Understand the au pair program — before you commit
au-pair.org is an independent international information portal for au pairs and host families. We explain how au pair programs work worldwide: the rules, the real costs, your rights and duties, visa requirements and how to stay safe — clearly, neutrally and free of charge.
Explore the essentials
Everything you need to plan a fair, legal and successful au pair stay — organized by topic.
Au Pair Guide
What an au pair is, how the cultural exchange program works, and how a typical stay unfolds from application to farewell.
Become an Au Pair
Requirements, timeline, application documents and how to find a trustworthy host family abroad.
Host an Au Pair
What host families provide, what an au pair may (and may not) do, and how to prepare your home.
Country Guides
Program rules, pocket money and visa basics for Germany, the USA, France, Spain, Australia and more.
Rules & Costs
Working hours, pocket money, insurance, travel costs — who pays for what in an au pair arrangement.
Rights & Responsibilities
The rights and duties of au pairs and host families — from free time and language courses to childcare tasks.
Visa & Legal Information
Visa types, required documents and contracts — and why official sources always have the final word.
Safety
Red flags, scam prevention and emergency planning for au pairs and host families.
Two sides, one exchange
For future au pairs
Live with a family abroad, help with the children, learn the language and experience a new culture from the inside.
- Check the requirements for your destination
- Understand pocket money, free time and insurance
- Prepare documents, interviews and your visa
For host families
Welcome a young person from abroad into your home, get flexible help with the children and bring a new language into your family's everyday life.
- Know your obligations before you start
- Plan room, board, pocket money and insurance
- Learn how to choose a candidate responsibly
Who is behind au-pair.org?
au-pair.org is run as an independent information center on international au pair programs. We do not operate a matching database and we do not place au pairs ourselves. Our goal is simple: anyone considering an au pair stay — as an au pair or as a host family — should be able to understand the program, the rules and the risks before making any decision or paying anyone anything.
More about usFrequently asked questions
What is an au pair?
An au pair is a young person, usually between 18 and 30 years old, who lives with a host family in a foreign country for a limited period — typically 6 to 12 months. In exchange for room, board and pocket money, the au pair helps with childcare and light housework related to the children. The core idea is cultural exchange: the au pair is treated as a family member “on equal terms” (French: au pair), not as a domestic employee.
How much does an au pair earn?
Au pairs receive pocket money, not a salary. The amount is set by each country's program rules — for example around €280 per month in Germany, at least $195.75 per week in the USA, and higher amounts in countries like Australia or Denmark. Room and board are always provided free of charge on top. See our Rules & Costs page for details.
Do I need a visa to become an au pair?
That depends on your citizenship and destination. EU citizens can usually stay in other EU countries without a visa, while au pairs from outside the EU generally need a dedicated au pair or cultural exchange visa (such as the J-1 visa for the USA). Always confirm requirements with the embassy or consulate of your destination country — rules change regularly. Our visa overview explains the basics.
Is au-pair.org an au pair agency?
No. au-pair.org is an independent information portal. We do not place au pairs, we do not host profiles and we do not charge fees. If you want to be matched with a family or an au pair, you can use a full-service agency or a self-service matching website — we explain the difference on our comparison page.
How long does an au pair stay usually last?
Most au pair stays last between 6 and 12 months. Some countries allow shorter summer programs (2–3 months) or extensions up to 24 months (for example the USA with an extension year). The permitted duration is defined by each country's visa and program rules.