How many hours can an au pair work?

It depends on the country: commonly 25–30 hours per week in European programs (e.g. max. 30 hours in Germany, including babysitting) and up to 45 hours in the US J-1 program, with daily caps. Exceeding these limits violates program rules and can jeopardize the au pair's visa status.

Does the au pair need their own bathroom?

No — a private, furnished room is required, but a shared bathroom is fine in virtually all programs.

Can the au pair look after our home while we're on holiday?

The au pair may join family holidays as part of normal duties, but should not be left as a house-sitter or sole caregiver for extended periods outside agreed hours. Free days and holiday entitlements continue to apply while travelling.

What if it doesn't work out?

Contracts typically include a two-week termination notice for both sides. Agencies usually offer rematch support; on matching platforms you organize the transition yourself. Address problems early and openly — most conflicts stem from unspoken expectations.

Host an Au Pair

Hosting an Au Pair: Requirements, Duties and Costs for Host Families

An au pair brings flexible childcare help and a second language into your home — in exchange for full integration into your family life. This guide explains what hosting really involves: the obligations, the costs and how to make the arrangement work for everyone.

What host families must provide

A private room for the au pair (a legal requirement in most programs)
Full board — the au pair eats with the family, free of charge
Monthly pocket money at or above the country's set rate
Health insurance (in many countries paid by the family) and often liability/accident cover
Free time: at least one full free day per week in most programs, plus paid holiday
Time and support for a language course, in some countries with a financial contribution

What an au pair can do for your family

Au pairs help with everything that revolves around your children: school runs, playtime, homework support, simple children's meals, and light housework connected to the kids. They are not a replacement for a full-time nanny, a cleaner or a private tutor. Weekly hours are limited by program rules — commonly up to 30 hours in European countries and 45 hours in the USA — and evening babysitting counts toward those hours.

Requirements for host families

Rules vary by country, but common requirements include: at least one child under a program-defined age living in the household, a spare private room, sufficient income to cover the au pair's costs, and — in several countries — that the family's everyday language matches the program's cultural-exchange purpose (in Germany, for example, German should be spoken at home in most cases, and the au pair may not be a relative).

What hosting costs, realistically

Budget for pocket money (e.g. €280/month in Germany, $195.75+/week in the USA), food and utilities for an additional household member, insurance premiums, a language course contribution where required, possibly local transport, and agency or platform fees depending on the route you choose. In many countries, hosting an au pair remains significantly cheaper than a full-time nanny or additional daycare — but it is a cultural exchange commitment, not merely a childcare purchase.

Choosing the right au pair

Video-interview at least 2–3 candidates; involve your children in a second call
Check references personally — call or email them
Be honest about your family's routine, house rules and expectations
Discuss the weekly schedule, free time and duties before matching
Put everything into a written contract using your country's template

Onboarding matters. Plan two overlap weeks in which you actively introduce routines, emergency contacts, house technology and your children's needs. Most failed placements trace back to unclear expectations in week one.