Becoming an au pair offers a unique immersion into French daily life, combining cultural exchange with childcare responsibilities. This experience provides an opportunity to live and study in France while supporting a host family. Successfully navigating this path requires careful attention to the specific French legal and administrative framework. This guide provides a roadmap to secure the necessary approvals and transition smoothly into life as an au pair in France.
Eligibility Requirements for Au Pairs in France
French regulations establish criteria applicants must satisfy for an au pair placement. The standard age range for participation is typically between 18 and 30 years old, though some agreements may limit the maximum age to 27. Applicants must have completed a secondary education or possess a professional qualification.
A fundamental requirement involves demonstrating at least a basic understanding of the French language before arrival. While fluency is not expected, the ability to communicate simple phrases is necessary for daily life and integration with the host family. The applicant must also possess a valid driver’s license if the host family requires driving as part of the childcare duties.
Understanding the French Au Pair Contract and Visa Process
The legal foundation for an au pair placement in France is the Convention d’Accueil, the mandatory legal contract governing the arrangement. This regulated instrument is governed by French law. The host family is responsible for preparing this contract, detailing the working hours, compensation, and the educational component.
Before the au pair can apply for a visa, the Convention d’Accueil must receive official validation from the French government. The host family submits the signed contract to the local Direction Régionale des Entreprises, de la Concurrence, de la Consommation, du Travail et de l’Emploi (DIRECCTE) for approval. DIRECCTE reviews the contract to ensure it complies with French labor and immigration laws, particularly regarding maximum working hours and minimum stipend requirements.
Once the Convention d’Accueil is approved by DIRECCTE, the au pair proceeds with the visa application at the French consulate in their home country. Since the stay typically exceeds 90 days, the required document is the Long-Stay Visa marked as a residence permit (VLS-TS). This visa category requires the applicant to register with the French immigration office upon arrival.
The VLS-TS application demands a comprehensive set of documents to prove the legitimacy of the stay and the applicant’s eligibility. The most important document is the fully approved Convention d’Accueil. Additional paperwork includes a medical certificate, proof of sufficient financial resources, and comprehensive medical and repatriation insurance coverage.
The visa application process often requires an in-person interview to verify the applicant’s intentions and language proficiency. Applicants should anticipate several weeks for processing after the appointment. Receiving the VLS-TS grants the au pair permission to enter France and validates their status for the first year of residency.
How to Find and Vet a Host Family
The search for a host family begins either through specialized au pair agencies or via popular online matching platforms. Agencies offer a structured environment and often handle initial vetting. Online platforms provide a wider selection and direct communication, requiring more self-management. The goal is to find a family whose lifestyle and parenting philosophy align with the au pair’s expectations.
The interview process should involve multiple video calls and targeted questions to ensure a successful placement. Applicants should inquire about the family’s childcare philosophy, their typical daily schedule, and expected flexibility regarding evenings or weekends. Discussing the family’s expectations for the au pair’s integration into family life is also important.
The vetting process must confirm the family’s preparation for the legal arrangement. The au pair must ensure the family is willing and prepared to manage the required administrative process with DIRECCTE to secure the approved Convention d’Accueil. Inquiring about previous au pairs or references provides insight into the family’s reliability and adherence to program rules.
The physical location of the family should also be considered, assessing the proximity to the au pair’s intended language school and public transportation options. Discussing expectations for the au pair’s privacy and living space within the home helps manage expectations before travel arrangements are finalized.
Typical Duties, Compensation, and Benefits
The French au pair arrangement strictly defines the workload to maintain the cultural exchange focus. Au pairs are expected to work a maximum of 25 hours per week, primarily dedicated to childcare and light household tasks related to the children. This limit ensures the au pair retains time for their mandatory educational commitments and cultural exploration.
In exchange for services, au pairs receive a legally defined minimum monthly stipend, often called “pocket money.” This compensation is calculated based on the French minimum wage (SMIC), typically set at 75% of the gross minimum hourly wage. This calculation ensures the monthly amount is standardized, though the exact figure changes annually with the adjustment of the SMIC.
A mandatory component of the program is enrollment in French language classes. The host family has a legal obligation to contribute financially towards the costs of these courses, fulfilling the educational requirement of the visa. These classes must be attended regularly and should not conflict with the agreed-upon working hours.
The host family is also required to provide full board, including accommodation within the family home and all meals. The accommodation must be a private room with appropriate facilities, ensuring a comfortable living space. These provisions, combined with the stipend, define the complete compensation package.
Essential Pre-Departure and Arrival Logistics
Securing comprehensive health and repatriation insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for the visa and entry. This insurance must cover the au pair for the entire length of the contract and be valid from the moment of arrival. Documentation of this coverage must be kept accessible for administrative checks.
Immediately upon arrival, two administrative actions require prompt attention to finalize residency status and financial independence. Opening a French bank account is necessary for receiving the monthly stipend, as the host family cannot legally pay pocket money in cash indefinitely. This process typically requires the approved Convention d’Accueil and proof of address from the host family.
For those holding the VLS-TS visa, the final step involves mandatory registration with the Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration (OFII) within three months of entering France. This process validates the visa as a residence permit by affixing an official sticker, or vignette, to the passport. Failure to complete this OFII registration can jeopardize the au pair’s legal residency status.