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How Filipinos can be an Au Pair in Europe – Work and Travel Legally

By Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor October 21st, 2020 Posted in Europe Travel Blog, Guide for Filipinos, Inspiration and Love Stories, Travel Blog, VISA Application Guides 106 Comments

If you want to explore Europe, love to travel, and up for a bit of work, try to be an Au Pair. If you are an Au Pair, you can travel and work legally in Europe. Here’s our guide on how Filipinos can be an Au Pair in Europe.

How Filipinos can be an Au Pair in Europe
Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash

Unlike New Zealand, there are no Working Holiday Visas for Filipinos in Europe. You can be an Au Pair; they have qualifications if you want to become one. Read more on our article on how to become a Filipino Au Pair.

What is an Au Pair?

Au Pair is means “At par” or “Equal to” in French. They are regarded as members of the family rather than house help. Usually, they help in child care or light housework. They don’t clean after or serve the parents but rather focus on the kids. It’s like being an older sister.

Au Pairs, as defined by the Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO), is a young Filipino citizen between 18 and 30 years of age, unmarried and without any children, placed under a cultural exchange arrangements with a host family temporarily.

How Filipinos can be an Au Pair in Europe
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Qualifications for becoming an Au Pair

Denmark

  • Age: At least 18 years old and not yet 30
  • Never been married or have been in a cohabiting relationship or civil partnership
  • Not have a child
  • Not expecting a child

Norway 

  • Age: At least 18 years old and not yet 30
  • Never been married or have been in a cohabiting relationship or civil partnership
  • Not have any children of your own
  • You will return to the Philippines after your stay

The Netherlands

  • Age: 18 – 25 years old
  • Has a Valid Travel Document
  • With sufficient funds
  • Not married and has no dependents
  • Must not constitute a risk to public order
  • Have not previously stayed in the Netherlands on a residence permit
  • Not have worked for the same family abroad
  • Stays for 3 to 12 months

Austria

  • Age: 18 – 28 years old
  • Not married and have no children
  • Not have been an Au Pair in Austria for the last 5 years
  • Learned German for at least 6 months (with certificate)

Belgium

  • Age: 18 – 25 years old
  • Needs to have basic knowledge of the language or attends a language course after arrival

Finland

  • Age: 18 – 30 years old
  • May not be a relative of the host family
  • Can’t bring their child to Finland
  • Basic knowledge of Finnish or Swedish language or needs to read Scandinavian Studies

France

  • Age: 18 – 30 years old
  • Unmarried
  • No Children
  • Student or have a school-leaving certificate equivalent to the French baccalaureat
  • Have basic French knowledge

Germany

  • Age: 18 – 24 years old
  • Unmarried
  • No Children
  • Have not been an Au Pair in Germany
  • At last A1 level in German

Iceland

  • Age: 18 – 25 years old

Ireland

  • Age: 18 – 27 years old
  • With school-leaving qualification
  • Advantage if you have a driver’s license

Italy

  • Age: 18 – 30 years old
  • Unmarried with no children
  • Basic knowledge of Italian

Sweden

  • Age: 18 – 30 years old

Sweden

  • Age: 18 – 25 years old
  • Unmarried with no children
  • Basic knowledge of Italian

STEPS in Being an Au Pair

How Filipinos can be an Au Pair in Europe
Photo by Kylie Paz on Unsplash

STEP 1: Research and Check your Eligibility.

Research about being an Au Pair, read stories or first-hand experiences, check contracts and evaluate yourself if you can do those. You must have basic life skills like cleaning or cooking as you will be living in someone else’s home and need to be responsible for yourself and some kids. There are also great benefits like you will be learning the culture and the language, meeting new friends, and travel on your day-offs.

Choose which country you want to go to and check if you are qualified. Read instructions on the applications to know what you’ll be doing or the standard terms. It will help if you know the conditions so that it would be easier to understand your contract. For example, how many day-offs you will have, maximum months, monthly allowance, work hours, enrolling in a language school, etc.

STEP 2: Look for a host family.

