Au pair in Japan
Official Au Pair in Japan Program Information
There is no official program to be an au pair in Japan, however
you can be an au pair in Japan through a working holiday visa
scheme for citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Republic
of Korea, Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark. You must
currently be residing in your country of citizenship, or must be a
resident of Taiwan or Hong Kong. The purpose of the au pair in
Japan scheme is to promote a greater mutual understanding between
Japan and your home country, and therefore the au pair must agree
that their primary aim is to holiday in Japan. If the intention is
mainly to work or study in Japan, an alternate and appropriate visa
must be applied for.
Au Pair in Japan Mandatory Criteria
- An au pair in Japan must be between 18-30 years of age (for
some countries the maximum age is 25)
- Have a valid passport
- Have proof of sufficient funds to support yourself upon arrival
in Japan
- Have a return ticket or sufficient funds to buy one
- Not have dependant children
- Be in good health
- Not have a criminal record
Au Pair in Japan General Information
Pocket money
- The pocket money for an au pair in Japan is not specified, and
needs to be negotiated with the host family. TheBestAupair
recommends approximately 10,000 Yen per week
Working hours, free time and holidays
- An au pair in Japan can work up to 35 hours per week and
have 1.5 days off per week - usually Sunday plus another half
day
- TheBestAupair recommends an au pair in Japan receive 2 weeks
paid holiday per 12 month stay. This is to be negotiated with the
host family and included in the au pair contract
Accommodation and meals
- An au pair in Japan is provided with a single room in the
family's home and 3 meals per day
Travel costs
- The au pair is responsible for paying for all travel costs
- Please refer to our Travel
Partners for discounts on flights and travel
insurance
Language skills and course
- It is preferred that an au pair in Japan can speak Japanese,
but it is not mandatory
- TheBestAupair recommends attending language classes that the au
pair will pay for
- TheBestAupair strongly advises learning at least some basic
Japanese before arriving in Japan
Length of stay
- An au pair in Japan can initially stay for up to 6 months if
you are from Australia, New Zealand and Canada with a possible 6
month extension.
- An au pair in Japan can stay a maximum of 12 months for people
from the Republic of Korea, France, Germany, UK, Ireland, Taiwan
and Hong Kong.
Insurances
- Au pairs are strongly advised to be fully insured for all
medical expenses that may be incurred through illness, injury or
accident during their stay in Japan
- The au pair must pay for the insurance policy
Job Duties
- Au pair in Japan duties include childcare and light
housework
Driving
- If you are required to drive as an au pair in Japan, you will
need to be at least 18 years of age and have a full, valid driver's
licence
- TheBestAupair recommends obtaining an international driving
permit from your home country. Japan only recognises international
driving permits based on the Geneva convention. Some countries may
have their licence translated by the Japan Automobile Association.
If your licence doesn't fit in either of these categories, you will
have to obtain a Japanese driver's licence to drive in Japan. Make
sure you find out the information relevant to you before entering
Japan
- Discuss with your host family what happens if you have a car
accident, who pays, and have your agreements put in the
contract
Visa Information
For participating countries, a 6-month working holiday visa is
the only visa option to become an au pair in Japan. You can apply
for a 6-month extension. Applications can be made at your local
Japanese Embassy or Consulate.
Please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website
for further information and how to apply for the working holiday
visa. You can also visit the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General
websites for more information on the working holiday program in
each country.
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/w_holiday/index.html
Within 90 days of arrival in Japan, an au pair must apply for
alien registration at their local government office.
The working holiday visa is a single-entry visa meaning if you
need to leave Japan, you will have to apply for a re-entry permit
from the immigration authorities before leaving Japan.
Additional Information
You can find additional information about being an au pair
in Japan in the websites listed in the Relevant links section on
the right panel of this page.
If you have any comments regarding this page,
please Email us - we value your
feedback!