The Term Au Pair – comes from France, meaning “on par” or “equal to,” indicating that the Au Pair is treated as a family member rather than a domestic worker.
Au Pair Age – An au pair is a young person, typically aged 18–30 years old, from a foreign country. An Au pair normally lives with a host family and provides childcare and light household duties in exchange for room, board, and monthly paid pocked money.
Au Pair - Purpose & Duties
Cultural Exchange – The primary purpose is mutual cultural immersion; the au pair learns the host country’s language and culture while sharing their own.
Childcare Duties – Responsibilities often include looking after children, helping with homework, and organizing activities. May include tasks related to the children, tidying their rooms, preparing meals, errands and light housekeeping, but not heavy cleaning.
Au Pair - Salary & Education
Work Hours & Pocket Money – Usually work 25 – 30 hours per week, different from country to country, in exchange for weekly allowance, private room & meals.Â
Language Course/Education – Host families are not legally obligated to pay for language education for au pairs in Europe, but in some countries, they are required to contribute to the cost. The au pair is typically responsible for their own language course expenses.
Au Pair - Requirements & Visa
Basic Knowledge – Skills or willingness to adapt the host country’s language. Childcare reference may be required. English language is required.Â
Visa & Regulations – Many countries have specific au pair visas with rules on working hours, minimum pay, and duration often 1–2 years. In Europe, au pairs generally cover their own visa and travel expenses. While host families might contribute to travel costs.
Negotiate Expenses with the Host Family?Â
In many cases, Au Pairs can discuss and negotiate visa and travel-related expenses with their Host Families. While some countries have specific rules about who is responsible for covering these costs, the arrangements can often vary depending on the family’s preferences and the Au Pair’s circumstances.
It’s important that both parties communicate openly about expectations before the au pair travels. Some Host Families may offer to cover the full cost of the visa application, flight tickets, or airport transfers, while others may only contribute partially or expect the au pair to cover these expenses independently.
To avoid misunderstandings, these details should be agreed upon in writing – preferably as part of the au pair contract – before the placement begins.
The Au Pair Program in Norway
The Norwegian au pair scheme was discontinued on March 15, 2024, meaning new au pair applications from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are no longer accepted. Existing Au Pair’s in Norway can still renew their permits to change Host Family until their two-year period expires. People from EEA countries can still come to Norway as Au Pairs under the existing rules on free movement within the EEA. If you are from a country that require a Visa for Norway the only option is to work as a Housekeeper and apply for a normal Work Visa in Norway. If you are educated with a Bachelor’s Degree or have good Work Skills, you can travel to Norway on a Travel Visa and then apply for work inside Norway.Â
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A Candidate – Au Pair, Housekeeper, Personal Assistant and more you can find Host Family in the country of your dreams. As an Au Pair or Housekeeper you can choose to live with a family, help with childcare, and learn a new language – all at the same time. In return, you’ll receive free room and board, along with pocket money for your personal expenses.
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Employer’s – Childcare and cultural exchange, all in one. An Au Pair or a Housekeeper joins your family, helping you with daily childcare tasks, light housekeeping, some practical errands, while bringing a new culture into your home. A big sister or brother for your children – offering more flexibility and better time management for you and your family.
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Clients' testimonials
Alena - 27 - Slovakia
I didn’t know that slovakian could be aupair’s in Europe. Lucky for me I was wrong. Thanks to Active Au Pair Int.
Feedback Score100%
Liliana - 28 - Romanian
Slottsskogens Hostel is now my future employer. Not a top level job, but Active Au Pair helped me finally to find work.
Feedback Score89%
Márcia - 29 Brazil
Graças à Active Au Pair, encontrei minha famÃlia na França. Consegui depois de quase 3 anos.
Feedback Score85%
Cathrine - 23 - Denmark
Happy about finding my new hostfamily in Austria after searching for 2 years. Advices finally gave positive result :–))
Feedback Score100%
How to use ActiveAupair.Com
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How to start the process here with Us
You can create your profile, specify your preferences and requirements, search for matches, and contact others to arrange a mutual Au Pair stay. We provide helpful information about the Au Pair program, visa procedures, personal experiences, and tips on how to prepare for and enjoy your stay.
Our platform and tools are both powerful and easy to use. Try them out and connect with your future Candidate or Host Family today.
Registration
The first step in your Au Pair journey is registering online at activeaupair.com. Sign up for free and start a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Create your profile today here on Active Au Pair International [ activeaupair.com ]
Find your Candidate or your Employer
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Use our secure messaging and chat system to contact your future Candidate/Au Pair or Employer/Host Family. Make an appointment for an interview. Wondering how? Let us show you by giving you access to our website. Create an account and try us out Now!
Work Contracts
It’s important to talk with your potential employer about your expectations and discuss all the details of your work and stay. Make sure to complete and sign the Work Contract or Au Pair Contract before your placement begins to avoid misunderstandings.
When we decided to get our first Au Pair, we was full of mixed feelings about - From Where? We discussed this at home and got some advice from Active Au Pair International [ activeaupair.com ] - Our Filipina Au Pair arrived May 2025.
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Cathrine - Denmark
Lucky me finding a Family in Tyrol, Austria - Thank you Active Au Pair
Travel doesn’t just take you to places, it takes you deeper into your own mind. The forest offered no directions, yet I never felt lost on the most important journey of all.
Welcome !!!
Dreams are normally far away from your home
but sometimes the journey brings you closer to yourself
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