Au pair work abroad

Verified 31 October 2022 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

What is au pair work abroad? It allows a young person to move with a family abroad in exchange for services, particularly child care. The au pair stay is an opportunity to improve one's language level. Specific rules apply in Denmark, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg and Norway. We present you with the information you need to know.

What applies to you ?

The conditions for being able to work at par vary from one country to another.

As a general rule, you must meet the following conditions:

Be between 18 and 30 years of age
Have basic knowledge of the host country language
Take language courses once you get there
In some countries, have a driver's license and a high school diploma

It is strongly recommended to inquire at the consulate or embassy of the country concerned.

Who shall I contact

Foreigners Embassy or Consulate in France

Europe, European Economic Area, Switzerland

You have no no need of visa to go to Europe, in The European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Elsewhere

You must obtain a visa. He is paying.

This is the case, for example, when traveling to the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States or Australia.

You can ask for information at the consulate of the country concerned in France.

Who shall I contact

Foreigners Embassy or Consulate in France

Depending on the country, a written agreement with your host family may be required before you leave France. It is recommended in all cases.

You can ask the host country's consulate about au pair regulations.

Who shall I contact

Foreigners Embassy or Consulate in France

Depending on the country (e.g. the UK), it is necessary to request the european health insurance card to benefit from their health service and be reimbursed for your care.

In any case, before leaving, find out about your health coverage abroad.

Who shall I contact

Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
General information on social security abroad and assistance with individual applications
By telephone
+33 (0) 1 45 26 33 41
Hotline:
Monday from 9 am to 12:30 pm
Tuesday from 1.30pm to 4.30pm
Wednesday from 9 am to 12:30 pm
Thursday from 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Friday from 1:30pm to 4:30pm
By E-mail
Access to contact form
By mail
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison
44 Armand Carrel Street
93100 Montreuil

FYI

It may also be necessary to take out an insurance and/or assistance contract. For example, in case of medical repatriation, medical expenses abroad, hospitalization, luggage theft, accommodation allowance in case of change of host family or if your civil liability is incurred.

The length of stay at the au pair varies.

It depends on the regulations of the host country and the demand of the host family.

You can leave, for example, for the summer holidays or for 6, 9 or 12 months, renewable or not.

You are housed and fed in exchange for your participation in household chores and child care for the family's children.

Your working hours, holidays and remuneration differ depending on the host country.

In most cases, you have to take language courses a few hours a week.

If you don't like the au pair program, you can terminate it. In principle, you have 2 weeks' notice to give the family time to find an alternative.

You must meet the following 4 conditions:

Be between 17 and 30 years old
Have basic knowledge of the host country language
Have the goal of improving your linguistic and possibly professional knowledge and increasing your general culture
Have a medical certificate of less than 3 months indicating your general health

You don't need a visa.

A written agreement with your host family must be reached.

This agreement is to be made preferably before your departure from France, or at the latest during the 1^re week in the host family.

The agreement specifies in particular the conditions under which you share the life of the host family.

A copy of this agreement must be deposited with the competent authority of the host country or the body responsible for the au pair stay.

It is necessary to have the european health insurance card to benefit from the country's health service and be reimbursed for your health care.

The length of stay at the au pair varies.

The initial stay may not exceed one year.

However, it can be extended to allow a stay of up to 2 years.

You are housed and fed in exchange for your participation in household chores and child care for the family's children.

The actual time spent on these services is a maximum of 5 hours per day.

You have the following guarantees:

Accommodation in a single room where possible
Adequate time and work schedules to attend language classes and develop your cultural and professional skills
A full day's rest per week, including at least one Sunday per month
Pocket money (amount and periodicity of payment are indicated in the agreement)

If you don't like the au pair program, you can terminate it. In principle, you have 2 weeks' notice to give the family time to find an alternative.