Au Pair DestinationsItaly

Au Pair in Italy: information for Au Pairs and Host Families

Italy is a popular Au Pair destination for those who want to explore beautiful cities, hike stunning landscapes, and eat delicious food while spending time abroad.
 
Au Pairs in Italy receive weekly pocket money, full board, and accommodation in exchange for childcare. During their stay, Au Pairs in Italy attend a language course, taking part in a cultural exchange! Keep reading to learn about all the requirements to become an Au Pair or a Host Family in Italy.

Program Requirements

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

For Au Pairs

For Au Pairs

  • Age 17-30 for EU citizens, 18-30 for non-EU citizens
  • Not an Italian national
  • Not married and do not have children
  • Basic knowledge of Italian or English language
  • Experience working with children (e.g., babysitting, caring for siblings)
  • In good physical and mental health
  • Non-EU applicants need to secure a visa and language course registration before arriving

If you meet the requirements, start searching for a Host Family; otherwise, consider other countries where the Au Pair experience is available.


For Host Families

For Host Families

  • At least one child (usually between 1 and 12 years old)
  • Can provide a private room with access to shared family spaces (kitchen, bathroom)
  • Speak Italian in daily family life. Knowledge of English is preferred
  • Need no more than 25-30 hours per week of childcare and light household duties
  • Can provide pocket money, meals, and accommodation for the Au Pair
  • Au Pair has time to attend a language course

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 30 hours per week
  • Maximum 5 hours per day
  • Maximum 5 days per week
  • Babysitting included in hours
Time Off and Holidays Time Off and Holidays
  • At least one day off weekly
  • At least one Sunday monthly
  • At least 4 weeks' holidays yearly
  • Public holidays to be discussed
Language Course Language Course
  • Language course is mandatory (20 hours/week if coming on a Student Visa)
  • Au Pair pays for course
  • Family may contribute partially
  • Schedule must allow course attendance
  • Visa applicants need prior enrollment
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 duties and schedule
Au Pair Insurance Au Pair Insurance
  • Health insurance is mandatory
  • Insurance must cover entire stay
  • EU Au Pairs: EHIC and/or private insurance
  • Stays over 90 days: register with ASL
  • Non-EU Au Pairs: private insurance (family usually pays)
Driving Licence Driving Licence
  • Discuss driving in advance
  • Confirm licence valid in Italy
  • Agree on insurance and damages
  • Include terms in the contract

Host Families provide Au Pairs with:

Accommodation

The Host Family must provide the Au Pair with a private room for her exclusive use, which has a window with natural daylight, is properly heated, and is sufficiently furnished.

Meals

All meals provided - breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the family.

Pocket Money

€260-300 monthly are paid to Au Pair for personal purposes, to pay for the language course and spend on sightseeing in Italy.

Language Course

Support with finding and enrolling in an Italian language course, as well as time off to attend the course to support language learning and cultural integration.

Health Insurance

While not legally required, some host families choose to reimburse a portion of the insurance costs as an incentive to attract high-quality candidates.

Transportation

The Host Family may give access to the family vehicle or buy a public transport pass for the Au Pair.

Legal Support

The Host Family covers administrative support like helping with residence registration and visa invitation.

Everything You Need to Know

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

  • Visa options based on nationality and length of stay
  • Required documents for visa and registration procedures
  • Arrival obligations, registrations, and residence permits in Italy
Au Pair in Italy: Guided tour Au Pair in Italy: Guided tour Become an Au Pair in Italy and get to know the country of love, great food, wine & dolce vita! Read about the most interesting places and get inspired!
Explore Italy
Why you should learn Italian Why you should learn Italian A list of why learning Italian will help your stay as an Au Pair in Italy. Read more to find out why it’s worth it.
Start Learning

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

Simona's family, Italy

Simona's family, Italy

 Pearl is staying with us right now, and we’re having a wonderful time with her. She’s fit right into our family life and is a huge help with the girls.
July, Brazilian

July, Brazilian

Au Pair in Italy
It was my first au pair, it was really cool and challenging at first, the family is so incredible that everything became very easy, they are really incredible, super attentive, I really felt like ❱❱
Elisa's family, Italy Member since 8 years

Elisa's family, Italy

 Adéle is a very family lady and the children love her! She's exactly the profile we were looking for as careness and politeness.
Maria's family, Italy Member since 2 years

Maria's family, Italy

 It was a wonderful experience. Rosi is lovely, and the children loved her. We all enjoyed a month of vacation in August. She was like a big sister.

Contract Information

Understanding your agreement

Written Agreement Written Agreement There is no official state-issued Au Pair contract in Italy, but a written agreement is essential. A free template can be found here. Host Families and Au Pairs should agree on all terms before the stay begins, especially for non-EU Au Pairs, as the contract is required for the visa application.
Contract Duration Contract Duration The standard contract duration is 12 months, with flexible options ranging from 3 to 24 months by mutual agreement. Either party may terminate the contract with two weeks' notice, allowing time to resolve issues or arrange a replacement.
Contract Must Include Contract Must Include
  • Complete work schedule with specific hours and days
  • Detailed list of duties and responsibilities
  • Pocket money amount and payment schedule
  • Vacation days, holidays, and time off
  • Health insurance coverage details
  • Room description and privacy conditions
  • Language course support and time for attendance
  • Termination conditions and notice period
  • In case of emergency information and procedures

Au Pair Program Costs in Italy

For the Host Family and Au Pair

Host Family Covers

Host Family Covers

  • Pocket money: usually €260–300 per month
  • Accommodation: private room (no rent paid by the Au Pair)
  • Food: daily meals at home
  • Health insurance: usually fully paid by the Host Family (especially for non-EU Au Pairs)
  • Household-related costs: utilities, internet, normal living expenses
Au Pair Covers

Au Pair Covers

  • Travel costs: journey to and from Italy
  • Language course fees: unless otherwise agreed
  • Personal expenses: phone plan, transport, leisure, personal items
  • Extra travel or hobbies: outside daily family life

What else?

  • The Au Pair placement can’t initially last longer than one year. However, it may be extended for a maximum stay of two years. 
  • The Au Pair must provide the Host Family with a health certificate that is no older than 3 months. 
  • The European Agreement of the Council of Europe on Au Pair Placement, adopted in Strasbourg on November 24, 1969, was ratified by Italy with Law No. 3041 of May 18, 1973. You can consult the law (in Italian) by clicking here.


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