Au Pair DestinationsEngland / UK

Au Pair in England and the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a popular destination for Au Pairs looking to improve their English, experience a new culture, and live with a Host Family. From lively cities to charming countryside, the UK offers a unique blend of history, tradition, and modern life.
After Brexit, participating in the Au Pair program in the UK is possible only in specific cases. Read on to learn about the requirements for the Au Pair program in the United Kingdom and find out if you qualify.

Program Requirements

All the requirements you need to meet if you want to become an Au Pair in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland:

For Au Pairs

For Au Pairs

  • You are aged between 18 and 30 years old (or 35 years old in some cases)
  • You are not married and have no children
  • You have a valid passport
  • You have a good command of English
  • You have childcare experience and are ready to support the Host Family with childcare and light household tasks
  • You can arrange insurance covering the full stay in the UK
  • You are eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa. Click here to check who’s eligible
  • You have a bank statement showing at least £2,530 in savings
  • You have a negative tuberculosis (TB) test result (if required per your country)

If you don’t meet the requirements, explore other countries where you can become an Au Pair.
For Host Families

For Host Families

  • You have at least one child under 18 years old living with you
  • You can provide the Au Pair with a private room
  • You can provide the Au Pair with full board
  • You can pay the Au Pair minimum wage
  • You have a different nationality from the Au Pair
  • The main language spoken in your household is English
  • You will check if the Au Pair has the right to work in the UK


If you don’t meet the requirements to host an Au Pair, check out the program alternatives we offer.
 
If you are not eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme, you can be an Au Pair only in the following cases:
  • You are a UK or Irish citizen
  • You have an EU Settlement Scheme status
  • You have a Student visa with the right to work
Keep in mind that entering the United Kingdom as a tourist and working as an Au Pair is illegal.

Working Conditions

Fair and balanced arrangements for everyone

Working Hours Working Hours
  • Usually 30 hours per week
  • Weekly hours include babysitting
  • Different working hours can be arranged individually
Time Off and Holidays Time Off and Holidays
  • At least one day off weekly
  • At least one Sunday monthly
  • At least 4 weeks' holiday per 12 months
Language Course Language Course
  • A language course is recommended
  • The Au Pair pays for the course
  • The Host Family may contribute partially
  • The schedule must allow course attendance
Au Pair Responsibilities Au Pair Responsibilities
  • Childcare and babysitting
  • Light housework related to children
  • Meal preparation for kids
  • School runs, if needed
See details on Au Pair duties and schedule.
 
Au Pair Insurance Au Pair Insurance
  • Health insurance costs £776 for Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders and students
  • Au Pairs may pay National Insurance if they earn more than £242 a week from one job
Click here to learn more about National Insurance classes.
Driving Licence Driving Licence
  • Discuss driving in advance
  • Agree on insurance and damages
  • Include terms in the contract
  • The Host Family must inform the insurance company if the Au Pair is required to drive the family’s car

Host Families provide Au Pairs with:

Accommodation

The Host Family is required to provide the Au Pair with a private room for her sole use. The room must be at least 8 m² in size, include a window with natural light, be adequately heated, and be properly furnished.

Meals

All meals are provided by the Host Family (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Pocket Money

Au Pairs in England and the United Kingdom are entitled to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage. Host Families can take the accommodation rate into account when calculating their Au Pair’s salary. Click here to learn more. 

Language Course

The participant needs to have the possibility to attend a language course in the United Kingdom. A daily schedule of activities will help them plan their classes. The Au Pair has to cover the cost of the language course; the Host Family doesn't have to support them. The participant can always ask the Host Family to consider it, though!

Health Insurance

When you apply for your visa, you will be asked to pay for health insurance. Costs vary depending on your visa and its length. Find more information here. Some participants might choose to purchase additional private health insurance. We are working with two companies that offer special Au Pair insurance, Dr. Walter and Care Concept.

