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For working parents, time is something you’re almost always short on.
An au pair can help up to 30 hours per week, giving you more peace of mind and real quality time with your children.
Think of help with childcare, tidying up, cooking, taking the kids to school or sports, and running small errands.
More than 3,000 families chose an au pair through Nina.care: less stress, more structure, and children who also learn English or Spanish along the way.
Many European au pairs have a driver’s license and specific experience with babies and young children.
👉 In many cases, your au pair can start within 2 months.
Curious if it’s right for your family?
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If you’re looking for more than 8 hours of childcare per week, an au pair is often the most flexible and affordable solution. Answer 3 short questions and instantly see whether it’s a good fit for your family.
"We knew we’d found the right person when our toddler started asking for her before breakfast"
"Within a week, our au pair knew our children’s routines better than we did."
"I was surprised at how naturally our au pair fitted into our family life."
"Having an au pair has made after-school hours far less stressful for everyone."
Hosting an au pair usually means covering pocket money, room and board, insurance, and sometimes language or agency fees. Exact costs vary per country but are generally €300-600 per month. Families should budget realistically, and au pairs should understand that pocket money is not a salary.
Au pairs receive pocket money as part of the cultural exchange, not a wage. Depending on the country, this ranges from about €70–€150 per week (€300–€600 per month). In all cases, the family also provides free accommodation and meals.
Au pairs help mainly with childcare (school runs, homework, babysitting, playtime) and light household tasks (tidying children’s rooms, setting the table, simple meals, children’s laundry). They are not cleaners, nannies, or nurses.
Au pairs usually help 25–35 hours per week, with a daily limit of 8 hours. They must have at least one full day off per week and receive paid holiday for longer stays.
The stay typically lasts 6–12 months, but in some countries shorter stays (3–6 months) or extensions up to 24 months are possible, depending on visa rules. European au pairs do not have a limit on their stay within another EU country.
Once a match is confirmed, EU au pairs can often arrive within 2–4 weeks, while non-EU au pairs usually need 2–3 months due to visa processing. Agencies help speed up the paperwork and ensure compliance with local rules.
Most au pairs are 18–30 years old (sometimes 17–26, depending on the country). EU/EEA au pairs can usually travel freely within Europe, while non-EU au pairs require a visa or residence permit. Requirements often include a valid passport, signed contract, health insurance, and sometimes proof of language skills or funds.
If challenges arise, the first step is open and honest communication. If no solution is found, either side may end the contract with a notice period (2–4 weeks). Agencies often provide mediation and support with finding a replacement. Families are expected to be patient, and au pairs flexible.
An au pair is welcomed as a temporary family member, not as staff. Families value reliability and respect, while au pairs should embrace new language, habits, and traditions. The exchange works best when both sides are curious, respectful, and open-minded.
Matches are usually made through recognized agencies or trusted online platforms. Families should check references and arrange interviews; au pairs should present their childcare experience and motivation.
Once a match is confirmed, EU au pairs can often arrive within 2–4 weeks, while non-EU au pairs usually need 2–3 months due to visa processing. Agencies help speed up the paperwork and ensure compliance with local rules.
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To create a positive, respectful experience for both parties, a well-structured au pair contract is key. This guide walks au pairs and host families through everything that should be included in the agreement: responsibilities, working hours, holidays, rules, and country-specific requirements.
Plus, you will get free templates, weekly schedules, and house rules documents.
We’re a community built on trust and real experience.
✨ Family-run by sisters Lyla & Jasmijn
✨ Former Au pairs on our team—understanding both Au pairs and families
✨ Trusted by 800+ families in 2024
✨ 1,000+ Au pair applications weekly
✨ Fun events, certified courses & our in-house Au pair academy
After trying daycares and nannies without finding the right match, May’s family discovered the au pair option – and never looked back. It brought them the flexibility, trust, and connection they were searching for.
