Au Pair in Switzerland: Requirements & Costs

Au Pair in Switzerland: Requirements & Costs

An au pair can be an attractive childcare solution for Swiss families — especially if you need flexible support with household and childcare while also appreciating cultural exchange. However, the au pair system in Switzerland is strictly regulated: clear rules apply for working hours, pocket money, insurance, and residence permits. This guide explains everything you need to know as a host family — from the requirements and costs to the differences between an au pair and a nanny.

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What Is an Au Pair?

Definition and Basic Concept

An au pair (French: "on a reciprocal basis") is a young person from abroad who temporarily lives with a host family. The basic idea: the au pair helps with household tasks and childcare, receives board, lodging, and pocket money in return — and in exchange gets to know the language and culture of the host country. This is deliberately not a regular employment relationship but a cultural exchange with a childcare component.

Au Pair vs. Nanny: The Key Differences

Many parents confuse au pairs and nannies. Yet there are fundamental differences — legally, financially, and organisationally:

Criterion	Au Pair	Nanny
Legal basis	Au pair ordinance, cultural exchange	Regular employment relationship (CO)
Age	18–25 years (up to 30 in some cantons)	No age limit
Working hours	Max. 30 hours/week	Per employment contract (often 40–42 hrs)
Compensation	Pocket money CHF 590–790/month	Salary CHF 25–35/hour (gross)
Living situation	Lives with the host family (own room mandatory)	Own flat (generally)
Qualifications	No formal training required	Often specialist training (FaBe, pedagogy, etc.)
Duration of stay	Max. 12 months (1 extension possible)	Open-ended possible
Language course	Mandatory (min. 3–4 hrs/week)	No language course required
Social insurance	Limited (KVG, UVG)	Full social insurance obligations

If you're looking for a long-term, professional childcare solution, a nanny is probably the better choice. Read our detailed guide Hiring a Nanny in Switzerland: Salary, Contract & Insurance. If you'd like an overview of all childcare options first, our Comparison: Daycare, Playgroup, or Childminder will help.

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Requirements: Who Can Become an Au Pair — and Who Can Host One?

Requirements for the Au Pair

Switzerland sets clear requirements for au pairs:

• Age: Between 18 and 25 years (some cantons allow up to 30)
• Nationality: Access is easier for EU/EFTA citizens. Stricter visa rules apply for third-country nationals (see Visa section)
• Language skills: Basic knowledge of the host region's language is recommended but not mandatory — the language course on site is compulsory
• Childcare experience: Not formally required, but strongly recommended by agencies. A babysitter course, sibling care, or an internship in childcare is a plus
• Health: A medical certificate is generally required
• No own household: Au pairs are typically single and without children of their own

Requirements for the Host Family

As a host family, you must also meet certain criteria:

• Own room: The au pair must have their own, lockable room with a window — no pass-through room, no basement
• At least one child under 18: The family must have at least one child in the household who needs care
• Language: The family language should be the regional language (German, French, or Italian) so the au pair can actually learn the language
• Contract: A written au pair contract is mandatory. Many cantons provide template contracts
• Registration: You must register the au pair with the municipality (residents' registration) and the relevant authorities

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Working Hours and Duties

Maximum Working Hours: 30 Hours per Week

The maximum working time for an au pair in Switzerland is 30 hours per week, including evening babysitting. That averages 6 hours per day on a 5-day week. Overtime is not permitted.

Typical Au Pair Duties

Task	Typical	Not permitted
Taking children to school/daycare	Yes	—
Playing, crafting, reading with children	Yes	—
Preparing meals for children	Yes	—
Light housework (vacuuming, washing up)	Yes	—
Washing/ironing children's laundry	Yes	—
Heavy physical work (gardening, renovation)	—	Not permitted
Caring for adults in need of care	—	Not permitted
Cleaning the entire house as main task	—	Not permitted
Working for third parties (neighbours, friends)	—	Not permitted

Free Time and Language Course

The au pair is entitled to:

• At least 1 free day per week (usually at the weekend)
• At least 1 free evening per week
• Language course attendance: 3–4 hours per week (you as host family bear the costs)
• 4 weeks of holiday for a 12-month stay (pro-rated for shorter stays)

Important: Language course time does not count as working time. The language course is a central part of the cultural exchange and must be facilitated.

