Conditions of working as an au pair or nanny in the United Kingdom
Employment requirements and conditions for au pairs / nannies change on a regular basis in every country.
Please note it is YOUR responsibility to check the latest information on government websites. Thank you!
The UK has exited the European Union, therefore certain rules are expected to change.
ALSO DON’T FORGET TO CHECK THE CURRENT COVID SITUATION!
Basic information – au pair / nanny
An au pair is not classed as a worker or an employee if they’re on a cultural exchange programme. Some of the conditions: age between 18 – 30, au pairs are allowed time to study and can practise their English with the host family, they live and eat with the family, have their own room, and they are doing childcare- and housework in exchange for accommodation, food and pocket money. Full list: https://www.gov.uk/au-pairs-employment-law/au-pairs
Visa type(s) for au pairs / nannies
EU and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens from all the EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland: currently no visa required if you have a passport from an EEA country. You have the right of free movement and residence in the UK (source Home Office). This means you can be Au Pair without any restrictions on age, pocket money, duration of stay etc. For more information visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration. For au pairs from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Monaco and British citizens of the overseas territories or British nationals living overseas: Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme For au pairs from Commonwealth countries: Ancestry Visa For au pairs from all nationalities: General student visa Tier4.
Basic eligibility for au pair / nanny visa
Au Pair is aged 18 – 30, however an Au Pair without visa requirements (from EU) can be older.
Visa duration
Depends on your visa category. See visa types above and heck details accordingly to your situation.
Basic condition for au pair / nanny visa
You must hold a valid passport from an eligible country.
Eligible countries of origin / nationality possibilities for visa applications
EU and EEA citizens plus Switzerland: no visa is necessary currently. The UK Au Pair scheme comes under Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme. Nationals from the following countries are eligible to apply for visas under the scheme: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Monaco, Taiwan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong. Other countries: see in Visa types for au pairs section above.
Basic general visa application requirements
- Invitation letter from host family to au pair, stating all details and conditions of the au pair / nanny job (dates and duration, working hours, free time, salary, accommodation, insurance, duties & responsibilities of both parties etc)
- Signed contract / agreement between host family and au pair
- Adequate visa application forms and fees etc (This is a general summary abut visas, check the specifics on the official government website.)
| VISA REQUIREMENT CHANGES | The UK has exited the EU. For a considerable time period no or minimal changes are expected from the current arrangements. However, it is important that you keep yourself informed if you would like to be an au pair or nanny in the UK. |
| USEFUL LINKS | https://www.gov.uk/au-pairs-employment-law/au-pairs www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration |
| INTERESTED? | Please don’t forget it is your responsibility to check all the details and the latest information on the official government website of the country. |