Transportation

If the Host Family allows the participant to drive a car, they need to communicate this to the insurance company. Before departure, the participant should also check if their driving license is valid in the UK. Host Families providing their Au Pairs with a car need to keep in mind that there are certain National Insurance and reporting obligations. Find out more here.

Legal Support

The Host Family provides administrative assistance, such as support with residence registration and visa invitation documents, and may not charge the Au Pair for this support.

Everything You Need to Know

Discover our practical guides for a smooth and successful Au Pair experience

  • Visa options based on nationality and age
  • Required documents for visa and registration procedures
  • Legal steps and important information after arrival
Au Pair in the UK: Guided Tours for Au Pairs Au Pair in the UK: Guided Tours for Au Pairs Being an Au Pair in the UK gives you the chance to explore England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland! Find out what to see in each of these countries!
Explore United Kingdom
Reasons to learn English Reasons to learn English There are obviously many reasons to learn English. The most convincing one: it enables you to work as an Au Pair in the UK, USA and Australia.
Start Learning

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

Momchil's family,United Kingdom Member since 4 years

Momchil's family,United Kingdom

 I found aupair.com really helpful. It allowed me to find Janaina and we are both happy to embark on this new adventure.
Brena, Brazilian

Brena, Brazilian

Au Pair in United Kingdom
Polly, Michael, and their little Ellie are adorable. The parents are respectful and very polite. Taking care of little Ellie was a very pleasant experience for me, and she is a very intelligent and ❱❱
Sarah's family,United Kingdom Member since 9 years

Sarah's family,United Kingdom

 Laura was an excellent Au Pair. We all had a great summer together!
Katy's family,United Kingdom Member since 2 years

Katy's family,United Kingdom

 Great experience! We're so pleased to have found Esme who seems like a perfect fit for our family.

Contract Information

Understanding your agreement

Written Agreement Written Agreement Au Pairs in the UK must be employed regularly by the Host Family. Families must follow the current regulations on “employing someone to work in your home”. Our free Au Pair contract template can be found here.
Contract Duration Contract Duration Typically, Au Pairs' contracts in the UK are for 12 months and can be extended up to 24 months. The contract may be terminated by either party with two weeks' notice, allowing time to resolve issues or arrange a replacement.
Contract Must Include Contract Must Include
  • The Au Pair’s schedule showing working days and hours
  • A full overview of duties and expected responsibilities
  • The agreed pocket money, how and when it will be paid
  • Arrangements for vacation, public holidays, and free time
  • Information about the health insurance provided
  • Details about the room conditions and privacy
  • Language course support and time for attendance
  • Notice period and conditions for ending the contract
  • Emergency contact and steps to follow in urgent situations
According to the British government, Au pairs typically live with the Host Family they assist. They are entitled to receive at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.
Signing a contract is mandatory and helps avoid any possible misunderstanding between the Au Pair and the Host Family. We recommend that Host Families and Au Pairs have at least 3 video calls before agreeing on all terms. It is extremely important to confirm the other party’s identity and intentions and to agree on contract details.

Au Pair program costs in England and the UK

Host Family Covers

Host Family Covers

  • Au Pair’s salary according to the National Minimum Wage / National Living Wage
  • Accommodation (taken into account when calculating the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage)
  • Full board
  • Household-related costs: utilities, internet, and normal living expenses
Au Pair Covers

Au Pair Covers

  • Income Tax and National Insurance, depending on the amount they earn
  • Travel costs: journey to and from the UK
  • Language course fees: unless otherwise agreed
  • Personal expenses (e.g., phone plan, transport, leisure, personal items)
  • Extra travel or hobbies: outside of daily family life

What else?

  • Au Pairs may have to pay Income Tax depending on the amount they earn. Click here to learn more.
  • Au Pairs may have to pay National Insurance depending on the amount they earn. Click here to learn more.
  • It’s the responsibility of the employer to keep records proving that they are paying the minimum wage.


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