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Costs: What an Au Pair Really Costs

Monthly Costs Overview

Many families underestimate the total cost of an au pair. Here's a realistic breakdown:

Cost type	Amount per month
Pocket money	CHF 590–790 (varies by canton)
Language course	CHF 150–300
Health and accident insurance	CHF 150–250
Food (board)	CHF 300–500 (estimated)
Public transport pass / mobility	CHF 50–100
Agency fee (converted per month)	CHF 80–150
Miscellaneous (SIM card, outings)	CHF 30–50
Total estimated	CHF 1,350–2,140/month

Plus one-off costs:

One-off costs	Amount
Agency placement fee	CHF 1,000–2,000
Residence permit	CHF 50–150 (varies by canton)
Room furnishing (if needed)	CHF 200–500

Pocket Money: Cantonal Guidelines

Pocket money for au pairs is not uniformly regulated across Switzerland. Cantonal labour market authorities provide guideline amounts:

Canton/Region	Pocket money per month
Zurich	CHF 700–790
Bern	CHF 590–700
Basel-Stadt	CHF 700
Lucerne	CHF 590–650
Geneva	CHF 700–790
Vaud	CHF 700–790
St. Gallen	CHF 590–650
Aargau	CHF 590–700

Note: The pocket money is not a salary in the employment law sense. It is in principle subject to AHV contributions (exception: au pairs from EU/EFTA states with an A1 certificate from their home country).

Cost Comparison: Au Pair vs. Nanny vs. Daycare

Is an au pair financially worthwhile? That depends on your childcare needs:

Childcare type	Cost/month (approx.)	Hours/week	Effective cost/hour
Au pair	CHF 1,350–2,140	Max. 30	CHF 11–18
Nanny (part-time 50%)	CHF 2,600–3,600	20–21	CHF 31–43
Daycare (3 days/week)	CHF 1,200–2,700	Approx. 30	CHF 10–23
Day-care family (3 days/week)	CHF 750–1,400	Approx. 30	CHF 6–12

An au pair sits cost-wise between a day-care family and a nanny. The big advantage: care takes place in your home, the au pair is flexibly deployable (mornings, evenings, weekends) and you get additional household help. If you want to work out your total childcare budget, our guide Planning Childcare into the Family Budget will help.

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Visa and Residence Permit

EU/EFTA Citizens

Au pairs from EU/EFTA states benefit from the Free Movement of Persons Agreement:

• Short-term residence permit L: For stays of up to 12 months
• Registration: Within 14 days of entry at the municipality of residence
• No visa needed: EU/EFTA citizens can enter Switzerland without a visa and apply for the permit on site
• Work permit: The L permit automatically authorises work as an au pair

Third-Country Nationals

For au pairs from non-EU/EFTA states, the process is more involved:

• Quotas: Au pair permits for third-country nationals are subject to cantonal quotas. Not every canton issues these permits
• Visa: The au pair must apply for a D visa (national visa) at the Swiss embassy in their home country before entry
• Processing time: 6–12 weeks — plan ahead
• Additional requirements: Some cantons require proof of language skills and a motivation letter
• Maximum duration of stay: Generally 12 months, an extension of a further 12 months is possible in some cantons

The Permit Process Step by Step

1. Find an au pair (via agency or privately)
2. Sign the au pair contract (use a cantonally recognised template)
3. Submit the application to the cantonal migration office / labour market authority
4. Await the permit (EU/EFTA: a few days; third countries: 6–12 weeks)
5. Au pair enters and registers at the municipality of residence
6. Take out health insurance (if not already in place)

Tip: Work with a recognised au pair agency. They know the cantonal requirements and handle the paperwork. This saves you a lot of time and stress.

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Insurance: What You Must Cover as a Host Family

Health Insurance

Au pairs must be health insured in Switzerland. There are two options:

• Swiss basic insurance (KVG): Take out within 3 months of entry. Cost: approx. CHF 150–250/month (depending on canton and deductible)
• EU Health Insurance Card (EHIC): Au pairs from EU states can use their insurance from their home country — but check whether the coverage is sufficient in Switzerland

Accident Insurance

As a host family, you are responsible for your au pair's accident insurance:

• Occupational accident insurance (BU): Mandatory from the first working day. You must register the au pair with a UVG insurer
• Non-occupational accident insurance (NBU): Also mandatory, since the au pair works more than 8 hours per week
• Cost: Approx. CHF 20–50/month

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance for the au pair is strongly recommended, even though it is not legally required. Check whether your existing family liability insurance covers the au pair as a household member — this is possible with many insurers.

AHV/IV/EO Contributions

The au pair's pocket money is in principle subject to AHV contributions. As a host family, you must:

• Register the au pair with the AHV compensation office
• Account for employer and employee contributions (total approx. 10.6% on the pocket money)
• Exception: Au pairs from EU/EFTA states who present an A1 certificate are socially insured in their home country

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Au Pair Agencies in Switzerland

Why Use an Agency?

