Au Pair in Austria

More about the program

Au pairing in Austria is a cultural exchange experience that combines childcare, language education, and personal development. As an au pair, you join a welcoming host family and become part of daily family life while supporting childcare needs and gaining valuable insight into Austrian culture and traditions.

Austria is a particularly attractive destination, offering the highest pocket money in Central Europe — currently €551.10 per month — for only 18 hours of work per week paid 15 times a year. An au pair gets a bonus payment in mid year and end of year.

Through the program, participants develop important life skills, build lasting friendships, and improve their German language abilities. The experience focuses on cultural integration, legal protection, and ongoing support to help participants build a successful long-term future in German-speaking countries.

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Requirements to Au Pair in Austria

To participate in the au pair program in Austria, applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Age: Generally between 18 and 28 years
• Gender: Both female and male applicants are welcome
• Experience: Previous experience in childcare or care-related work is an advantage but not required
• German Language Skills: Basic German A1 Level proficiency is a mandatory legal requirement BEFORE entrance into the program. For non-EU applicants, the hiring competition is intense because of the high pocket money, participation is often secured by candidates with A2 German Level even higher. A2 German also helps non-EU candidates to seamlessly integrate into the family environment and Austrian culture.
• Application Timeline: It is recommended to apply 6 to 11 months in advance. Applications submitted less than 3 months before visa expiry are subject to an urgent processing fee of €100
• Driver's Licence: Beneficial but not mandatory
• Visa Process: Visa appointments for Austria are generally efficient and accessible
• Legal Protection: Applying through an agency ensures proper legal protection, fair contracts, and professional support throughout the placement. There is minimum to zero protection for au pairs who independently match themselves as such contracts often reflect only Host Family's interest.

Benefits for Au Pairs in Austria with Optimal AuPair

Participants receive comprehensive support throughout their au pair journey, including:

• Monthly Pocket Money: €551.10 per month — the highest in Central Europe
• Paid Holidays: 30 days of paid vacation per year (based on a 12-month contract)
• Special Bonus Payments: Au pairs get a 13th and 14th Salary in addition to pocket money. These are essentially two extra months of pay distributed over the course of the year or at the end of the contract.
• Language Education: Access to German language courses from A1 to B2 level, including a 10% discount on selected courses
• Career Support: Guidance for future opportunities such as nursing programs, a Social Year (FSJ), or university studies in German-speaking countries
• Legal and Visa Support: Assistance with contracts, visa applications, and conflict resolution if needed
• Community Access: Opportunity to connect with other au pairs and access a community hub in Vienna and other regions in Austria
• Professional Placement Process: Careful matching process, including interviews and host family verification

Costs the Au Pair is Responsible for

Participants are responsible for the following costs:

Important Information

• Dual Expertise: Optimal AuPair is both a licensed employment agency and an established language school (optimalsprachschule.at). Sunshine participants interested in the program receive a 10% discount on all German language courses (A1, A2, B1, or B2) for both pre-departure preparation and ongoing progression during the program.
• Targeted Placement Preparation: Even if you do not yet hold the legally required A1 German Certificate, our Sprachschule is equipped to train you. We provide the specific proficiency training and exam preparation needed to attain the certificates required for your contract, visa, and future career.
• Limited Availability: Austria is a boutique destination with fewer host families than larger countries. Due to high competition for non-EU applicants, early application and achieving above-basic German capacity (A2+) is strongly recommended to secure the best placements.
• Professional Support: Participants receive end-to-end guidance from experienced professionals, ensuring a smooth transition through the Austrian immigration and matching process.
• Long-Term Opportunities: Beyond the au pair year, this program serves as a strategic pathway to further education, nursing careers, or long-term professional opportunities within the European Union.

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