How to Become an Au Pair in Austria

Am I eligible to be an au pair in Austria?

Au pairs in Austria are generally aged 18–28. Beyond age, host families look for real childcare experience, reliability and genuine enthusiasm for cultural exchange. Read the key requirements below carefully, because they determine whether you need a visa and which documents to prepare.

What will I actually do as an au pair in Austria?

Your days as an au pair in Austria revolve around the children: school drop-offs and pick-ups, preparing their meals, playing and helping with homework, and keeping their spaces tidy — typically up to 20 hours per week. An au pair is not a housekeeper, so heavy cleaning and demanding newborn care normally sit outside the role. Make sure your duties, hours and any babysitting are written down before you arrive: it protects both you and the family and sets the placement up to succeed.

How to apply and arrange your visa

Create a free au pair profile, then search and message host families whose location, children and expectations match what you are looking for. When a family invites you, you arrange the Au pair employment registered with the AMS (Public Employment Service) together. Keep copies of your signed agreement and any official documents, and never pay large upfront fees to a family or an unverified agency.

Pocket money, working hours and time off

As an au pair in Austria you can usually expect ≈ €550 per month (marginal-earnings threshold) plus insurance, with childcare of up to 20 hours per week. You should also have free time every week and at least one full day off — many au pairs use it for a language course, to travel locally or to meet other au pairs.

Daily life and making the most of your stay

Living with a host family is the fastest way to improve your language and build friendships that last for years. Agree house rules early, speak up if something is unclear, and treat the placement as a true cultural exchange rather than just a job. Staying connected with other au pairs nearby makes settling in much easier.

Tips for a happy stay in Austria

Say yes to family life — shared meals, day trips and local traditions are where the real cultural exchange happens, and where your language skills improve fastest. Enrol in a language course early, connect with other au pairs nearby so you have a social circle of your own, and raise anything that is bothering you with your host family calmly and early rather than letting it build up. A little openness and effort on both sides is what turns a year in Austria into a genuinely life-changing experience.

Key requirements in Austria

• Austria treats au pairs as employees — the family registers the role with the AMS
• Maximum about 18–20 hours per week of childcare and light help
• Host family pays at least the marginal-earnings allowance and covers social insurance
• Non-EU au pairs need a work/residence authorisation arranged before arrival
• Au pair attends a German language course during the placement