Au Pair Country Guides: Rules, Pocket Money and Visa Basics by Destination
Every country runs its au pair program under its own rules: different age limits, pocket money rates, weekly hours and visa procedures. This overview summarizes the most popular destinations. Figures are typical guideline values — always verify the current rules with official sources before planning.
Popular destinations at a glance
| Country | Age | Pocket money (approx.) | Max. hours/week | Visa for non-EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 18–26 | €280/month + €70 language course | 30 | Au pair visa (§19c AufenthG) |
| USA | 18–26 | from $195.75/week | 45 | J-1 visa via sponsor agency |
| France | 18–30 | €320–410/month | 25–30 | Long-stay visa “jeune au pair” |
| Spain | 18–30 | €280–340/month | 25–30 | Student/language visa route |
| Netherlands | 18–30 | €300–340/month | 30 | Via recognized agency only |
| Australia | 18–30 (35 for some) | AU$250–350/week | 30–40 | Working Holiday visa |
| United Kingdom | 18–30 | £100–150/week | 25–30 | Limited (e.g. Youth Mobility Scheme) |
| China | 18–29 | varies + language classes | 30 | Program-specific visa routes |
Germany: the classic cultural exchange program
Germany is one of the most structured destinations: pocket money is fixed at €280 per month, hours are capped at 30 per week including babysitting, families contribute €70 per month toward a language course, and stays run 6–12 months. Non-EU au pairs need basic German (A1) and an au pair visa; the au pair may not be related to the host family, and German should generally be the family language.
USA: the regulated J-1 program
The US program runs exclusively through government-designated sponsor agencies under the J-1 cultural exchange visa. Au pairs commit to 12 months (extendable), work up to 45 hours per week, receive a weekly stipend of at least $195.75, a $500 education allowance and two weeks of paid vacation. Requirements are stricter: documented childcare experience, a driver's license in most families, and sponsor-led screening.
Europe beyond Germany
France combines the stay with mandatory language classes and uses the “jeune au pair” long-stay visa for non-EU citizens. Spain has no dedicated au pair visa; non-EU au pairs typically enter via a student visa combined with a language school. The Netherlands requires all non-EU placements to run through a recognized agency. Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway) offers comparatively high pocket money but strict rules and, in Norway's case, a program that has been restricted in recent years — check current availability.
Oceania and beyond
Australia and New Zealand have no dedicated au pair visa; most au pairs use the Working Holiday visa, which limits the time with a single employer/family. Pocket money is negotiated more freely and often higher, reflecting demand and living costs. China and some other Asian destinations offer program-based stays focused on language exchange, usually organized through specialized agencies.