Become an Au Pair

How to Become an Au Pair: Requirements, Application and Timeline

Becoming an au pair takes roughly 3–6 months from first research to departure — longer if your destination requires a visa. This page walks you through the requirements, the application and every milestone in between.

Typical requirements at a glance

Criterion	Typical requirement
Age	18–30 years (USA: 18–26; varies by country)
Family status	Unmarried, no own children (most programs)
Language	Basic skills in the host country's language or English
Childcare experience	References required; USA: 200+ hours for infants
Health	Medical certificate, sometimes vaccinations
Background	Clean criminal record certificate
Finances	Ability to cover travel costs in most programs

Every country sets its own rules — check the country guides for specifics.

Your application documents

A friendly application letter (“Dear future host family”) about you, your motivation and your childcare experience
Photos and, ideally, a short video showing you in everyday life and with children
Childcare references with contact details
A medical certificate and criminal record certificate
Copies of passport, driver's license and language certificates

Honesty pays off: exaggerated language skills or invented experience surface within the first week in the family.

Finding a host family

You have two main routes: a full-service agency that pre-screens families, prepares your documents and supports you locally, or a self-service matching website where you create a profile and contact families directly. Both are legitimate — the right choice depends on your budget, destination and how much support you want. We compare both models on our page “Full-Service Au Pair Agency or Matching Website?”.

Before you say yes: interview checklist

At least one long video call with all family members present
Concrete weekly schedule: hours, evenings, weekends, babysitting
Your room: photos, privacy, house rules, Wi-Fi
Pocket money, language course contribution, travel cost arrangements
Insurance: who arranges and pays for it
How the family handled previous au pairs — ask for a former au pair's contact if possible

Never pay a “host family”. Legitimate families never ask au pairs for money — not for visas, not for flights, not for “registration”. Requests like these are scams. More on our safety page.

Contract, visa, departure

Sign a written au pair contract before booking anything — many countries provide official templates. Then apply for your visa if needed (allow 4–12 weeks), arrange health and liability insurance, and agree on arrival logistics with your family. Our resources page has a printable departure checklist.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to become an au pair?

Typical costs: travel (often shared with or covered by the family, depending on the country), visa fees (roughly €50–200), insurance if not covered by the family, document translations and certificates. Matching websites offer free basic use with optional premium features; full-service agencies charge program fees that vary by destination.

Do I need to speak the language of the host country?

Basic skills (A1–A2) are usually expected and sometimes formally required — France, for example, expects basic French. English is often sufficient for daily communication at first, but learning the local language is a core purpose of the stay.

Can I become an au pair without an agency?

Yes, in most countries. Self-service matching websites let you find families directly. The USA is the main exception: the J-1 au pair program may only be run through government-designated sponsor agencies.

When should I start applying?

Start 4–6 months before your preferred departure date — earlier if you need a visa. Families often search 2–4 months ahead, so being early gives you the best choice.