What is an au pair + requirements
Being an au pair is one of the most enriching ways to travel, learn a language, and immerse yourself in another culture while living with a family abroad.
In this guide, I explain everything you need to know to become an au pair in 2025, from the requirements to how to find the ideal family and more.
An au pair, also known as a bro-pair, is a young person who lives temporarily with a host family in another country to help with childcare and light household chores, whether related to the children or basic daily living. In return, they receive room, board, transportation, and a weekly allowance, as well as the opportunity to learn a language and experience a new culture.
These are the general requirements to become an au pair in 2025.
- Be between 18 and 26 years old, or 30 years old (varies by country)
- Have no criminal record
- Have at least a basic level of the host country’s language (A2-B1) or conversational level.
- A passion for children and some prior experience caring for them
- Be available for between 6 months and 1 year (depending on the country)
- Good physical and mental health
- For some countries or agencies, a driver’s license is required
Important: This is not domestic work.
Being an au pair doesn’t mean being a domestic worker or working full-time. It’s a cultural exchange with clear rules that protect your rights.
How to find the perfect Host family (Tips + PDF with questions)
Finding the ideal host family is key to a positive and enriching experience.
Here’s a step-by-step guide with helpful tips to help you choose the best family for you:
- Know yourself first
– Before you begin your search, ask yourself these questions:
– What kind of routine and family environment do I prefer?
– Do I want to live in a city or a rural area?
– How many children am I comfortable with?
– Am I willing to take care of babies or do I prefer older children?
– What values or parenting style are important to me?
Knowing yourself will help you narrow down your options.
2. Find families through official agencies.
On this website, we recommend some agencies where you can start your au pair journey with just one click.
However, it’s very important to make sure the family has references, real photos, and complete profiles.
3. Conduct honest and detailed interviews
During the video call:
- Prepare a PDF with clear questions about schedules, chores, and rules.
For the first interviews, I recommend asking questions related to the children. Interviews are usually conducted with the mother; they want to see what concerns you most about the children and their stability.
It’s important to know what your schedule will be like, what they expect from an au pair (whether from the exchange experience or what they expect you to do around the house).
What chores they want you to do; keep in mind that you’re only required to do things related to the children. Cleaning the kitchen or common areas occasionally is part of living together.
Ask the family about the rules they have for au pairs. If you have a curfew, permission to bring people into the house, use the car outside the city, if they’ll provide you with a phone, etc.
- Make video calls with the family and children
It’s important that on the second call, you ask to see the children, let them meet you, talk to you, ask you questions, and you can ask them questions too. Ask them about family dynamics and how they spend time together.
Ask about daily routines, house rules, and your schedule.
- Meet the children (if possible)
- Ask what they expect from you as an au pair.
- Clarify whether you’ll have a car, free time, a private room, etc.
- Discuss sensitive topics: rules, boundaries, chores, phone/internet use.
- Free host family PDF questions with the personalized video consultation that must be booked in advance.
- Beyond the “practical” aspects, see if you feel comfortable talking to them. Is there respect, warmth, and good energy? Don’t ignore your intuition.
- Ask for everything writing
When choosing a host family, make sure you have a contract or agreement that includes:
Working hours and days off
Specific tasks
Payment (weekly or monthly (pocket money)
Vacations
Insurance and transportation
This protects both parties and avoids misunderstandings.
- Don’t be afraid to say no
If something doesn’t suit you, don’t be afraid to turn down an offer. It’s better to wait for the right family than to accept out of pressure or fear of “missing the opportunity.”
- Talk to other au pairs
If that family has had au pairs before, ask for their contact information. They can give you a real insight into what it’s like to live there.
🧡 Remember:
The ideal family isn’t perfect, but it is one with which you can grow, learn, and feel safe. The key is communication, respect, and a sense of alignment between both parties.