You can also find an au pair privately (e.g. via online platforms). However, a recognised agency offers significant advantages:

• Pre-selection: The agency checks references, criminal record extract, and motivation
• Contract templates: Cantonally compliant contracts are provided
• Authority contacts: The agency handles permits and registrations
• Mediation: In case of conflicts between host family and au pair, the agency mediates
• Replacement au pair: Good agencies find a replacement if things don't work out

Recognised Agencies (Selection)

Agency	Region	Features
Pro Filia	All of Switzerland	Long-standing, since 1902, non-profit
Au Pair Link	German-speaking Switzerland	Online matching, personal support
IAPA members	International	International Au Pair Association — quality standard
Compagna	All of Switzerland	Counselling and support, also for young women in difficult situations

Agency Costs

The placement fee is generally between CHF 1,000 and CHF 2,000. This typically includes:

• Matching and pre-selection
• Contract support
• Help with official procedures
• Support during the stay
• Often: replacement placement in case of early termination

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Tips for a Successful Au Pair Experience

Before Arrival

• Prepare the room: Bed, wardrobe, desk, Wi-Fi, key. The room should be a retreat, not a storage room
• Write down house rules: When are meals? How is the kitchen used? Which areas are private? Clear rules prevent conflicts
• Prepare the children: Explain to your children who is coming, why, and what will change
• Create a weekly schedule: A clear plan with tasks, times, and days off gives both sides orientation

During the Stay

• Weekly check-in: Take 15 minutes once a week to discuss how things are going — for both sides
• Include rather than instruct: An au pair is a temporary family member, not an employee. Shared meals and activities strengthen the relationship
• Facilitate the language course: Make sure the language course is feasible time-wise and support the au pair in their learning
• Give freedom: The au pair needs time for friends, outings, and their own activities — that's part of the cultural exchange
• Address conflicts: If something isn't right, bring it up kindly and directly. Problems that are ignored grow bigger

Au Pair and Your Children

An au pair is a supplementary carer, not replacement parents. Keep in mind:

• Clear responsibility: The au pair cares for the children but does not make fundamental parenting decisions
• Safety: Make sure the au pair knows emergency numbers, where the first aid kit is, and how to react in an emergency
• Allergies and medications: Document everything in writing
• Duty of supervision: The au pair may be alone with the children but does not bear parental responsibility in a legal sense

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Common Problems and Solutions

The Au Pair Doesn't Fit the Family

It can happen that the chemistry isn't right — despite careful selection. In this case:

1. Seek a conversation: Often it's misunderstandings or cultural differences
2. Involve the agency: The agency can mediate and suggest solutions
3. Use the trial period: Most contracts include a trial period of 1–3 months
4. Early termination: In case of serious problems, the contract can be terminated with notice or (for serious reasons) without notice

The Au Pair Falls Ill

When the au pair is ill:

• They are entitled to continued payment (pocket money) under the CO provisions
• Health insurance covers the medical costs
• You need an alternative childcare solution — a emergency network helps here (grandparents, neighbours, emergency nanny via kizi.ch)

The Au Pair Wants to Leave Early

Reasons can include homesickness, family problems in the home country, or dissatisfaction. Respect the decision, observe the contractually agreed notice period (usually 1 month), and settle open insurance and official matters cleanly.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

From what age of my children does an au pair make sense?

In principle from baby age, although most families engage an au pair from toddler age (1–2 years). Bear in mind: an au pair is typically between 18 and 25 and has no professional training in infant care. For babies under 6 months, an experienced nanny or a daycare with an infant section is often more suitable.

Can I combine an au pair and a daycare?

Yes, and this is actually a very popular solution. The au pair takes the children to daycare in the morning, picks them up in the afternoon, and looks after them until you get home from work. In between, the au pair attends the language course and does light housework.

Do I have to pay for a public transport pass for the au pair?

There is no legal obligation, but it is customary and strongly recommended. The au pair needs mobility for the language course, shopping, and leisure activities. A half-fare card plus a local public transport pass is a fair solution.

What happens if the au pair breaks something?

This is where liability insurance comes in. Check whether your family liability insurance also covers household members. Alternatively, the au pair can take out their own liability insurance (cost: approx. CHF 5–10/month).

Is the au pair allowed to drive?

In principle yes, if they hold a valid driving licence (EU licences are recognised in Switzerland; third-country licences may need to be converted). However, be sure to clarify the insurance question: your au pair must be registered as a driver on the car insurance, otherwise you face recourse claims in case of an accident.

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Conclusion: Is an Au Pair Right for Your Family?

An au pair is a unique childcare solution that goes well beyond mere childcare. You get flexible everyday support, your children get to know a new culture, and a young person gets the chance to discover Switzerland. At the same time, an au pair is no substitute for professional full-time care — they have limited working hours, no pedagogical training, and are typically away from home for the first time.

Checklist: Au Pair — Is It Right for You?

• You need a maximum of 30 hours of childcare per week
• You have a separate room (with window, lockable) for the au pair
• You are open to an additional person in the household
• You can afford CHF 1,350–2,140 per month
• You want to offer your children cultural exchange
• You are willing to take on responsibility as a host family

If you're not yet sure which form of childcare is right, our Comparison: Daycare, Playgroup, or Childminder provides a comprehensive side-by-side look at all options. And if you're interested in the costs of different childcare types, check out our guide Planning Childcare into the Family Budget.

Find suitable childcare now

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Sources: State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), cantonal labour market authorities, Pro Filia, IAPA — International Au Pair Association, Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (AIG). As of: February 2026.