What is an au pair?

An au pair is a young person (typically 18-30) who lives with a host family in a foreign country. In exchange for childcare and light household tasks, the au pair receives room, board, a monthly stipend, and the opportunity to experience a new culture and language.

The word "au pair" comes from French and means "on equal terms" — you're not an employee, but a member of the family.

What are the requirements?

Requirements vary by country, but generally you need to:

• Be between 18 and 30 years old
• Have some childcare experience (babysitting counts!)
• Have a basic knowledge of the host country's language
• Be in good health
• Have a clean criminal record
• Be single with no children (in most programs)
• Have completed secondary education

How long does an au pair stay?

Most au pair programs last 6 to 12 months. Some countries allow extensions up to 24 months. The typical arrangement is:

• Europe: 6-12 months (extendable to 24 months in some countries)
• USA: 12 months (extendable by 6, 9, or 12 months)
• Australia: 6-12 months

What does an au pair do?

Your main responsibility is childcare. Typical tasks include:

• Getting children ready for school
• Walking or driving them to/from school and activities
• Preparing meals for the children
• Playing, helping with homework, organizing activities
• Light household tasks related to the children (tidying their rooms, doing their laundry)

Important: You are not a housekeeper. Heavy cleaning, cooking for the whole family, or caring for pets are not standard au pair duties.

Working hours and pocket money

This varies by country:

Country	Hours/week	Monthly pocket money
Germany	30	~280 EUR
France	25-30	~320 EUR
Netherlands	30	~340 EUR
USA	45	~$195/week
UK	25-30	~85 GBP/week
Australia	25-35	~200-250 AUD/week

In addition to pocket money, the host family provides room, board, and in many countries contributes to language courses or travel costs.

Do I need a visa?

It depends on your nationality and the host country. General guidelines:

• EU citizens in the EU: No visa needed, just register with local authorities
• Non-EU citizens in the EU: Au pair visa or working holiday visa required
• USA: J-1 visa through a designated sponsor agency
• Australia: Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462)

Always check with the embassy of your host country for the most current requirements.

Tips for a great au pair experience

1. Be honest in your profile

Don't exaggerate your experience. Families appreciate honesty and it leads to better matches.

2. Ask lots of questions

Before committing, ask about daily routines, expectations, house rules, your room, free time, and language course opportunities.

3. Video call before deciding

Always have at least one video call with the family (and the children!) before making a decision.

4. Discuss expectations upfront

Working hours, duties, pocket money, holidays, car usage — get everything agreed in writing before you arrive.

5. Stay connected

Join local au pair groups, take a language course, and don't be afraid to ask your family for help when adjusting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose which country I go to?

Yes! You decide where you want to go and which families to contact.

Do I get my own room?

Yes. Host families are required to provide you with a private room.

What if it doesn't work out with my family?

It happens. Most programs allow for a rematch period. Communicate openly with your family first, and if issues can't be resolved, you can look for a new family.

Can I travel during my au pair year?

Yes! Au pairs typically get at least one week of paid vacation per 6 months. Many families also include you in family holidays.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. Most countries require au pairs to have health insurance. In some cases the host family arranges and pays for it, in others you arrange it yourself.

Guide for Au Pairs