Which is the Best Country to Au Pair Abroad?

People regularly inquire about the best country to work as an au pair. Choose a country with a well-established au pair program or, at the absolute least, a working holiday visa that allows you to stay and work legally in the country.   With this in mind, I have curated the following countries based on the simplicity with which a valid visa may be obtained and the compensation offered. Throughout your au pair year abroad, choose one of them to call home.

Germany

Age limit: Non-EU citizens should be between 18-26, while EU citizens should be between17-30.

Typical hours: Au pairs in Germany can work up to 6 days a week for no more than 30 hours.

Average monthly pay: The minimum salary is 280€ ($327 USD) a month. Host families are required to pay for health care costs, but not language courses.

Why au pair in Germany?

From the Alps in southern Bavaria to the ports of northern Hamburg, Germany offers a flexible environment. It is an excellent area for au pairs to meet new pals because there are many cities and smaller towns with institutions, language schools, and young people. Furthermore, most Germans are fluent in English, so you’ll have no trouble meeting and conversing with locals.

What’s the legal situation for au pairs in Germany?

Non-EU/EEA nationals aged 18 to 26 can apply for an au pair visa in Germany. This visa is only valid for 12 months and cannot be extended. Au pairs are not permitted to work outside of their babysitting obligations because this is not a work permit.

Au pairs must have a basic understanding of German (level A1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). If you don’t have a certificate, you will have to take a test while applying for a visa. In addition, the au pair is liable for the expense of their visa as well as their trip to Germany.

Related Topic: How to become an Au Pair in Germany

Australia

Age limit: Au pairs should be between 18 and 30 years old.

Typical hours: Au pairs in Australia should work no more than 38 hours a week according to national employment standards.

Average monthly pay: Because there’s no official au pair program in Australia wages vary, but most families pay between $150 – 250 AUD ($145 – 180 USD) a week in addition to room and board.

Why work as an au pair in Australia?

Australia is a destination for young people searching for a gap year, making it an ideal destination for an au pair wishing to work and explore. Au pairs will have little trouble making friends with other tourists, and Australians are always up for a night out. If you’re from an English-speaking nation, you’re less likely to have a language barrier (anyway don’t rule it out altogether — Aussie slang can be like learning a new language), and those interested in learning the language will have plenty of opportunities.

What is the legal status in Australia for au pairs?

Although there is no official au pair visa in Australia, people of several countries between the ages of 18 and 30 can apply for a Working Holiday or Work and Holiday visa. This visa permits for informal employment, however, you can’t work for the same company for more than six months at a time.

Sweden

Age limit: Au pairs in Sweden must be between 18-30.

Typical hours: Au pairs in Sweden work a maximum of 25 hours a week.

Average monthly pay: In addition to the mandatory language course, host families in Sweden must provide room and board as well as a minimum monthly stipend of 3,500 SEK (about $400 USD).

Why work as an au pair in Sweden?

Being an au pair in Sweden will allow you to live and work in a country that would otherwise be too expensive to visit for a long period of time. You’ll also get the opportunity to learn a new language and, perhaps, taste some handmade Swedish meatballs.

What is the legal position in Sweden for au pairs?

Non-EU citizens can work as au pairs in Sweden with a work permit. Au pairs in Sweden must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and have an interest in learning Swedish since they must participate in a language course (and paid for by the host family). Au pairs can stay for up to a year.

United States

Age limit: To be an au pair in the United States you must be between 18-26.

Typical hours: Au pairs in the U.S. will work no more than 45 hours a week and no more than 10 hours a day.

Average monthly pay: Au pairs must be paid $195.75 a week. They are also given 2 weeks of paid vacation each year along with their own bedroom and three meals a day.

Why work as an au pair in the United States?

Here are a few reasons why you might consider being an au pair in the United States if you are not an American.

The United States is a big and diverse country with cities and towns to suit each au pair’s needs. Au pairs are many, especially in larger cities, making it easier to meet other young people from all over the world. With the education requirement, you’ll also be able to enhance your English or study anything at the college level.

What is the legal status of au pairs in the United States?

The J-1 au pair visa program allows au pairs to travel to the United States. Au pairs must locate their families through one of 14 government-approved organizations, which means the process of locating an au pair family differs somewhat.

