Au Pair in Switzerland: Visa & Legal Steps

Au Pairs from EU/EFTA countries (stays longer than 3 months)

• Valid ID card or passport
• Au Pair contract
• Registration Certificate from the municipality of residence
• Passport Photo

1. Entry into Switzerland 
   No visa or residence permit is required. However, you need to register with the municipality of your Host Family within 14 days of arrival.
2. Register with the local commune
   After arrival, the Au Pair must register with the residents’ office of the commune within 14 days and before starting work. Depending on the commune, additional documents such as photos, proof of address, or health insurance confirmation may also be requested.
3. Apply for the residence permit
   You will need to apply for a residence permit at the Immigration and Labor authorities. The cantons are responsible for issuing permits, and have detailed information on the application procedure (where to apply, which form to fill out, how long it will take, etc.). The requirements you need to meet depend on your nationality and the duration and purpose of your stay. The permit will be valid for the whole duration, and can be extended by up to 12 months.
4. Take out Swiss health insurance
   Switzerland requires mandatory health insurance (KVG) within 3 months after arrival. As an Au Pair is considered an employee in Switzerland, the Host Family is required to insure the Au Pair and generally covers at least 50% of the compulsory health insurance costs. The Host Family should also make sure the Au Pair is insured against work-related accidents. The Au Pair usually pays for non-occupational accident insurance, but the Host Family may also help cover this cost. 
5. Registration with the AHV (Social Security)
   As the Au Pair's employer, the Host Family is required to register them with the cantonal OASI office in their place of residence. The Au Pair’s share is deducted from their salary, while the Host Family pays the employer’s share.
    
   The Host Family may also need to handle Swiss withholding tax, depending on the Au Pair's tax status and the payroll method used. This can be done through the simplified settlement procedure used for private households, for example. 
6. Opening a bank account
   Your Au Pair should open a Swiss bank account in order to receive their allowance. You can help by providing the necessary documents, such as proof of residence and the Au Pair contract. 

Au Pairs from Non-EU/EFTA countries

Requirement

• You must be between 18 and 25 years old
• Valid Passport
• Signed Au Pair contract
• Visa Application Form
• Passport Photo
• Proof of Language Course Enrollment abroad
• Health Insurance from a recognized Swiss agency provider

1. Entry into Switzerland

   A visa is required to enter Switzerland, and the Au Pair’s stay must be arranged through a SECO-recognized agency.

2. Obtain the Swiss residence/work authorization 
   Before arriving, both a residence and a work permit are required for Au Pair applicants. The Host Family is responsible for applying for these documents on behalf of the Au Pair. The Cantonal Migration Offices issue the permits, and it can take up to two months to receive the permit. Au Pairs usually have to bring the completed Application Form (issued by the canton to the Host Family), a copy of the Au Pair’s passport, a signed Au Pair contract, proof of language course enrollment abroad, health insurance from a recognized Swiss agency provider, and a confirmation of the Au Pair’s placement from a Swiss SECO-recognized agency.

    

   Note: Requirements can differ by canton. Always confirm with your Cantonal Migration Office. We also strongly suggest confirming the list of documents in your case, as there might be additional papers required.
3. Check whether your nationality requires a National Visa (Type D) 
   Not every non-EU/non-EFTA citizen needs a national visa to enter Switzerland for a long stay. Some nationalities, such as Australians, Japanese, and New Zealanders, may enter without a Type D visa once the Swiss residence authorization has been granted, while others must apply for a National Visa (Type D) before travel. The nationality-specific rule should always be checked on the official Swiss pages.
4. If required, apply for the National Visa (Type D) 
   If your nationality requires a visa, you will need to submit the application form with other relevant documents to the responsible Swiss embassy or consulate abroad. The application is forwarded to the competent cantonal authorities in Switzerland, and the visa can only be issued after approval. The exact document checklist may vary by representation. 

    

   Important: All documents need to be in English or in one of the official languages of Switzerland. If that's not the case, a certified translator can help you with translations.
5. Register with the local commune after arrival 
   On arrival in Switzerland, you must register with the communal authorities in the place where you are living within 14 days before you can start working. The local authorities will typically ask for identity documents and proof of employment. They will then take care of the next steps for the residence permit. After a successful registration, you will receive an ID card from the Migration Office, which allows the Au Pair to stay and work in Switzerland. This card will be issued for a maximum of one year and cannot be extended.
6. Take out Swiss health insurance 
   Health insurance (KVG) is compulsory in Switzerland. The Au Pair must be insured within 3 months after arrival. Under the Swiss Au Pair framework, the Host Family must ensure coverage with a recognized Swiss health insurer, and typically covers at least 50% of the compulsory health insurance costs. The Host Family is also required to insure the Au Pair against work-related accidents. The Au Pair is often responsible for paying for non-occupational accident insurance, though the family may also cover the cost.
7. Registration with the AHV (Social Security) 
   Au Pair work in Switzerland counts as paid domestic work. This means the Host Family has to register the Au Pair for Swiss social insurance contributions. The Au Pair's share is taken from their salary, while the Host Family pays the employer's share. Depending on tax status and payroll method, the Host Family may also need to handle withholding tax.
8. Opening a bank account 
   Your Au Pair will need to open a Swiss bank account to receive their monthly allowance. To help out, you can provide the necessary documents (proof of residence and Au Pair contract).