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Au Pair in China: information on the program

China is an increasingly popular destination for Au Pairs seeking cultural exchange in a dynamic and rapidly evolving country. With its unique blend of ancient culture and modern innovation, China offers an opportunity to experience everyday life in a Chinese family, explore vibrant cities like Beijing and Shanghai, learn Mandarin, and get to know one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating cultures.

Keep reading to find out what the Au Pair experience in China involves for both Au Pairs and Host Families.

Requirements

Everything you need to know to join our Au Pair program in China

For Au Pairs

Be between 18 and 29 years old
Have a valid passport
Have never been married and have no children
Have completed secondary school education
Have a good level of English and be ready to create an English-speaking environment for the Host kids
Have no criminal record
Be motivated to learn Mandarin and explore Chinese culture
Be willing to stay in China for 3 to 12 months

If you’re eligible, explore the Au Pair program in China and start looking for a Host Family. If not, discover other destinations where you can enjoy the Au Pair experience.

Free Registration as Candidate

For Host Families

You need to have at least one child under the age of 18 living with you.
Your family speaks Mandarin in your everyday life.
You can offer a private room to your Au Pair, at least three meals a day and monthly pocket money.
You can afford to cover the Au Pair’s flight expenses partially or completely depending on the length of the stay.
Your nationality differs from the one of your candidate.
You need no more than 30 hours per week of childcare and light household duties.
Your Au Pair has time to attend a language course.

Do you meet the criteria? Great — you can start searching for an Au Pair for your family. If not, explore other available programs.

Free Registration as Family

Working Conditions

Fair and balanced arrangements for everyone

Working Hours

Maximum 30 hours per week
Allowed time for language courses and cultural activities
Babysitting included in hours

Time Off and Holidays

At least 1–1,5 days off per week
Flexible rest day schedule
10–15 days of paid holiday per year
Public holidays are discussed individually

Language Course

Mandarin language course is a core condition of participation
Fees are usually covered by the Host Family or agency
Some programs include additional cultural classes
Daily schedule must allow for course attendance
Student visa (X2) requires enrollment in a language school

Au Pair Responsibilities

Childcare and babysitting
English-language interaction with children
Light housework related to children only
No responsibility for full household cleaning or cooking

See more on Au Pair duties and schedule.

Au Pair Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory
Insurance must cover the entire stay
Insurance is arranged by the agency, Host Family, or independently
Should include basic medical care and accident coverage
Review the conditions of coverage prior to departure

Driving Licence

Driving is not expected, particularly in cities
Include responsibilities and insurance in your Au Pair contract if driving is expected
Foreign licences are not automatically valid in China
A temporary Chinese driving permit may be required

Host Families provide Au Pairs with:

Accommodation

Private, furnished room (bed, wardrobe, desk, chair), with natural light, heating, and a lock; clean bedding and internet access provided

Meals

Full board (three meals per day, usually shared with the family)

Pocket Money

Approximately RMB 1500–2000 per month (depending on program and location)

Language Course

Mandarin language course is included, financed, and arranged by the Host Family or agency, with time off to attend classes.

Health Insurance

Arranged by the agency or Host Family (coverage may be limited; additional insurance recommended). It is important to check whether the insurance is accepted by nearby hospitals and what services are included.

Transportation

Public transport allowance or transportation support, depending on the family

Legal Support

Support with visa invitation and insurance arrangements; possibly with the help of a full-service agency assistance throughout the placement (more details here).

Free Registration as Candidate Free Registration as Family

Everything You Need to Know

Explore our comprehensive guides to make your Au Pair journey smooth and successful

Visa & Next Steps

Visa types depending on the length of stay and program conditions
Documents required for visa application and registration procedures
Arrival obligations and registration in China

Au Pair in China: Guided tour Becoming an Au Pair in China definitely is an adventure. How to choose the perfect place for your Au Pair stay in China? Get inspired by our recommendations!
Explore China

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Start Learning

What our customers have to say about us and our service:

Member since 2 years

Eleanor's family,China

❱ Australian Au Pair

I am lucky to have a very kind and lovely Australian girl who spends her summer vacation with my daughter. She plays with my child like a big sister, and my daughter's English improves at an amazing ❱❱

Camila, Costarican

Au Pair in China
Without a doubt it was the best decision I could have made. It changed my life completely, I loved living in China. This program allowed me to find a new family and feel part of it. I love them and ❱❱

Lin's family,China

❱ Laotian Au Pair

Being able to communicate with people from different cultures around the world, learn about and understand each other's cultures, and at the same time help the children in the family improve their ❱❱

Member since 3 years

Coco's family,China

❱ Brazilian Au Pair

This is an essential site for finding au pairs; this is the third time I have been matched with an au pair. I hope more au pairs will be willing to come to China, and the site will be stocked with ❱❱

Contract Information

Understanding your agreement

Written Agreement

There is no official Au Pair contract in China; however, a written agreement is essential. A free template can be found here.

All terms should be agreed in advance, including schedule, responsibilities, pocket money, and conditions of stay.

Contract Duration

Program duration is typically 3 to 12 months, with extensions possible by mutual agreement.

Termination conditions should be clearly defined; a two-week notice period is commonly applied in practice.

Contract Must Include

Agreed work schedule, including hours and days
Clear list of duties and responsibilities
Pocket money amount and how it is paid
Travel cost reimbursement details
Holiday entitlement and weekly time off
Health insurance coverage and conditions
Accommodation details and privacy conditions
Language course arrangements and time to attend
Termination terms and notice period
Emergency contacts and basic procedures

Au Pair Program Costs in China

For the Host Family and Au Pair

Host Family Covers

Pocket money: around RMB 1,500–2,000 per month
Accommodation: private room (no rent paid by the Au Pair)
Travel costs: flights to and from China are partially or fully funded by the agency or Host Family, depending on the length of the program
Food: full board at home (3 meals per day)
Language course: usually arranged and covered by the Host Family or agency
Health insurance: basic plan is fully paid by the Host Family or the agency
Household-related costs: utilities, internet, and standard household expenses

Au Pair Covers

Travel costs: flights to and from China are usually paid in advance by Au Pair (upon program completion, they are partially or fully reimbursed by the agency or Host Family)
Personal expenses: phone, leisure, and personal items
Additional insurance: if extra coverage is needed beyond the basic insurance
Personal travel and activities: outside of the family routine

What else?

In China, health insurance varies significantly by provider and plan. Most policies fall into two categories: inpatient coverage (hospitalisation and emergencies) and outpatient coverage (medical visits without overnight stay). Not all services are included by default, and reimbursement conditions may differ. Au Pairs and Host Families should ensure that their insurance is accepted by nearby hospitals and clarify key details such as waiting periods, advance payments, and scope of coverage.
Au Pairs and Host Families can also be matched through agencies, which provide support with placement, visa process, and stay organization. A list of AuPair.com’s full-service partner agencies in China is available here.
Travel arrangements and reimbursement conditions can vary significantly between agencies and programs in China. In most cases, the Au Pair initially covers the flight cost, which is later reimbursed either partially or in full. The exact amount, timing, and reimbursement conditions should always be clearly defined in the Au Pair contract to avoid misunderstandings.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the Au Pair stay in China is not a full-time or part-time job, but a cultural exchange experience for both sides. The Au Pair supports the family with light childcare while taking part in language and culture classes. Learning, sharing cultures, and everyday interaction are at the heart of the program.