Become an Au Pair in Austria
Austria has an official au pair program, which outlines the requirements for au pairs and host families. As an au pair you are excluded from normal employment law, however your host family will need to notified the Job Service Centre ("Arbeitsmarktservice") of your employment.
Austria also has different requirements according to whether or not the au pair is from the EEA (European Economic Area).
Which country are you from?
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland or the UK
None of these countries
Good news! As a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) you do not need a residence permit. However, if you want to be an au pair for longer than three months, you must obtain a resident’s registration document from the local Foreigners’ Office ("Fremdenbehörde") where you are staying.
Since you are not from the European Economic Area you will need to apply for a special visa to become an au pair in Austria. The official name for this visa is the "Sonderfälle unselbstständiger Erwerbstätiger". Normally you apply for this visa at your local Austrian Embassy or Consulate.
You can read more about this visa on the Austrian government's website.
Requirements for EEA citizens
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You must be aged between 18 and 28.
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You must have not been an au pair in Austria for longer than a year in the last five years.
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You agree to get to know the country and people of Austria and deepen your knowledge of the German language with the help of your host family.
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You will need to sign and complete an au pair contract with your host family.
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You may be asked to present a school report or other certificate in German or English translation to prove that you have of a minimum of German knowledge (school lessons, one semester of studying, or a language course) before the start of your employment.
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You must get your host family to register you at the Job Service Centre ("Arbeitsmarktservice") at least two weeks before you start. Read more about how to register you as an au pair on their website.
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Your host family will need to register you with the legal social insurance (ASVG). You can also take out private health insurance, as long as it provides benefits in Austria.
Requirements for non-EEA citizens
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You must have a valid Au Pair visa (known as the "Sonderfälle unselbstständiger Erwerbstätiger").
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You must be aged between 18 and 28.
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You must have not been an au pair in Austria for longer than a year in the last five years.
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You agree to get to know the country and people of Austria and deepen your knowledge of the German language with the help of your host family.
-
You will need to sign and complete an au pair contract with your host family.
-
You may be asked to present a school report or other certificate in German or English translation to prove that you have of a minimum of German knowledge (school lessons, one semester of studying, or a language course) before the start of your employment.
-
You must get your host family to register you at the Job Service Centre ("Arbeitsmarktservice") at least two weeks before you start. Read more about how to register you as an au pair on their website.
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Your host family will need to register you with the legal social insurance (ASVG). You can also take out private health insurance, as long as it provides benefits in Austria.
More Information For Au Pairs
Pocket Money
As an au pair in Austria you must be paid a minimum €425.70 per month.
Hours
Working time in Austria is specified as a maximum of 18 hours per week, including child care and little help with household chores.
Labour Laws
As an au pair, your employment is subject to the Law on Domestic Staff ("Hausgehilfen- und Hausangestelltengesetz"), which regulates things like your right for holidays or being paid in case you fall sick.
Next Steps
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If you haven't already done so, click here to create a profile and find a host family.
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Sign the au pair contract for Austria with your host family.
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Find out more about the au pair program in Austria on the government website.
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Get your host family to register you at the Job Service Centre ("Arbeitsmarktservice"). Read more about how to register you as an au pair on their website.
Next Steps
-
If you haven't already done so, click here to create a profile and find a host family.
-
Sign the au pair contract for Austria with your host family.
-
Find out more about the au pair program in Austria on the government website.
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Apply for your Au Pair visa.
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Get your host family to register you at the Job Service Centre ("Arbeitsmarktservice"). Read more about how to register you as an au pair on their website.