Look for a host family where you can be an Au Pair at. Please beware of fake agencies or profiles; you might get scammed and end up losing money. Here are some sites where you can find one:

  • Energy Pair
  • Au Pair World
  • Find Au Pair
  • Great Au Pair
  • Planet Au Pair
  • New Au Pair
  • AuPair.com

Apply and wait for someone to contact you. It’s better to get interviewed or know each other through video calls; you don’t want to stay with a complete stranger, right? At least, check if you are okay with the family or can handle the kids. You can also discuss the contracts or the terms of your stay; e.g., what duties you will be doing, expenses, pocket money, how long is the contract, etc.

STEP 3: Prepare your requirements.

After that, you can check the list of requirements needed to apply for an Au Pair. Please take note that each country has different requirements as well as forms. Your host will also be preparing the requirements needed for their side. Make sure to read the contract before signing.

Travel & Visa Coaching

STEP 4: Submit the application.

Submit the application to be an Au Pair to the proper Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Application Center. Your biometrics might also be needed. And also, the fees may be paid before this step or during your submission.

STEP 5: Decision.

Wait for the decision if you are accepted as an Au Pair in Europe. If you are approved, Congratulations!

STEP 6: Prepare for your travel abroad.

Au Pairs will have to attend a seminar to get your CFO Emigrant Registration Sticker. Other things to prepare for immigration are your passport, contract, Au Pair Visa, and plane tickets. You could get ready for the requirements in obtaining a residence permit in the country you are visiting if you are required to apply for one when you arrive. Check the Embassy’s website.

Aside from those mentioned above, you might need to prepare some extra money and clothes. The Philippines’ weather is different abroad, so you might bring winter or summer clothes for your stay. It’s better to be ready; shopping abroad may cost a lot.

STEP 7: Travel abroad!

Congratulations, you can now travel abroad and be an Au Pair in Europe. Please follow the rules of their country and learn of their culture as much as you can. Also, take note of visa rules, like you are not allowed to work part-time, etc. Enjoy your time abroad!

How Filipinos can be an Au Pair in Europe
Photo by Ostap Senyuk on Unsplash

That’s a guide on how Filipinos can be an Au Pair in Europe. The pay is not really big, but you get the opportunity to travel, right? How I wish I had known this when I was younger, it would be a great experience. I hope this guide helps you in becoming one, good luck!

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About the Writer

Lyza Paloma

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I’m aiming to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, taking pictures, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.

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106 thoughts on “How Filipinos can be an Au Pair in Europe – Work and Travel Legally

  1. Lyza hi, i hope you have time to pls drop me a message. I am from southern Leyte, I understand your from Leyte. ☺️ I have few inquiries maybe you can help me. Here’s my whats app number.

  2. Hi, my name is Jomar from Philippines i just want to ask my host family is from UK, but when i watched in youtube our fellow Filipino says that FILIPINO Aupair Cannot work in UK. But when i ask my host Family he replied “ That was before but since UK has gotten her Brexit Filipinos can work as. Aupair, domestic worker, nanny “ is it true i tried to do some research but i cannot get an accurate answer. Hopefully you can help me. Thank you in advance.

  3. I just found a host family in UK and bit skeptical of his offers which is 400GB weekly. It’s so good to be true. So far, he didn’t ask any from me except financial stability as a proof. After his visitation in immigration solicitor he sent me an Au pair questionnaire which is a bit odd for me. It looks like unprofessional, but I still did fill it out and send it back. I wanna ask your opinion about it. Do you think this is a scam? Because I searched that Philippine passport holder are not eligible for Au pair visa in UK.

  4. I would like to be an au pair because it can give me a lot of opportunities.. opportunity to experience different cultures and lifestyles.

  5. hi! im 24 years old and im willing to work abroad,im single no kids. ive been working as housekeeper and baby sitter for almost 7 years in manila, ive experienced also working at the restaurant! i worked all around! and i hope i can find a host family so i can start processing my requirements!

  6. you should have mentioned here that Philippine Passport Holders arent allowed to be au pairs in Ireland

  7. Hello i would like to ask for any assistance on how to get into this esp to my eldest son (25yo) who wants to study and work to any part of country especially Europe. if you may suggest any steps or idea or assistance please email me. Thank you. Godspeed.

  8. Hi im alice from philippines, im
    single and no kids i’m willing and interested work in europe as An au pair, i was working as domestic worker in dubai.

