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What is the age of an Au Pair?

You can become an Au Pair if you are between 18 and 30 years. However, this limit may vary depending on the host country and your country of origin.

Find out about different requirements for:

Au Pairs from the European Union
Au Pairs from outside of the European Union

If you don’t meet the prerequisites of a specific country or of the program in general, don’t worry! Check out what to do if you do not meet age requirements.

How old an Au Pair should be? In most countries the age of the Au Pair is between 17 and 30 years old. If you have not attained full age by the time you want to go abroad, your parents have to sign the Au Pair contract for you. You fulfill the age requirement? Then start your search now!

Free Registration as Candidate Free Registration as Family

Below you can find the age requirements for Au Pairs in every country.

Age requirements for Au Pairs from the European Union

Country	Minimum	Maximum
Australia	18	30
Austria	17	30
Belgium	17	30
Canada	18	35
China	18	29
Denmark	18	29
Finland	17	30
France	17	30
Germany	18	30
Iceland	18	27
Ireland	18	28
Italy	18	30
Luxembourg	18	30
Netherlands	18	25
New Zealand	18	30
Norway	18	30
Spain	18	30
Sweden	18	30
Switzerland	17	30
Turkey	18	30
United Kingdom	18	30
USA	18	26

Read more about other Au Pair requirements for the participants interested to join the program.

Age requirements for Au Pairs from outside of the European Union

Country	Minimum	Maximum
Australia	18	30
Austria	18	28
Belgium	18	25
Canada	18	30
China	18	29
Denmark	18	29
Finland	18	30
France	18	30
Germany	18	26
Iceland	18	25
Ireland	18	27
Italy	18	30
Luxembourg	18	30
Netherlands	18	25
New Zealand	18	30
Norway	18	30
Spain	18	30
Sweden	18	30
Switzerland	18	25
Turkey	18	30
United Kingdom	18	30
USA	18	26

If you do not meet age requirements

Au Pair Agencies only accept applicants who fulfill all the conditions and fit in the requested age range. If you are searching for a Host Family through an online matching agency and you do not need a visa to travel to the host country, it is up to you and the family whether to accept the cooperation. In this case you won't be considered an Au Pair program participant, but make sure that your agreement is legal in the host country.

There are also other alternatives to the Au Pair program that still allow you to travel to a foreign country and live with a Host Family.

By applying as a Nanny, you will still have the chance to work with children, even if you don’t meet the age requirements of the Au Pair program. The main difference from becoming an Au Pair lies in the type of employment: since you are not taking part in a cultural exchange program, you will need to sign a contract of employment under the regulations of the Host Country. Moreover, if you feel like you might be overqualified in the childcare field, this could be a great option for you.

On AuPair.com you can find more information about the differences between an Au Pair and a Nanny.

Another possible choice if you’re over 50 years old could be applying as a Granny Au Pair. This concept presents a few differences from the standard Au Pair program, but nonetheless it gives the opportunity to live abroad and experience another culture! Discover more about becoming a Granny Au Pair here!

For Host Families

Host Families need to take care of the candidate's age. If the candidate does not meet the requirement he or she will not be able to obtain a visa. You do not have any favourites yet? Then do not hesiate and start your search for your matching Au Pair now!

Free Registration as Candidate Free Registration as Family

How can an Au Pair get a visa?: AuPair.com is an online matching agency, therefore this question is beyond our scope of responsibility. But we will do our best to help you nonetheless! Usually the best source of information is the embassy of the host country placed in the Au Pair’s homeland. Requirements vary depending on both the Au Pair’s nationality and the host country, but usually a letter of invitation from the Host Family and a signed contract are needed to start the visa application. Other documents may be different depending on each individual case, and in case of the US, assistance of a local full-service Au Pair agency is also necessary.

Can I become an Au Pair?: The Au Pair program accepts participants who meet mainly education, family and age requirements. Please take a look at the full list of Au Pair requirements. If you meet them, register as an Au Pair today and find a Host Family that matches your criteria.

I want to be an Au Pair in the US! What should I do?: The Au Pair Program in the USA has specific requirements. One of them is a mandatory registration through a full-service agency. There is a special list of agencies recognized by the US Government and entitled to help you with the J-1 visa. AuPair.com can help you find a Host Family, but remember that further documentation and formalities should be done through a local US agency.