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How to apply for an Au Pair visa in Switzerland? (requirements & work permit guide)
To apply for a Swiss Au Pair visa, the Host Family starts the process by sending the application form, a copy of your passport, and the signed Au Pair contract to the Cantonal Job Market Authority. You will also need to provide proof of language course registration and health insurance.
If you are a non-EU citizen, you must also include a confirmation from a SECO-accredited Swiss agency.
Once the canton has approved your application, it will be sent to the Federal Office for Migration for a final review.
If a visa is required, you will then need to apply for it at the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Before you start your Au Pair journey in Switzerland, it’s important to understand the visa and work permit process. Whether you’re from an EU/EFTA country or outside the EU, there are specific steps and documents you need to prepare.
This guide explains everything you need, from visa documents and age requirements to work permits and registration rules.
This guide explains everything you need, from visa documents and age requirements to work permits and registration rules.
Register as a Candidate
Information for Au Pairs from EU/EFTA countries
Au Pair applicants from EU or EFTA countries do not need a visa to enter Switzerland; they just need a passport or ID card. It is vital that Au Pairs check the validity of these documents well in advance of departure.
Once the Au Pair arrives in Switzerland, they must register with their local municipality and, if they intend to stay for more than three months, apply for a residence permit.
Au Pair Stays up to 3 months
Au Pairs staying for less than three months in Switzerland do not need to apply for a residence permit. However, their stay must be registered.
Registration for Au Pairs is possible after their arrival in Switzerland, but the authorities must be informed about their stay before the Au Pair duties begin. Host Families should register their Au Pair with their local authorities. Alternatively, it is possible to register via this online form.
Note: For nationals of Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia there are special rules for short stays. Confirm the formalities with the embassy or another diplomatic authority of Switzerland.
Au Pair Stays longer than 3 months
If you are planning to stay in Switzerland for longer than 3 months, you need to register at the municipality of your family within 14 days of arrival.Required documents
- Valid Passport or ID Card
- Signed Au Pair Contract, including the duration of the Au Pair stay.
Residence Permit Switzerland
You will need to apply for a residence permit at the Immigration and labor authorities. The cantons are responsible for issuing permits, and have detailed information on the application procedure (where to apply, which form to fill out, how long it will take, etc.).Required documents
- Valid Passport or ID Card
- Signed Au Pair Contract (must state the duration of the Au Pair's stay)
- Registration Certificate from the municipality of residence
- Passport Photo.
Insurance
As the Au Pair’s pocket money will be taxed, you will be paying some social insurance contributions. For this, the Host Family needs to apply for an insurance certificate. They need to take care of the Au Pair’s health, accident, unemployment and pension insurance contributions.Information for Au Pairs from Non-EU/EFTA countries
Au Pair applicants from non-EU or EFTA countries need a visa to enter Switzerland. It is necessary to arrange the Au Pair stay in Switzerland with a SECO-recognized agency.Resident and Work Permit in Switzerland
Before arriving, both a residence and a work permit are required for Au Pair applicants. The Host Family is responsible for applying for these documents on behalf of the Au Pair. The Cantonal Migration Offices issue the permits and it can take up to two months to receive it.
Required Documents for the Work Permit
- Completed Application Form (issued by the canton to the Host Family)
- Copy of the Au Pair’s Passport
- Signed Au Pair Contract
- Proof of Language Course Enrollment abroad
- Health Insurance from a recognized Swiss provider
- Confirmation of the Au Pair’s placement from the a Swiss SECO-recognized agency
Note: Requirements can differ by canton—always confirm with your Cantonal Migration Office.
We also strongly suggest confirming the list of documents in your case, as there might be additional papers required.
How to Apply for a Swiss Au Pair Visa
We encourage you to get in touch with the embassy of Switzerland in the applicant’s country of residence to confirm each case. Requirements might differ depending on citizenship.
Required Visa Documents
- Valid Passport: Must be valid the entire stay.
- Signed Au Pair Contract (by both parties)
- Health Insurance
- Visa Application Form
- Work Permit Application
- Proof of Language Course Enrollment
- Confirmation of the Au Pair’s placement from the a Swiss SECO-approved agency
You will need to submit the application form with other relevant documents to a diplomatic mission of Switzerland.
Important: All the documents need to be in English or in one of the official languages of Switzerland. If that's not the case, a certified translator can help you with translations.
Au Pairs need to register themselves within 8 days after their arrival in Switzerland. The following documents are required:
- Passport
- Entry Permit
- 3 Passport Photos
Depending on the canton where the registration is taking place, further documents might be necessary. After a successful registration, you will receive an ID card from the Migration Office, which allows the Au Pair to stay and work in Switzerland. This card will be issued for a maximum of one year and cannot be extended.