  9. Hi Sir /Ma’am I’m already 31 I’m not able to be part of August pair
    I’m single No kids never been married. No bf.
    I’m currently working in Hongkong as a domestic helper. I wish I can get this opportunity

  10. Hi, I’m Mia 23 years old from Philippines. As of the moment I work as a Foreign English Teacher here in Thailand (Primary 1), during weekends I also cater tutorials for kids. And I also have an experience of being a nanny tutor here in Thailand.
    Now, I’m looking for a host family. I prefer family that speaks English as their primary language. I love to explore new things and learn new cultures.

  11. I’m emma pajanonot 25yrs old searching for host families I’m single but I’m breadwinner of my family my goal is I want to go in Europe to give a chance to work with your lovely families I hope give me chance you can contact me email:

  12. Good day! I’m Alice Patis I’m 24 years old from the philippines and I would like to apply. Please email me below.

  13. Good day! I’m Shiena Encila I’m 24 years old from the philippines and I would like to apply. Please email me below. ?

  14. hi my name is psyche, I love learning new things and experiencing new culture, I also live traveling and making friends with other culture. It will be a big help for me to go europe to enhance my knowledge. Hoping I could be a part of european family for only 6-12 months

  15. Hi .. I’m shella 25 years old.. Wanna ask how to apply as au pair.. please can you help me some ideas how to find a family host.hope can get your reply.. ?thankyou.. ??

  16. Hello Good Morning,
    Im interested to become an au pair .
    Im Rhea Jamora
    24 years old
    From General Santos City
    Thank you.

  17. Hi po I’m Interested
    Sweetselle P. Babaran
    From Luna , Isabela , Philippines
    23 years old

    Thank you .

    1. Good day!
      I’m interested but I’m already 30.Still single, no kid nor boyfriend. All I need is job in abroad.Please help me. Thanks

  18. Hello Miss Kach,

    Very interested Become an Au Pair soon.
    Miss kach saan po pwde mag Submit nang mga requirements?
    Hopefully you will help me po. Thanks a Lot miss kach and Godbless
    and God’s will

  19. Hi! I have been reading about Au Pair and your website really helped me a lot and made me really interested in trying it out. May I ask how do you start becoming one? Like the application, process, etc or do you need to find a host first before you can applu? Thank you so much!

  20. Hi Ms. Kach! Possible ba na pumasok sa EU with an au pair visa, pero hindi dun sa country na nag issue ng visa ang entry? And is it possible na mag enter sa country even if ang intended start day ay later pa?

    Thank you!

  21. Does this mean, a Single mother cant be an Au Pair? or Do they mean, a Single mother who has a child in Denmark?

  22. Hi I’m interested of being an au pair in Europe where to apply for this? Thank you! Have a great day ahead

  23. HELLO,i wanna ask how to apply in denmark?as of now i am here in kuwait and running end of contract by august,i am 28yrs.Old…..And i want to apply here 3mos.Before my contract will end…Thank u looking forward for ur warmest response Au pair.

  24. im interested to apply being a baby sitter.and also being a part of ur group.and also wat s ur requirements.

  25. Hi goo day,

    Maybe it was a late comment base on the blog buy definitely i am interestes with this au pair. Hope you could help me im currently residing in kuwait now. Hope to hear a response from you

    Thank you
    Arianne

  26. Im 27 years old and a registered nurse. I do have a NC II Certificate of Housekeeping from tesda. I am very much willing to apply. May I know how.?

  27. Hi.. Please let me know how to apply.. I love to travel. Traveling to europe would be really like a dream come true for me. And the deal aint bad. plus i love kids.. 🙂

  28. Hi, thanks for sharing. I also do love traveling. I am interested applying as an au pair. How can I apply? I also studied Caregiver so I guess I can use it.

  29. Thank you for sharing your experience as an AuPair to us. It give us more confident and motivates us to strive hard to be an AuPair. How much you spent in processing your visa, just like visa fee? 🙂

  30. Hi, can you please give me details how to apply as an au pair? I am really interested to apply. Thank you ?

  31. Hi! I’ve heard about Au Pair like 2 years ago but do not know where to start. Been getting mixed answers online. May I know how to apply? Thank you!

