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Au Pair in France: Information for Au Pairs and Host Families

We've compiled all the information you need regarding the requirements to become an Au Pair or a Host Family in France. Becoming an Au Pair in France is the most effective way to master the French language while living in the heart of the Schengen Area.

Unlike other programs, the French framework is strictly regulated by the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII). The official status is defined as a "Jeune au pair" (for non-EU citizens) or a "Stagiaire aide-familial" (for EU citizens), ensuring a secure legal framework for both the participant and the Host Family.

 

Program Requirements

Everything you need to know to join the Au Pair program in France

For Au Pairs

For Au Pairs

  • Age 18–30 years old.
  • Basic knowledge of the French language (A1/A2 level).
  • Completion of secondary education or a high school diploma.
  • Non-EU citizens must secure a VLS-TS Jeune au pair visa before arrival.
  • Mandatory enrollment in a French as a Foreign Language (FLE) course.
  • Sufficient financial means to cover initial travel, visa fees, and personal expenses.
  • Unmarried and without children.
Do you meet the requirements to be an Au Pair in France? Start looking for your Host Family now. If not, check out the requirements for other countries.

Free Registration as Candidate

For Host Families

For Host Families

  • Have at least one child between the ages of 3* and 17 living at home.
  • Are willing to register the Au Pair with the URSSAF (the French social security body). 
  • Can provide the Au Pair with a private, furnished room with plenty of natural light.
  • Can cover program-related expenses, such as pocket money, meals, and health insurance (among others). The minimum amount of pocket money in France is 320 to 350 euros.
  • Can ensure the Au Pair's schedule allows them to attend their mandatory French language classes.
*Au pairs in France are not permitted to care for children under the age of 3.

If you meet the requirements, proceed and search for suitable Au Pairs; if not, consider other available programs.

Working Conditions

Fair and balanced arrangements for everyone

Working Hours Working Hours
  • Maximum 25 hours per week, including babysitting.
  • No more than 5 hours per day.
  • At least one full day off per week (often Sunday) and one week of paid holiday per six-month stay (or 2 days per month).
Time Off and Holidays Time Off and Holidays
  • At least one day off weekly.
  • At least one Sunday monthly.
  • At least 2 weeks' holidays yearly.
Language Course Language Course
  • Language course is mandatory.
  • At least 10 hours per week.
  • The language school must be officially certified as a quality FLE institution.
  • The Au Pair covers the costs.
  • Non-EU citizens applying for visas need prior enrollment.
Au Pair Responsibilities Au Pair Responsibilities
  • Waking the children, dressing them, and preparing breakfast.
  • Taking children to and from school, crèche, or extracurricular activities (conservatories or sports clubs).
  • Helping with homework, playing games, and speaking your native language with them.
Au Pair Insurance Au Pair Insurance
  • target="_blank" France provides the Au Pairs with a healthcare system via the Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMA).
  • Once registered with URSSAF, the Au Pair can apply for a Social Security Number (NIR) and a Carte Vitale through the Ameli portal.
Driving Licence Driving Licence
  • EU Citizens: Can drive in France with their valid national license.
  • Non-EU Citizens: Can drive with their valid national license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) for the duration of their visa (up to one year).

Host Families provide Au Pairs with:

Accommodation

The room must be private, have a window to let in natural light, have suitable heating, be furnished, and be at least 9 m² in size.

Meals

All meals at home are included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Pocket Money

In France (2026), the minimum pocket money is set between €320 and €350 per month, calculated based on the SMIC (minimum wage).

Language Course

Assistance in finding a language school that meets French government requirements. The Host Family must also allow the Au Pair time to attend her French classes.

Health Insurance

The Family must handle the expenses and paperwork related to Social Security.

Transportation

The Family may provide a monthly transport pass (e.g., Navigo in Paris).

Legal Support

The Family helps the Au Pair with the paperwork for the visa application.

 

Everything You Need to Know

Explore our comprehensive guides to make your au pair journey smooth and successful

  • Visa requirements vary depending on the Au Pair's nationality.
  • Applicants from the European Union do not need a visa.
  • Non-EU citizens must apply for a "long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit" (VLS-TS Jeune au pair) at their local French consulate.

 

 

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Contract Information

Understanding your agreement

Written Agreement Written Agreement The Convention d'accueil is the legal backbone of your stay in France. It must be signed by both parties before the Au Pair leaves their home country. For non-EU citizens, this contract is required to obtain the Jeune Au Pair visa.
Contract Duration Contract Duration The initial contract is usually for 6 to 12 months, but can be extended to a maximum of 24 months in total.
Contract Must Include Contract Must Include
  • The distribution of the 25 working hours.
  • The specific amount of pocket money.
  • The weekly day off and holiday arrangements.
  • The start and end date of the stay.
  • Termination terms (usually a 2-week notice period).

Au Pair program costs in France

For the Host Family and Au Pair

Host Family Covers

Host Family Covers

  • Pocket money: Usually between 320 and 350 euros per month.
  • Accommodation: The Au Pair stays in a private room in the Host Family’s home.
  • Meals: All meals at home are included.
  • Health Insurance: The Host Family is required to cover the costs of URSSAF social security.
  • Household-related costs: utilities, internet, and normal living expenses.
Au Pair Covers

Au Pair Covers

  • Travel Costs: Journey to and from France.
  • Visa Fees: €230 to €260 for a long-stay visa.
  • Language Course Fees: Private tutors or informal online apps do not qualify. 
  • Health Insurance: If private.
  • Personal expenses: Phone plan, transportation, travels, leisure, and personal items.

What else?

With a VLS-TS visa, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area (e.g., Italy, Spain, Germany) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

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

Julie's family, France Member since 7 years

Julie's family, France

 It is a pleasure to live with Bethany and to be helped on a daily basis, our girls are delighted!
Ikram, Moroccan

Ikram, Moroccan

Au Pair in France
I had a beautiful au pair experience in Châlons-en-Champagne with a host family really welcoming and caring. The house was cozy, and the communication with the family was clear and respectful. This ❱❱
Delphine's family, France Member since 2 years

Delphine's family, France

 Hello, We had a pleasant stay with Lucia. She integrated well and helped us as we wanted her to. She looked after the children like a big sister and came up with a variety of fun activities for ❱❱
Magali's family, France Member since 7 years

Magali's family, France

 Super contact, very communicative, very good exchanges with children, it happens soon, we are delighted


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