A Guide To The Au Pair Visa For Spain

If you're planning to live with a Spanish host family, help with childcare, and immerse yourself in the culture, working as an au pair can be a great option. But here’s the truth for 2025: Spain does not issue a specific “Au Pair Visa.” Instead, au pairs typically come to Spain under a student visa with part-time childcare arrangements, or through cultural exchange agreements depending on their nationality.

This guide explains how the au pair route actually works in Spain in 2025—whether you’re from the UK, USA, Latin America, or elsewhere—and how to stay legal while gaining cultural experience. Many incoming au pairs also want to understand basic Spanish immigration requirements, which often overlap with general entry and residency rules.

What Is an Au Pair in Spain?

An au pair lives with a host family and provides light childcare and household help in exchange for room, board, and modest “pocket money.” This is not formal employment. Au pairs are not nannies—they are cultural exchange participants, typically aged 17–30, who help with childcare while learning Spanish and exploring the country.

How au pairs fit into Spain’s residency system

Because au pairing is not considered formal employment, Spain classifies it as a cultural exchange arrangement. This is why non-EU au pairs typically use the student visa route, which fits within broader Spain entry requirements for long-term stays.

Do I Need a Visa to Be an Au Pair in Spain?

• EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: No visa needed. You can travel freely and take au pair roles with no restriction, but you must still register with local authorities and have health insurance.
• Non-EU Citizens (including British, US, Australian): You’ll need a student visa if staying over 90 days. Au pair duties must be paired with official enrollment in a Spanish language course or similar approved study program.

For non-EU nationals, the student visa process also usually requires obtaining an NIE after arrival. You can learn how the process works in our guide on how to get your Spanish NIE number.

Eligibility Requirements (2025)

• Aged 17–30 years old
• Clean criminal record
• Basic knowledge of Spanish or English (depending on the family)
• Enrolled in a Spanish language course (if using the student visa route)
• Have a signed au pair agreement with a host family
• Hold comprehensive private health insurance

Why language courses matter

Many au pairs choose Spanish programmes similar to those taken by international students. For inspiration, see our guide to the most popular courses to study in Spain.

The Au Pair Agreement

Even though this isn’t a work contract, a written agreement between the au pair and host family is essential. It should include:

• Start and end dates (max one year)
• Daily duties and hours (max 5 hours/day)
• Room and board details
• Pocket money (usually €60–€80 per week)
• At least 1 day off per week (one Sunday per month)
• Language school details
• Notice period for ending the arrangement (recommended: 2 weeks)

Why clear terms protect both sides

These written conditions ensure both the host family and au pair understand expectations, especially around working hours and study commitments. This mirrors other long-stay cultural and internship arrangements in Spain, such as those covered in our guide to internships in Spain.

How to Apply as an Au Pair (Non-EU Citizens)

• Find a host family (via platforms like aupair.com or personal connections)
• Enroll in an accredited Spanish language course
• Sign an au pair agreement
• Book an appointment at your nearest Spanish consulate
• Gather all documents (see below)
• Apply for the Spanish student visa at least 30–60 days before your intended arrival

Other processes you may need

Some au pairs may also touch processes similar to those used for student and internship visas. For comparison, see our article on internship visas in Spain, which follow parallel documentation requirements.

Documents Required (Student Visa for Au Pair Placement)

• Valid passport
• 2 recent passport-sized photos
• Proof of enrollment in a Spanish course (minimum 20 hours/week)
• Signed au pair agreement
• Proof of accommodation with host family
• Health insurance policy valid in Spain
• Medical certificate
• Police background check (no older than 3 months)
• Proof of financial means (around €600/month)
• Visa application form + fee payment

Documentation tips

Requirements may vary slightly between consulates, so always review your specific consulate’s official instructions before submitting your application.

How Long Can I Stay as an Au Pair in Spain?

Typically, student visas are issued for up to one academic year. This can sometimes be extended if your course continues and your host family agrees. Maximum stay: usually 12 months.

Extensions and renewals

Renewals require proof of continued study and accommodation, much like other long-term student programmes in Spain.

What If My Au Pair Visa Application Is Denied?

If your visa is denied, you have a few options:

• Submit a corrected application with missing or updated documents
• File an appeal at the consulate within 1 month
• Pursue a legal appeal via Spain’s High Court (if applicable)

Always read the denial letter carefully—it should outline the reason and appeal instructions.

Why denials happen

Most issues relate to incomplete documentation, insufficient study hours, or gaps in financial or insurance evidence.

Summary: How to Be an Au Pair in Spain in 2025

• There’s no “au pair visa” – use the standard visa route
• Only EU citizens can au pair in Spain visa-free
• You must study Spanish while living with the family
• You’ll receive pocket money, not a salary
• You must have insurance and a signed agreement

Done right, an au pair stay in Spain can be an affordable and rewarding way to experience life with a Spanish family—while improving your language skills and exploring a new culture. Understanding your visa requirements, documents, and cultural obligations helps ensure a smooth experience.

Need visa-compliant health insurance? Visit the HealthPlanSpain homepage to compare suitable Sanitas plans without co-payments for long-term stays in Spain.