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Becoming an Au Pair gives you the opportunity to live and work in a different country. It’s a great way to experience a new culture and improve your English. Although there is no official Au Pair program in Ireland, it is possible to become one.
Discover how to become an Au Pair:
- Au Pair Mandatory Criteria
- Au Pair Working Conditions and Expectations
- How to Become an Au Pair or Find an Au Pair in Ireland
- Au Pair Visa Information
- Au Pair Scams
Au Pair Mandatory Criteria
- You must be between 18-30 years old.
- You need to have a good working knowledge of English
- Have no criminal record
- Be in good health
- Be willing to undertake first aid training prior to commencement
- Be willing to commit to a family for a minimum of six months (although sometimes this can be negotiable). There are also summer Au Pair opportunities where the minimum stay is typically nine weeks.
Au Pair Working Conditions and Expectations
The working hours for an Au Pair in Ireland are not specified but generally 20 hours if you are on a student visa or approximately 35 hours per week. You can expect to be paid anywhere from €80 to €120 per week.
There have been concerns raised in Ireland over whether Au Pairs should be receiving the legal minimum wage with a small deduction for room and board.
The free time and holidays for an Au Pair in Ireland are not specified, but it is recommended that Au Pairs receive two days free time per week and one weeks paid holidays for every six months worked. You may be expected to babysit on weekends.
Accommodation and Meals
‘Au Pair’ means on an equal footing and you should not be treated like a servant. The host family is expected to treat you as a member of their family. They must provide you with your own bedroom, three meals per day, and also free access to the family home.
Au Pair Job Duties
Au Pair duties include childcare and light housework. For example:
- Playing with children and assisting them with their homework
- Preparing snacks and meals for the children.
- Dropping off and picking up children from school and/or child care.
- Light housework such as washing, ironing, vacuum, tidying.
Driving
Many families require the Au Pair to be able to drive in order to transport the children to school and appointments. If you are required to drive as an Au Pair in Ireland, you will need a full, valid driver’s licence. If the family provides the Au Pair with a car for private use, it would be expected that the Au Pair pay for the petrol used.
Discuss with your host family what happens if you have a car accident, who pays, and have your agreements put in the contract.
Travel Costs
The Au Pair is liable for all costs, however, in some cases the host family may contribute to the cost if the Au Pair is travelling a long way.
Insurances
It is strongly recommended that Au Pairs obtain comprehensive travel insurance, which covers medical, accident, and liability costs. This would be at the Au Pair’s own expense.
Non-EU citizens who have entered with a student visa must have adequate private medical insurance.
Language Skills and Courses
An Au Pair in Ireland needs to have a working knowledge of English. Many take the opportunity to attend a language course or study while in Ireland, but this is not a requirement. Typically the Au Pair would bear the cost of the course, but there are cases where the host family may assist.
How to Become an Au Pair or Find an Au Pair in Ireland
Looking to become an Au Pair or wanting to host an Au Pair? Several sites can assist you. Some act as a platform for potential Au Pairs to meet host families; others are agencies that match Au Pairs with a family for a fee.
Au Pair Visa Information
European Union (EU)/European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
EU and EFTA nationals do not require a work permit, but must register with local authorities (Garda) after arriving in Ireland.
Non EEU/EFTA
In order for non-EU nationals to become an au pair in Ireland, they are required to have a Work Permit. Some of the types of work permits that you may be able to apply for are:
For information about obtaining a visa, visit the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.
Au Pair Scams
Be aware that there are a number of scams that people get caught up in. If the ‘host family’ asks you to hand over large sums of money for e.g. visas, then this is most likely a scam. Vice versa, ‘Au Pairs’ who request money from their host family prior to commencing is most likely a scam as the Au Pair is expected to pay for their own travel expenses.
Additional Au Pair Resources
- The Complete Sample Au Pair Handbook: Give this to your Au Pair for a successful partnership by Neil Ackerman – If you’re a family looking to engage an Au Pair, this book provides an example of an Au Pair handbook. You simply buy it, edit it how you want and email to your Au Pair before you sign them up or use it when they arrive. It has all the rules in one place and makes expectations setting easy.
- Au Pair in Ireland by Richard Marsh – Hear the first hand stories of more than 40 young men and women from around the world who have been Au Pairs in Ireland. They share their experiences, what it was like for them, and how they avoided or solved some of the problems that you might encounter if you decide to become an Au Pair. They also talk about how being an Au Pair enriched their lives and filled them with self-confidence.
- The Au Pair and Nannys Guide to Working Abroad by Susan Griffith – Whether you’re looking for short term or long term work abroad as a Nanny, Au Pair, or mothers’ help, this book provides detailed information including, the training and experience needed, duties, contracts, insurance, what to take with you and what problems you may face and how to cope with them.
- Au Pair Guide A helpful handbook for your time abroad by Carmen Kurz – This Au Pair Guide is a trusty companion for your Au Pair experience – from the pre-application phase to your last day abroad. This book covers what it means to be an Au Pair, how to you prepare, what countries offer this program and how to you find the right host family. It also includes numerous instructions on caring for children, an overview of child development, ideas for children’s games, first aid tips, a to-do list for applying as an Au Pair, and an Au Pair dictionary.
millie
Nowadays law in Ireland says that au pairs are workers and they should be paid at least minimum wage. If you want to be an aupair in Ireland do not let families exploit you, you have rights
Zonya
Good day I would kindly like to find out a bit more of this program as I’m a south african citizen and would love to work in Ireland as it has been a dream of mine to see and explore the beautiful country.
