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

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)

Free Registration as Candidate

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

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

Free Registration as Family

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

Usually 30 hours per week
Weekly hours include babysitting
Different working hours can be arranged individually

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

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

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

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

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.

Free Registration as Candidate Free Registration as Family

Everything You Need to Know

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

Visa & Next Steps

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 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 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

Contract Information

Understanding your 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 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

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

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

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.

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

Member since 12 years

Serena's family, United Kingdom

❱ Spanish Au Pair

Angeles is a good au pair, however she needs to return home due to family illness

Keithlaine (Katie), Brazilian

Au Pair in United Kingdom
I really need to say that It was a healing time for me. It was a period when I wanted to get isolated from everything and being with Philemon's family was a challeging for me but also I felt like ❱❱

Helen's family, United Kingdom

❱ English Au Pair

Feel really lucky to have found Izzy and so quickly as well! Although she's not starting until March next year, we are looking forward to meeting her in person. We video call every week and text ❱❱

Member since 7 years

Kerry's family, United Kingdom

❱ Spanish Au Pair

We have found Daniela and decided she sounds perfect for our family. We have spoken on WhatsApp several times and been in regular contact for a few weeks now. We are really looking forward to her ❱❱

Can I host an Au Pair from the EU after Brexit?: Only if the Au Pair already has the legal right to work in the UK. Since Brexit, EU citizens can no longer automatically live and work in the UK, and there is no dedicated Au Pair visa. However, EU citizens with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or another immigration status that permits employment, may be eligible. Host Families cannot bring an EU citizen to the UK as an Au Pair on a visitor visa. Before making arrangements, always verify the candidate's right to work. Learn more in our UK Au Pair visa guide.

Do I need to employ my Au Pair legally in the UK?: Yes. In the UK, Au Pairs are generally considered workers or employees and are entitled to the applicable National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. Host Families must check their Au Pair's right to work and comply with relevant employment laws, including working time and holiday entitlements. Depending on the arrangement, you may also need to register as an employer with HMRC and handle tax and National Insurance contributions. Providing free accommodation and meals does not replace the obligation to pay the legal minimum wage. Learn more about Au Pair employment rules in the UK.

Can I host an Au Pair who is already living in the UK?: Yes, you can host an Au Pair who is already living in the UK, provided they have the legal right to work. Candidates with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or another immigration status that permits employment, may be eligible. However, living in the UK does not automatically mean someone is allowed to work as an Au Pair. For example, visitors and some visa holders are not permitted to take up employment. Before making arrangements, Host Families must check the candidate's right to work and comply with UK employment laws.

Can I become an Au Pair in the UK after Brexit?

Yes, but only if you meet the UK's immigration requirements. Since Brexit, EU citizens no longer have an automatic right to work in the UK. You can become an Au Pair if you have:

Settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or another immigration status that permits employment.
A Youth Mobility Scheme visa, available to eligible nationalities aged 18–30 or 18–35, depending on their country.
Another valid permission to work in the UK that allows the intended Au Pair activities.

The UK does not offer a dedicated Au Pair visa, and you cannot work as an Au Pair on a visitor visa. Check our UK Au Pair visa guide for more information.

Which nationalities can become an Au Pair in the UK?: People of any nationality may become Au Pairs in the UK if they have immigration permission that allows them to work. However, eligibility depends on their citizenship and visa status.

British and Irish citizens have the right to work in the UK. EU citizens generally need settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme or another qualifying immigration status.

Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Uruguay may qualify for the Youth Mobility Scheme, subject to age limits and other requirements. Eligible British National (Overseas) passport holders may also apply.

The UK has no dedicated Au Pair visa, and visitors cannot work as Au Pairs. Learn more in our UK Au Pair visa guide.