  32. Can i apply here. I am a cook here in kuwait. I am 22 years old. And i would to know about au pair, how to apply and how to be assigned as an au pair.

  33. Hi im interested to apply, can you please give some details my current location is Moscow Russia. Thank you

  34. Hi! Good day!
    How can I apply to this program? Can you please send me a details via email. Thank you.

  35. Hi 🙂

    Appreciate if you can email me the details about this program. I really wanted to apply. Thank you.

  36. Good day!

    I see that i qualify except that im beyond the age requirement. However, i am physically fit with no pre-existing illness, totally healthy and capable with any task. Would i still be able to have this opportunity? I appreciate your time reading my comment. God bless!

  37. Hi
    Can you please give me details in how to apply? And how much I need to spend when I apply as Aupair?

  38. Hi, I am interested on this program. Would glad if you guide or discuss it to me; how to work on this? How to apply?Thank you in advance.

  39. Would love to be an au pair. I’ve been looking into this program for awhile and I thought I’m already over age so I stopped. Haha I want to gain more information about this and possibly apply. Please message me. Thank you.

  40. Hi.. i would love to know how this works and what needs to be done?how to apply? Looking forward to hear from you…thanks

  41. Wow!this article is very interesting and informative!I’d like to know how to be an Au pair!Like how much would it cost to get the visa or is it gonna be shouldered by the host family?Thank You!

  42. Hi. Just reading your article and I am really Interested. Can you send me details on how to apply? tia.

  43. hi Mary, i’M VENESA. reading your article made me soo excited to travel to Europe. i’m 27 yrs old. i wanted so much to be an au pair. please HELP me.

  44. I am interested to apply as an Au Pair in Europe not just because I want to move to other country and work but I am interested of the different cultures and to know different languages also. ☺️ Can you help me how to apply as an Au Pair? I am interested to be in Germany also. I am a Registered Nurse Filipina and I believe that my skills in caring for people is a big impact and an asset to be qualified in the position.

  45. Helo there! Thanks for this! I got interested with your post. I tried actually signing up with aupairworld (dot) com but it turnd my registration is not accepted. Im not sure what was really wrong. How do i fix the registration?

  46. I am surefire interested. I enjoy handling kids. I also have friends in Denmark as Au pair 🙂 So, will i just login in Aupairworld.com?

  47. I am surefire interested. I enjoy handling kids. I also have friends in Denmark as Au pair 🙂

  48. This blog is interesting. But may I just ask how you initially became an au pair? Did you apply through an agency? What agency po? i am really interested in travelling around Europe. I hope I can get some tips from you. Thank you po. ?

  49. Hi…im interested with aupair..how long did it take you to apply? Were u in the Philippines when you applied?thanks

  50. thanks for sharing your experience with us,
    but i have a few questions questions,

    is it a paid job ?
    you didn’t mention anything about the salaries, is it just pocket money not salary ?!

    what are the most trusted organizations to work with as an au pair ? and how much we pay to register or to start the matching process ?
    cause all the organizations i’ve found are quite expensive, i can’t get the idea of paying money to get a job without a salary.

  51. This is interesting. I have read job postings about Au Pair, and I thought it was like a Nanny, but as I read here its not like that. I have a few questions though. If it didnt work out between you and the host, would they send you back home or can you stay within the country and find another host? And what kind of visa should I have if Im planning to be an Au Pair in the UK, preferably London? Im kinda scared, but I want to take the risk because I also want to travel around Europe.

  52. Hi Mary,
    May I know how was the application process? Do you go to the website to find the host or through other agent portal? I would really love to apply. Can you email me at [email protected]?

    Thanks so much

  53. hi,can i ask what are the questions the embassy asked you ??thanks, and another thing if you have previous visa denial does it affect the au pair application??thank you

  54. This is a great write up and explanation as to how things work. I know of people who have been au pairs and who have hosted them, although admittedly not in Denmark. Most people speak very positively about the overall experience. There is the occassional bad experience but as far as I understand families and au pairs can change set ups if things really aren’t working out.

  55. This is so AWESOME! Any advise on where to apply as an Au Pair? It’s my ultimate dream to travel to Europe and this could be a wonderful way to start. 🙂

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