Au pairs must have a good command of the English language and pass a criminal background check. Au pairs sign 12-month contracts that can be extended for a total of 24 months by 6, 9, or 12 months. They are paid $500 educational stipend by their host families.

Switzerland

Age limit: EU citizens must be between 17-30 years old and au pairs from non-EU countries must be between the ages of 18 and 25.

Typical hours: Au pairs will work no more than 30 hours a week.

Average monthly pay: Au pairs are paid between 500 – 700 Swiss Francs (around $550 – 770 USD) a month for 30 hours a week of work. The host family also provides room and board and must pay for half of the required language course.

Why should you work as an au pair in Switzerland?

Switzerland is surrounded by five countries and is only a short train journey away from many more, making it the ideal location for an au pair looking to travel across Europe. Switzerland, like Sweden, is a very expensive nation and working as an au pair there will allow you to learn about the culture without breaking the budget.

Furthermore, because Switzerland has four official languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansh), you should be able to locate a family who speaks your target language in one of the autonomous regions.

What is the legal position in Switzerland for au pairs?

EU nationals can apply for au pair residence permits, and non-EU citizens can apply for au pair visas. EU nationals are permitted to work in Switzerland for a period of up to two years. Au pairs from outside EU are allowed to stay for up to a year. Au pairs must take a language class for at least 3 hours each week.

Canada

Age limit: To secure a working holiday visa for au pairing, participants must be at least 18 but no older than 30.

Typical hours: Au pairs usually work between 25 to 30 hours a week.

Average monthly pay: There’s no set au pair wage in Canada but salaries are between $235 and $290 per week, depending on the minimum wage of the province, in addition to room and board.

Why work as an au pair in Canada?

Canada, like the United States, is a large country with plenty of opportunities for au pairs to work while improving their English (or French, if you choose to go to Quebec). Au pairs will undoubtedly find it simple to establish local acquaintances because Canadians are recognized for their warmth and friendliness.

What is the legal status in Canada for au pairs?

Although Canada does not have an official au pair program, it does have a working holiday visa known as International Experience Canada, which allows persons aged 18 to 35 from 27 countries to work in Canada on short-term contracts.

Denmark

Age limit: Denmark au pairs must be between 17 and 29 years old.

Typical hours: In Denmark, au pairs work a maximum of 30 hours a week.

Average monthly pay: Au pairs receive a stipend of 4,550 DKK (around $720 USD) a month. Your host family will also pay for insurance and if you’re from a non-European country, your trip home at the end of your contract.

Why work as an au pair in Denmark?

Sure, Denmark may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning your European au pair year, but with good pay and a large English-speaking population, it’s worth a shot. Furthermore, Denmark is a very safe country with a culture that places high importance on resting and mingling with friends and family. What a fantastic au pair year that would be!

What is the legal position in Denmark for au pairs?

Au pairs between the ages of 17 and 29 are granted residency permits in Denmark. To get this permission, the au pair and the host family must sign a contract written by the Danish government, ensuring that both parties agree to all of the criteria. The residency permit has a 12-month validity period.

New Zealand

Age limit: Au pairs must be between 18 and 30 years old.

Typical hours: In New Zealand, au pairs are required to work between 30 -35 hours a week, and have at least one day off.

Average monthly pay: As an au pair in New Zealand, you can expect to earn between $170 – 240 NZD ($120 – 165 USD) per week in addition to room and board.

Why should you work as an au pair in New Zealand?

New Zealand’s adventurous energy, along with the wonderful friendliness that Kiwis are known for, makes it an attractive place to au pair overseas. New Zealand is a breathtakingly beautiful and varied nation. It is possible to walk almost everywhere. Furthermore, if English is your first language, you will not have any linguistic barriers. New Zealand is an excellent au pair destination if you wish to be a part of a family. You’ll be regarded more like a big brother or sister than a babysitter.

What is the legal status in New Zealand for au pairs?

To au pair in New Zealand, you’ll require a Working Holiday Visa, much like in Australia. This visa is valid for a period of one year.

Working as an au pair will introduce you to a different culture and allow you to travel the world. However, picking the proper country for you is crucial. Having the security of a work permit will guarantee that you not only have a good time but that you also receive the compensation and perks that you deserve for your hard work. Choosing one of the listed destinations is an excellent starting step toward a memorable trip abroad!