Colleen
Hi Zonya,
Please refer to the Employment Permit page and also contact the Irish Au Pair agencies for further information.
brooklynn bitze
hello, im looking to sign up as an au pair, does anyone have a link or a step by step to apply?
Ana
Good Life! I would like to apply and try as an Au Pair in another country especially in Europe Countries. I’m a Filipina looking for a good family to work for. I really want to take care of children and I also want to go to Europe because this is my dream. I hope someone will notice me here and make may dreams come true. I also have experience in taking care if children.
ALESSANDRA RAFFIERI
hi from Italy, my 20 years old stepson would like to work and study in Irland to learn the leanguage. Is babysitting the only job for an au pair experiance? thanks a lot
Colleen
Hi Alessandra Raffieri,
Please get on contact with the Au Pair agencies listed in the post for guidance on applying to be an au pair.
sanu
Very happy to meet new family. I am interested to be an Au Pair whom you can trust. This is also a great opportunity for me to see and travel other beautiful country. i am Indian I have plus two qualification only i have a little knowledge in English
Janelle
Hi Sanu,
Which part of India are you from? Are you now in Ireland? Would be happy to speak if interested. I have 2 kids. One 3yrs and another 6months.
Angelica Nnebedum
Please,I would like to know if Aupair registeration is still on going,I’m a Nigerian.
Ednah Chigwedere
I am willing to travel to other countries and see the world to experience some new cultures and beliefs with the new host family.I would like to be an Aupair 😊😊😊😊😊😊
Nadi
May I know if Ireland is accepting Filipino au pairs?
Colleen
You would need to be eligible for and secure the appropriate visa as listed in this post under Au Pair Visa Information.
Nadine Beaumont
Good day
I’m a 24 year old South African female, I’d like to au pair for my host family in Ireland. How do we go out getting me there on a working holiday visa, any information would be greatly appreciated
Colleen
You can see the available employment permits here
Robyn Brown
Hi
Nadine Beaumont, how can I get in touch with you?
I’m a South African lady also looking to work in Ireland.
Kind regards
Robyn
Daid
I am planning to visit Dublin for a week for sight seeing.Do I need an invitation from some one in Ireland for this purpose since I will get Visa at point of Entry as South African
Colleen
You will need to check on the INIS tourist visa page whether you need a visa, and if so, the process for applying for one.
Boadu Patricia
Am willing to travel to have experience something new in other ways with new family
Annette
Colleen-
I’m a US citizen & I’m interested in moving to Ireland to be with my partner. I’m finding conflicting information on what Visas i’m eligible for, any advice?
Colleen
I suggest you refer directly to the INIS website so you get the most up to date and accurate information. You could also consider paying for the services of an immigration consultant.
Alma
I am from Panama, I check and Panamanian do not have to ask for visa . The only thing I need is a Employment Permit. Am I right?
Colleen
Hi Alma,
I don’t work for immigration, so can’t provide you immigration advise, but if that is what it states on the Irish immigration website, then this is what you should follow. You will need a job offer for job eligible for an employment permit.
Robyn
Good day
I am a South African au pair considering to au pair in Ireland /Dublin. I would like to know under which visa would I have to come on and what is required from me.
Kind regards
Colleen
Hi Robyn,
Unfortunately South Africa is not currently on the list of countries eligible for the Working Holiday Programme and you won’t be eligible for the US Working Holiday Programme. If you plan to attend higher education, then students can work part time whilst studying. I suggest contacting the Au Pair agencies listed on this page and seek further advice from them.
Nobukhosi
I will be honored and happy to stay with my host family and taking care of their kids as much as I love spending time with Kids
Nobukhosi
I will be honored and happy to stay with my host family and taking care of their kids as much as I love spending time with Kids
Maj
Hello ,i hope you answer me ,i found a family in Ireland and iam from morocco so non EU ,I DONF WANT TI STUDY THEIR OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT ,WHICH VISA I HAVE TO APPLY FOR AND what are the requirements and also i have the contract
Colleen
Work as an au pair won’t secure you a standard Irish Employment Permit. The only visa’s available for au pairs are Working Holiday Visa and the Work & Travel Visa and I don’t believe Moroccans are eligible for these. That only leaves the option of the student visa which allows you to work up to 25hrs per week.
Mello
Hello Maj. I hope you’re fine. Did you find a way to go to Ireland ? Did you go there ?
Lynette
I am 55 and very good with children. Are there a family who would like an older woman?
Colleen
Hi Lynette,
The age limit for an Au Pair is usually a maximum of 30. However, if you found work as a nanny I’m sure there are many families that would appreciate the life experience and knowledge that age brings.
Marie
Is Lynette still online Or in touch ?
Hi Lynette, Might you be interested in looking for work in the Cork area, Ireland ?
Looking for a child minder. thanks
Tara Ann Baste
Very happy to meet new family. I am interested to be an Au Pair whom you can trust. This is also a great opportunity for me to see and travel other beautiful country.
Lerato
Very interested and happy to meet and see the amazing country and to spend more time with the new family and friends
Lerato
I am willing to travel and see the world and experience something new in other ways with new family😁