Au Pair in Austria: visa information

“Sonderfälle unselbstständiger Erwerbstätigkeit” or Au Pair Visa

This document allows young men and women between 18 and 28 years old to travel and work as Au Pairs in Austria. Au Pairs must apply for the visa through an appointment at the Austrian embassy in their home countries once they have found a Host Family. To apply for the visa the Au Pair has to meet certain criteria:

• Valid passport: the passport has to be valid during the whole stay. The Au Pair will need to present the original and a copy at the embassy.
• The contract: The Au Pair contract has to be signed by both the Au Pair and the Host Family before arrival.
• Visa application form: The Au Pair has to complete the official form provided by the Austrian embassy.
• Birth certificate: Au Pairs must present a legalized (with apostille) birth certificate translated into German or English.
• Clear criminal record with apostille: This document is normally available for request at the local authorities.
• Confirmation of the “AMS” (Austrian Employment Office): The Host Family must register the Au Pair at the “Arbeitsmarktservice Österreich”.
• Health Insurance: Au Pairs from outside the EU have to conclude a contract with a private health insurance in Austria. The insurance has to cover major medical expenses during the whole stay.

Official authorities recommend applying for the visa three months prior to the planned departure.
The visa is not a work permit. Therefore, the applicant is not allowed to work outside the family.

Further information

Once in Austria, the family must register the Au Pair at the foreign office and request the residence permit. All foreign nationals who may enter Austria under the visa waiver-program (e.g. U.S. citizens, Canadians, Mexicans, Brazilians) may file their application after their arrival in Austria. However, it is recommended to apply for a residence permit before leaving for Austria to avoid having to leave the country because a residence permit is not completed within the visa-free period (90 days).