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

Portugal is an incredibly versatile destination country for Au Pairs. Whether you want to experience Mediterranean cuisine and amazing coastal and island sceneries or history, culture and sports, Portugal is home to a little of everything.

In this page you'll find everything you need to know about Au Pairing in Portugal. Even though Portugal does not have an official Au Pair program, there are still ways for you to become an Au Pair. Keep reading to find out!

Program Requirements

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

For Au Pairs

Age 21-30 for EU and Non-EU citizens*
Not a Portuguese National
Not married and do not have any children
Must be able to communicate in English or have a basic knowledge of English. Other languages, especially French, are considered a plus.
Clear criminal record
Experience working with children
In good physical and mental health
Non-EU citizens need to be eligible to apply for a Visa and/or a resident permit

*Childminders in Portugal must be between 21 and 54 years old. For the Au Pair program, that means the minimum age requirement is 21 years old and the maximum is 30 years old, in accordance with the program guidelines.

Do you meet the requirements? Great, then you can start searching for a Host Family; if not, you can consider other countries where the Au Pair experience is available.

Free Registration as Candidate

For Host Families

Having at least one child under the age of 18 years.
Being able to offer meals, and monthly pocket money.
Being able to provide the participant with their own room (in their own home or nearby)
Respect for the working hours of the Au Pair.

Are you eligible for the program? Amazing! You can begin your search for a suitable Au Pair; if not, check out other available programs.

Free Registration as Family

Working Conditions

Fair and balanced arrangements for everyone

Working Hours

Maximum 32 hours per week
Between 5 and 6.5 hours a day
Maximum 5 days a week
Babysitting included in hours

Time Off and Holidays

At least one day off during the weekdays
At least 22 days of holiday a year

Language Course

Language course is not mandatory
Family may contribute to the cost
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 duties and schedule

Au Pair Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory
Insurance must cover the entire stay
EU Au Pairs: EHIC and/or private insurance
Non-EU Au Pairs: private insurance (agree with the family who pays)

Driving Licence

Discuss driving in advance
Confirm licence is valid in Portugal
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. The room must have a window with natural daylight, be properly heated, and be sufficiently furnished. If you cannot host the Au Pair in your own home, you can host her/him in an apartment close to your home as long as it is in a safe area and not too far away.

Meals

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

Pocket Money

Since Au Pairs are hired as regular employees, they need to be paid the minimum wage established in Portugal.

Language Course

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

Health Insurance

Families can help with the cost, though the Au Pair is usually responsible.

Transportation

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

Legal Support

The family can help the Au Pair with taking care of all documentation and registration.

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

Step by step of what you need to do based on your nationality
Find out all the necessary documents for the visa application
What legal obligations you have before and during your stay in Portugal

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

Member since 5 years

Susana's family, Portugal

❱ Kenyan Au Pair

My experience was amazing. Truly an incredible person that we found who is part of our family now. She has made us super happy and will forever be thankful of her.

Mariah, Brazilian

Au Pair in Portugal
I was made very welcome by the family, from the very beginning they always made me feel at home. The children didn't give me any trouble, on the contrary, I learned a lot from them, especially ❱❱

Member since 11 years

Melissa's family, United Kingdom

❱ Spanish Au Pair

Great! We have no problems with Estefania she has become part of our family. Like a big sister to both our children. No problems with Au Pair.com

Member since 10 years

Alla's family, Germany

❱ Ukrainian Au Pair

The platform has already helped us to find the second perfect au pair. For our twins, the girls are/were the best big sisters and the connection continues until now. They will remain a part of our ❱❱

Contract Information

Understanding your agreement

Written Agreement There is no official state-issued Au Pair contract in Portugal, 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 There is no standard contract duration established in Portugal, though, because of Visa requirements, you should discuss whether your Au Pair stay will last under 3 months, between 3-12 months, or over 12 months

Either party may terminate the contract with two weeks’ notice, allowing time to resolve issues or arrange a replacement.

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 Portugal

For the Host Family and Au Pair

Host Family Covers

Pocket money: minimum wage salary of the country
Accommodation: private room in the Host Family’s house or outside, if not possible
Food: daily meals at home
Household-related costs: utilities, internet, and normal living expenses

Au Pair Covers

Travel costs: journey to and from Portugal
Language course fees: unless otherwise agreed
Health insurance: needs to be discussed in advance who is paying, though usually it is the Au Pair’s responsibility
Personal expenses: phone plan, transport, leisure, personal items
Extra travel or hobbies: outside of daily family life

What else?

Portugal does not have an official Au Pair program, which means Au Pairs are hired as Childminders and thus have to comply with Portuguese wages, working hours and Visa/Residence requirements. Although there is no official program, AuPair.com still recommends you to follow the standard Au Pair program requirements.