How Long Can I Be an Au Pair?

How Long Can I Be an Au Pair? Au Pair Stay Lengths Worldwide

Most Au Pair stays are limited to 12 months. The Au Pair’s stay duration varies by country, visa type, and the participant's nationality. While EU citizens often have no major restrictions, non-EU applicants must meet specific visa requirements. Before starting your journey abroad, it’s important to know how long you can stay in each destination.
 
Use the table below to compare the length of Au Pair stays by country and plan your stay abroad.
 
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Au Pair’s Stay Duration by Country 

The length of an Au Pair’s stay varies depending on many factors. Each country has its own rules on how long you can stay. Understanding the official duration limits helps you plan your journey, choose the right visa, and avoid overstaying.

Country Duration Notes
Australia 1–12 months Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) or Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
Austria 1–12 months Au Pair Visa | No restrictions for EU citizens
Belgium 1–12 months Au Pair Visa | No restrictions for EU citizens
Canada 1–12 months Working Holiday Visa
China 1–6* or up to 12 months** *with an F-Visa | ** with an X-Visa
Denmark 1–24 months Residence permit | Possible renewal after first year
Finland 1–12 months Residence permit | EU citizen registration
France 1–24 months Au Pair visa | No restrictions for EU citizens | Possible renewal after first year
Germany 1–12 months Au Pair Visa | No restrictions for EU citizens
Iceland 1–12 months Residence permit | No restrictions for EU citizens
Ireland 1–12 months Working Holiday / Work and Travel Visa or Student Visa | No restrictions for EU citizens
Italy 1–3* or up to 12 months** *with a Tourist Visa | **with a Student Visa | No restrictions for EU citizens
Japan 1–12 months Working Holiday Visa
Luxembourg 1–3* or up to 12 months** *with a C-Type Visa | **with a D-type Visa | No restrictions for EU citizens
Netherlands 1–12 months Residence permit + Visa | Non-renewable | No restrictions for EU citizens
New Zealand 1–12 months Working Holiday Visa
Norway 1–24 months Only for EU/EEA citizens
Poland 1–12 months D-type Visa | No restrictions for EU citizens
Portugal 1–12 months D-type Visa | No restrictions for EU citizens
South Korea 1–12 months Working Holiday Visa
Spain 1–3* or up to 12 months** *with a Tourist Visa | **with a Student Visa | No restrictions for EU citizens
Sweden 1–12 months Residence permit | No restrictions for EU citizens
Switzerland 1–12 months Residence and work permit + Visa | Extensions possible | No restrictions for EU citizens
Turkey 1–12 months Residence and Work permit
United Kingdom 1–24 months Youth Mobility / Student visa
United States 12–24 months J-1 visa (12 months + extension)


This article and table provide an overview of the most common Au Pair visas and stay durations. Some country-specific details may not be included here, but can be found on each country’s dedicated page. Please note that this information does not constitute legal advice. For exact and up-to-date guidance, always visit the official government websites and contact the competent embassy or consulate.

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Key Differences for EU and non-EU Citizens:

  • EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can usually become an Au Pair anywhere in the EU/EEA without a visa. In this case, there’s also no formal limitation on their stay. However, as the Au Pair program is a cultural exchange, and not a full-time job, we encourage candidates who don’t need a visa to follow the same duration restrictions as non-EU citizens. 
  • Non-EU citizens always need a visa. Often, an Au Pair visa, a Working Holiday visa, or a Cultural Exchange permit is required, which usually limits stays to 12 months. Sometimes, it is possible to become an Au Pair through a Student Visa. Even though this visa is connected to a specific course of study and its length, the Au Pair's stay is still limited.
  • Outside Europe (USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea), all candidates need special visas regardless of nationality. Check each country’s government website to get up-to-date information.

How is the Au Pair’s Stay Duration Determined?

The length of an Au Pair’s stay depends on three main factors:

  • Visa type: Each visa (Au Pair, Student, or Working Holiday) comes with its own validity and work conditions.
  • Nationality: EU citizens have more flexibility within the EU, while non-EU nationals must adhere to specific visa requirements.
  • Host family agreement: Some families prefer shorter cultural stays (3–6 months), while others offer full-year placements. In some countries, most families look for an Au Pair for the summertime only.

Keep these factors in mind when applying, since exceeding your visa’s duration might result in a penalty and affect future travel plans.

Can you Extend Your Au Pair Stay?

In some countries, it’s possible to extend your stay by switching visas or renewing your current one. For example, in the USA, Au Pairs can extend for 6, 9, or 12 months after the initial year. France and Switzerland may allow a second year, while in most EU countries, extensions are not possible. Always check with local immigration before making plans.

Most Common Questions

  • Can I be an Au Pair for more than 2 years? No, most programs limit stays to 12 or 24 months. This also applies to EU citizens who apply for an Au Pair stay in the European Union.
  • Can I change Host Families during my stay? Yes, if things go wrong with your Host Family, you can find a rematch within the permitted time in your host country. The notice time is usually two weeks. 
  • Can couples or friends apply together? No. The Au Pair program is an individual cultural exchange. Each applicant must apply separately and live with their own Host Family.
  • Can I become an Au Pair more than once? Yes, in general, you can be an Au Pair in more than one country. Most programs allow you to join once per country, so you can apply again in a different destination.
  • Can I extend my Au Pair stay in another country? No, you generally can’t transfer your current visa or continue directly. Most programs require you to return home before starting again elsewhere*
*If you don’t need a visa, you can change family and move to another country, without returning to your country of origin.

Whether you’re dreaming of becoming an Au Pair in a neighbouring or a really faraway country, understanding how long you can stay will help you plan every step, from choosing your destination to applying for the right visa. Start researching your options early, compare stay durations, and get ready for a rewarding cultural exchange experience.

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Can Au Pairs work more than 45 hours?
No. Every country has its own regulations for how many hours/week the Au Pair is allowed to work, and they correspond to a specific monthly pocket money. In some countries, like the USA, this includes extra babysitting hours. In other Host Countries it depends on the agreement between Au Pair and Host Family. 
Who should pay for the travel expenses?
We recommend Host Families to help Au Pairs with travel expenses, though it’s not their obligation to do so. In any case, the Au Pair needs to cover the travel costs initially. If the Host Family would like to support the Au Pair, they can repay the ticket price in monthly installments that will be added to the Au Pair's salary during 10 months. In the case of Au Pair USA and China, the ticket will be covered by the Host Family. We recommend to discuss this topic before the Au Pair’s arrival and note down the conditions in the Au Pair contract. Learn more about other Au Pair costs to participate in the program or Host Family costs for hosting an Au Pair.  
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.  


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