A Guide To The Au Pair Visa For Spain
Expat Tips
Published: 25 September 2023 23:51 CET
Updated: 21 April 2025 23:51 CET
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.
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.
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.
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
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)
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
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
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.
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.
Summary: How to Be an Au Pair in Spain in 2025
- There’s no “au pair visa” – use the student 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.