Become an Au Pair in Spain
An au pair is someone who looks after a family's children and, in most circumstances, lives with the family simultaneously. Working as an au pair abroad is common for many young people as a way to experience other cultures while making money. Becoming an au pair in Spain is fairly easy for citizens of the European Union, while non-EU citizens will need to satisfy several official requirements. This guide will show you the steps necessary to work as an au pair in Spain, including finding employment and securing visas. The first section is for EU citizens; the second section is for other foreign nationals.
Steps
EU Citizens
- Consult online databases that list opportunities for working as an au pair in Spain. Alternatively, contract the services of a firm which will charge a fee in return for finding a position and providing logistical support throughout your stay.
- Ensure that your language skills are adequate for your potential employers' needs. Correspond with all potential employers before leaving for Spain.
- Agree to terms with your employer before accepting a position. By Spanish law, an au pair must be provided with food, lodging, and 50 to 60 euros (70 to 85 U.S. Dollars) a week in return for 30 hours of work; for 40 hours of work, 80 to 90 euros (113 to 127 U.S. Dollars).
- Sign up for Spanish classes and register as a Foreign National with the Spanish government if you plan to work as an au pair for more than 3 months. You are required to take at least 15 hours of Spanish courses a week if staying long-term.
Non-EU Citizens
- Consult online databases that list opportunities for working as an au pair in Spain, being sure to find positions for non-EU citizens. Alternatively, contract the services of a firm which will charge a fee in return for finding a position and providing logistical support throughout your stay.
- Receive a written offer from your host family indicating the length of your employment. You will need to include this with your visa application.
- Agree to terms with your employer before accepting a position. By Spanish law, an au pair must be provided with food, lodging, and 50 to 60 euros (70 to 85 U.S. Dollars) a week in return for 30 hours of work; for 40 hours of work, 80 to 90 euros (113 to 127 U.S. Dollars).
- Contact a Spanish language school in Spain and enroll in classes that meet at least 15 hours a week if you plan on staying over 3 months. Procure written evidence of this enrollment to present to the consulate.
- Obtain and fill out a visa application form from your nearest Spanish consulate. For stays less than 3 months, apply for a short-term work visa. For stays over 3 months, apply for a long-term work visa.
- Obtain documents from local police authorities describing your criminal record and from a doctor indicating your medical status. Include these with your visa application.
- Wait up to 2 months for your visa to be approved.
- Arrive in Spain and, if staying for over 3 months, register as a foreign worker with the Spanish government, with supporting documents from your employer.
Tips
- Becoming an au pair usually requires little more than the ability to help around the house and, often, experience with children. In order to increase your prospects, however, you will want to list any work experience, even if unrelated, that you have.
- Spain only allows those between 18 and 27 years of age to work as an au pair. Additionally, two years is the maximum time one can work.
Things You'll Need
- Offer of employment from a Spanish family
- Enrollment in a language school in Spain (if staying for over 3 months)
- Work visa (if a non-EU citizen or if staying for over 3 months)
- Obtain documents from local police authorities describing your criminal record and;
- from a doctor indicating your medical status.
