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

Yes, if your Au Pair is employed as a domestic worker in Portugal, you must register them with the Portuguese Social Security system (Segurança Social) before they start working. As a Host Family, you are responsible for registering the employment relationship and paying the required Social Security contributions, including the employee's share deducted from their salary. You will generally need your Au Pair's identification details, Social Security number (NISS), and employment information. Registration can be completed online through the official Portuguese government portal.

Yes, if your Au Pair is employed as a domestic worker in Portugal, you are generally responsible for paying Social Security contributions and complying with applicable tax obligations. As a Host Family, you must declare the employment relationship to Segurança Social, pay the employer's contributions, and deduct and remit the employee's share from their salary. You may also have tax reporting or withholding obligations, depending on the employment arrangement. For more information, visit the Portuguese Social Security website or consult a local tax advisor.

If your Au Pair is employed as a domestic worker in Portugal, you must comply with Portuguese employment law. Although a written contract is not mandatory for every domestic employment arrangement, it is strongly recommended to protect both parties. The agreement should clearly define the Au Pair's duties, working hours, salary, accommodation, holidays, and termination conditions. Certain employment arrangements, including fixed-term contracts, require a written agreement. You can use our Au Pair contract template as a starting point, and edit it according to Portuguese employment law.

Portugal does not have a dedicated Au Pair program with a fixed pocket money allowance. Instead, Au Pairs employed as domestic childcare workers are subject to Portuguese employment law and minimum wage requirements. In 2026, the national minimum wage is €920 per month for full-time employment. For part-time arrangements, the salary may be calculated proportionally according to working hours and applicable legal requirements. Host Families must also comply with Social Security obligations and provide the agreed accommodation and meals.

Yes, you can become an Au Pair in Portugal, even though the country does not have a dedicated legal Au Pair program. However, Au Pairs employed to provide childcare are generally subject to Portuguese employment law rather than specific Au Pair regulations. This means you may be entitled to the applicable minimum wage, Social Security coverage, and other employment protections. EU citizens can live and work in Portugal without a visa, while non-EU citizens generally need appropriate residence and work authorization.

Yes, you can become an Au Pair in Portugal for the summer, provided you meet the applicable employment and immigration requirements. Many Host Families look for childcare support during the school holidays, making short-term stays an option. EU citizens can work in Portugal without a visa, while non-EU citizens generally need appropriate work authorization, even for short stays. Since Portugal has no dedicated Au Pair program, employment arrangements must comply with Portuguese labor laws. Start searching for a Host Family in Portugal early to find a suitable summer placement.