Au pair in France
Official Au Pair in France Program Information
There is no official program to be an au pair in France, however
provided you meet certain requirements, you can become an au pair
in France. Citizens of EFTA countries are able to work
in France without restriction.
Non-EFTA citizens, must obtain a work
visa or permit to work as au pair in France.
France currently has working holiday agreements with Canada, New
Zealand, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Argentina and Taiwan,
allowing applicants to work and use their pocket money to fund
their travel around France.
Official Au pair in France Contracts
Au pair in France Mandatory Criteria
- To be an au pair in France, you must be between 18-30 years
old
- Have a basic knowledge of French
- Be neither married nor have dependent children
- Have completed the equivalent of the French High School leaving
certificate or be a tertiary student in your home country
- Have sufficient funds to support your travel
- Participate in French language classes during your
stay (not compulsory for working holiday makers)
- For non-EFTA nationals, not have
participated in a previous working holiday program
- Have a contract between the host family and au pair
Au Pair in France General Information
Pocket money
- An au pair in France is paid 250-300 Euros per month as a
general rule
- A Monthly bus pass to attend a language course
Working hours,free time and holidays
- An au pair in France works 5 hours per day, 30-35 hours per
week with one day off per week, including 1 Sunday per month
- An au pair in France can ask for 3-4 weeks unpaid holidays for
a 12 month stay which should be put into the contract
- For shorter stays, time off for holidays is to be
negotiated
Accommodation and meals
- An au pair in France is provided with a separate bedroom in the
family home and all meals
Travel costs
- The au pair must pay for all travel costs
- Please refer to our Travel
Partners for discounts on flights and travel
insurance
Language skills and course
- An au pair in France requires basic French at a minimum, fluent
English speakers are often required
- An au pair in France is required to enrol and participate in
language classes at their own expense
Length of stay
- An au pair in France can stay 3-12 months on an au pair visa
(long stay visa) with option to extend a further 6 months with same
host family
- An au pair in France can stay up to 12 months on a working
holiday visa
Insurances
- The host family is required to pay accident
and medical insurance via the CPAM. This insurance also covers
pregnancy (not applicable for working holiday makers)
- Talk to your host family about liability insurance, they may be
able to organise this for you. If not, you must organise it
- If you intend to travel during your time in France,
TheBestAupair recommends having your own comprehensive insurance
that covers medical, accident, travel and general liability
Job Duties
- Au pair in France duties include child care and light
housework
Driving
- Before departing your home country, check if your driver's
licence is valid in France. TheBestAupair recommends obtaining an
International Driving Permit prior to departing. Most French cars
are stick shift. Further information can be found at the French
Road Safety Authority (http://www.securite-routiere.gouv.fr/article.php3?id_article=3125).
Please discuss all driving arrangements with the host family prior
to arriving in France.
Visa Information
For EFTA
citizens - a valid passport (or Identity card for nationals
from Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) is required to
enter France.
EU
nationals have up to 3 months to apply for a "Carte de
séjour de ressortissant de l'Union Européenne" (EU
resident permit) at the "Prefecture" or "Commissariat de Police"
(Police Station) of your place of residence. The "Carte de séjour"
will be granted upon production of a valid passport and proof of
enrolment in French classes. Your work permit is obtained from the
DIRECCTE. (http://direccte.gouv.fr/)
The host family is required to register you with the URSSAF
(French Social Security System) as a "Stagiaire Aide Familial"
within 8 days of your arrival. You will be registered with CPAM for
medical insurance, including pregnancy and accident insurance. The
host family pays for the contributions to the URSSAF and CPAM.
For non-EFTA nationals, your visa must be
applied for outside France. An au pair in France visa (long
stay visa) is valid for up to 12-months. Apply at least 6 months
prior to your planned departure date. Processing time can take up
to 16 weeks. You will need a contract with the host family and
proof of enrolment in a language course. Apply at your local French
Embassy or Consulate for the au pair in France visa.
When your visa is issued, you will be allowed to enter France.
The host family is required to register you with the URSSAF (French
Social Security System) as a "Stagiaire Aide Familial" within 8
days of your arrival. You will be registered with CPAM for medical
insurance, including pregnancy and accident insurance. The host
family pays for the contributions to the URSSAF and CPAM.
Please be aware you will need to travel to your local French
Embassy or Consulate for biometric finger printing and to have your
photo taken.
If you enter France on a Working Holiday Visa, you are not
entitled to all the insurance benefits of an au pair visa. You
must have your own insurance that covers medical,
accident, liability and general travel insurance. Language classes
are not compulsory on the WH visa. Working Holiday Visas can take
up to 4 weeks for processing, so apply 4 months before departure.
Contact your local French Embassy or Consulate on how to apply for
this visa.
Please contact your local French Embassy or Consulate to ensure
you meet all the necessary requirements to be an au pair in France
and for further information.
Additional Information
You can find additional information about being an au pair
in France in the websites listed in the Relevant links section on
the right panel of this page.
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