouring countries; 👎 Finding out which cantons allow non-EU au pairs. Even the agencies have trouble finding a definite piece of information! Probably because there isn’t one…
UK
Visa: the UK sadly doesn’t have an au pair visa anymore. You can come as an au pair if you’re from Ireland, have settle or pre-settled status as an EU national or through the Youth Mobility Scheme. The latter is available for people from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea.
Hours: 25-35 hours per week.
Stipend: £8.60 per hour for au pairs aged 18-20, £11.44 for au pairs aged 21 and up. Both minus room and board.
Language: Some knowledge of English is recommended.
*Please note all of this information changes regularly. Check with the country’s respective Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines.
Challenges of Being an Au Pair
While being an au pair is a fantastic opportunity, it comes with some challenges:
Homesickness: Adjusting to life in a foreign country can be tough.
Cultural Differences: Learning and adapting to a new way of life takes time.
Workload: Some families may expect more help than outlined, so clear communication is essential.
Tips for a Successful Au Pair Experience
Communicate early and often: Regular communication with your host family about expectations helps avoid misunderstandings.
Get to know the local culture: Take time to learn about your host country’s customs and way of life.
Make the most of your Free time: Use your days off to explore, take language classes, and meet new people.
Set boundaries: Remember, you’re part of the family but also there for work. Make sure your working hours and responsibilities are clear.
Build connections with other Au Pairs: Many au pairs form lifelong friendships with others who are also working abroad. It’s a rollercoaster experience and, when times are challenging, no one will understand you better than another au pair. Or a therapist. (highly recommend one!)
Becoming an au pair in Europe can be a rewarding experience and also a very challenging one. However, with proper research, preparation and the right expectations, it’s an incredible opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and truly immerse yourself in a foreign culture!
And if you speak Portuguese, here is my website Como Faço Pra Ser Au Pair with all of this information and more.
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