Japan has undoubtedly been one of the most popular travel destinations in
Asia for years. This country offers a unique blend of sophisticated
traditional culture, high-tech modernity, and one-of-a-kind natural beauty that won’t leave anyone disappointed. Au Pairs in Japan can enjoy the country's renowned
safety,
efficient public transportation, and
high standard of living while staying in an authentic Japanese household. In Japan, everyone can find something close to their heart, be it a
traditional tea ceremony or a
stroll through a bustling urban center like Tokyo.
As there is no official Au Pair program in Japan, there is no specific
contract template for this country. Still, we recommend using our
contract version. It is possible to download it and personalize it for your needs. Some of the most important points to include in the contract are:
The Au Pair contract
Termination of the contract
If the Host Family and the Au Pair have
irreconcilable differences or there is a situation beyond their control that interrupts the stay, then they can
terminate the contract. It is important that both parties
respect the two-week notice period during which the Au Pair can find another Host Family and vice versa.
Medical Insurance
Before coming as an Au Pair to Japan, it is important to secure appropriate
insurance coverage. Normally, Au Pairs need health insurance that covers medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. You can use the services of AuPair.com’s partner companies such as
Dr. Walter or
Care Concept, which provide insurance to participants from all over the world.
Japan has a Working Holiday Agreement with several countries, allowing young people to apply for a Japanese Working Holiday Visa. This visa enables them to live and work in the country for up to one year , giving them the opportunity to immerse themselves into Japanese culture and lifestyle.
You are eligible for a Japan Working Holiday Visa if you fulfill the following requirements:
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You are a citizen of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, the United Kingdom or Uruguay.
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You are between 18 and 30 years old. However, citizens of Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Korea must be between 18 and 25 years old, and citizens of Ireland must be between 18 and 26 years old.
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You do not intend to bring any dependents with you.
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You have never had a Japan Working Holiday Visa before.
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You are in good health.
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You have the necessary funds to support yourself at the beginning of your stay. The exact amount varies between countries, but you will generally need between US$2,500 to US$4,000.
The Au Pair visa
You need to apply for a Japan Working Holiday Visa at the Embassy or Consulate of Japan in your country. These are the steps you need to take to get your visa successfully:
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Contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country or visit their website to learn more information. Afterwards, you need to get in touch with the Embassy and ask them for the list of supporting documents you need to prepare for your visa application.
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Collect the required documents.
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Submit your Working Holiday Visa application either directly at the Embassy/Consulate or at the travel agency or visa application center. If the Consulate or Embassy considers it necessary, you might need to take an interview with the Consul.
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Collect the visa. If the application is approved, you will be able to start your journey to Japan.
Note! After you enter Japan with your Working Holiday Visa, you will receive a Landing Permit at the Japanese port of entry. If you enter Japan through Narita, Haneda, Kansai, or Chubu Airport you will receive a Japanese Residence Card upon arrival. If you enter through any other port, you can get the Residence Card at one of the local municipal offices in Japan.
Within 14 days of your arrival in Japan, you have to report your stay at one of the local municipal offices. Your address will be printed on the Residence Card.
Along with providing a separate room and meals, the Host Family also needs to offer an appropriate amount of pocket money to the Au Pair.
Since Japan lacks official guidelines on the Au Pair program, we suggest that Au Pairs and Host Families look into
standard pocket money rates in countries where the cost of living is similar to Japan. This information will help to establish a fair pocket money amount which will help the Au Pair to experience her Japanese stay to the fullest.
Au Pairs usually
work 25 to 35 hours per week depending on the Host country and the family's needs.
Au Pairs also need to have a certain amount of
paid holiday during the program and
at least one free day each week. Even though there are no guidelines regarding the amount of paid holiday in Japan, we recommend sparing at least 20 days of paid vacation per year for an Au Pair in Japan as the main goal of this program is cultural exchange and Au Pair should have enough time to explore the country.
Public holidays in the host country are also considered holidays for the Au Pairs, which means they are not obligated to work on these days. All details regarding working hours and paid holidays need to be mentioned in the Au Pair contract.
One of the key elements of the Au Pair program is enhancing your language skills and learning the local language. Because the program in Japan is not officially regulated, taking a language course is not required. However, knowing the basics for communicating with your Host Family and locals will be very helpful. You can use many resources to master the Japanese language, for example, online classes, lessons with
private language schools, and one-on-one tutoring. Depending on your needs, you can find courses of varying lengths and levels. Being an Au Pair is enjoyable, but it can be even more rewarding if you learn the local language.
An Au Pair is entitled to have a private, comfortable
room that allows them to relax and have personal space. The room should be furnished with essential items and have good lighting. It should also be clean, well-maintained, and have access to basic amenities such as Wi-Fi. When a Host Family prepares a welcoming and cozy room for their Au Pair, it helps her/him feel at home and valued.
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You are unmarried and without children.
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You are a citizen of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, the United Kingdom or Uruguay.
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You are at least 18 and no more than 30 years old both inclusive at the time of application for the visa; As for Australia, Canada, Republic of Korea, and Ireland, an applicant should be between 18 and 25 years of age except in those cases where the competent authorities of Japan agree to extend the limitation of age to 30 years. In the case of Iceland, the applicant should be between 18 and 26 years of age.
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You are willing to live with a Host Family in Japan for one year maximum.
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You don't have the same nationality as your Host Family and are not related to them.
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You have a valid passport of your country/region and a return travel ticket or sufficient funds to purchase it.
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You have reasonable funds to support yourself during the initial period of your stay in Japan.
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You are in good health.
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You have never been issued a Japanese Working Holiday Visa in the past.
Host an Au Pair
Even though Japan does not have an official Au Pair program, you can still
host an Au Pair and share your culture and daily life with a young person from abroad. Keep in mind that not everyone can become an Au Pair in Japan and check the list of eligible countries here. As a Host Family, you need to be ready to provide a welcoming home,
support, and cultural exchange for your Au Pair. It's a chance to introduce your guest to Japanese customs, cuisine, and language while also learning about their background.
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Having at least one kid under the age of 18 years.
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Being able to offer meals and monthly pocket money.
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Being able to provide the participant with their own private room (in their own home or nearby)
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Respect the working hours of the Au Pair
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You don't have the same nationality as your Au Pair and are not related to them.
Japanese culture and urban life create a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. We gathered a list of top-five places to visit and get to know this amazing country and its rich heritage.
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