How to become an Au Pair in the UK / England?

Great Britain is no longer part of the European Union. This has significant implications for the Au Pair program. According to the website of the British government, there is no current information on an Au Pair visa. Therefore, candidates from the EU can no longer officially enter the UK as Au Pairs. Alternatively, the Host Family can employ the candidate as a domestic worker. However, other requirements, taxes and insurances apply. Please check the British government's website on Employing someone to work in your home and contact the British embassy to find out more.

Candidates from some nationalities have access to the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa. Click here to learn more

Au Pair in the UK - requirements for EU citizens

All EU citizens now need a visa to go to the United Kingdom. Unfortunately, there’s no specific Au Pair visa in the UK. However, EU citizens who have a settled or pre-settled status, or are eligible to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme, may be hosted by a UK Host Family.

Students are generally allowed to work in the UK. If you have a student visa, verify your right to work as an Au Pair.

Free Registration as Candidate

Au Pair in the UK with the Youth Mobility Scheme

The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa allows candidates aged between 18 and 30 years old (35 in some cases) to be an Au Pair in the UK. Only a few nationalities have access to this visa. Check out our table to see which ones.

Who is eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?

Only candidates from specific nationalities have access to the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa to work as an Au Pair in the UK. The table below shows the eligible nationalities, the maximum age for applicants, and specific requirements.

In addition to specific requirements and age limits, all applicants must not:

Have children under 18 living with them
Be financially responsible for any children
Have previously stayed in the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme

Documents Required for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

When you apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you must provide the following documents:

A valid passport or another document proving your identity and nationality
A bank statement showing at least £2,530 in savings
Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if you’re from a country where the test is required

If any of your documents are not in English or Welsh, you must include a certified translation.

Depending on your personal situation, you may also need to submit additional supporting documents.

Nationality	Maximum age	Specific requirements
Andorra	30	You must provide an Andorran criminal record certificate issued within 6 months of your visa application.
Australia	35	You need to be at least 18 when your visa starts, or 35 or younger when you apply. It’s fine to apply before turning 18, and your visa can begin after you’re 35.
Canada	35	You must be 18 or older when your visa begins, or 35 or younger when you apply. You may apply before turning 18, and your visa can start after you turn 35.
Hong Kong	30	Only if you have a SAR passport \| You must be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before applying
Iceland	30	You must provide an Icelandic criminal record certificate for private use (Sakavottorð) issued within 6 months of your visa application.
Japan	30
Monaco	30
New Zealand	35	You must be 18 or older when your visa begins, or 35 or younger at the time of application. You can apply before 18, and your visa may start after you turn 35.
San Marino	30	You must provide a letter from the Directorate of Political and Diplomatic Affairs, Republic of San Marino. It must confirm your eligibility for the Youth Mobility Scheme and be issued within 6 months of your visa application.
South Korea	35	You must be at least 18 when your visa starts or 35 or under when you apply. It’s allowed to apply before 18, and your visa can begin once you’re over 35.
Taiwan	30	You must be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before applying
Uruguay	30	You must provide a Uruguayan judicial record certificate (Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales) issued within 6 months of your visa application.

You can also apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa if you’re aged 18 to 30 and you’re a:

Free Registration as Candidate

Au pairing in the UK - step by step:

Although the process arrangement may look complicated, once you reach London you won't regret the effort! AuPair.com will guide you step by step through the whole process:

Look for a Host Family on AuPair.com

Read our Au Pair's handbook and learn more about the searching process. If you are already registered with us, make sure that your profile is ready and start messaging your potential Host Families!

Check your passport

Make sure that it's valid at the moment and it will remain remain valid during your whole stay in the United Kingdom!

Sign the contract

The contract will be necessary for your visa application for the UK - and you will need an original to submit in the embassy. Discuss with the Host Family all the details, ask the family to sign it and send it to you.

Submit your visa application

Depending on your nationality, you will need to choose the right visa, allowing you to stay and work in the United Kingdom. AuPair.com provides you with all the details.

Insurance

Once you know that you are entitled for a visa, you can think of the insurance for the UK. The insurance should cover the whole length of your Au Pair program - make sure to speak with your Host Family about it as well!

Get ready for the travel

Choose the right way of transportation and pay special attention to all the formalities you are going to face during the border control! You will be asked for a visa, ID card and passport for sure - be ready and check twice if they are in your suitcase.