How to Become an Au Pair in Switzerland

Am I eligible to be an au pair in Switzerland?

Au pairs in Switzerland are generally aged 18–25 (non-EU, German-speaking cantons). 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 Switzerland?

Your days as an au pair in Switzerland 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 30 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 Cantonal au pair placement (agency-arranged for non-EU) 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 Switzerland you can usually expect CHF 500–800 per month, depending on canton and age, with childcare of up to 30 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 Switzerland

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 Switzerland into a genuinely life-changing experience.

Key requirements in Switzerland

• Rules are set by each canton; a recognised agency must place non-EU au pairs
• Non-EU au pairs are usually 18–25 and placed in German-speaking cantons
• Maximum 30 hours per week, with a compulsory language course (half-day per week)
• Host family pays pocket money plus the language-course costs and insurance
• EU/EFTA citizens have far more flexibility than non-EU applicants