Au Pair Visas allow professionals, entrepreneurs, and families to relocate to a new country through dedicated immigration programmes. In 2026, 10 countries offer at least one au pair visa pathway in our database, each with different income thresholds, processing timelines, and paths to permanent residency.
This page compares every au pair visa programme we track, sorted by difficulty score (1 = easiest, 10 = hardest). Use the table below to quickly identify which countries match your budget, timeline, and long-term goals. Click any country name to see its full immigration profile.
Country Comparison Table
| # | Country | Programme | Income Req. | Processing | Difficulty | PR Path | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portugal | Au Pair Employment Visa | €920/mo | 14–30 days | 3/10 | 5 yr | No |
| 2 | Germany | Au Pair Visa | €280/mo | 30–60 days | 5.0/10 | — | No |
| 3 | Switzerland | Au Pair Permit | €560/mo | 30–60 days | 5.0/10 | — | No |
| 4 | Denmark | Au Pair Permit | — | 60–120 days | 5.0/10 | No PR path | No |
| 5 | Sweden | Au Pair Permit | €500/mo | 60–120 days | 5.0/10 | — | No |
| 6 | Austria | Au Pair Permit | — | 30–60 days | 5.0/10 | — | No |
| 7 | Norway | Au Pair Permit | €498/mo | 120–180 days | 5.0/10 | — | No |
| 8 | France | Au Pair Visa | — | 30–60 days | 5.0/10 | — | No |
| 9 | Finland | Au Pair Permit | €280/mo | 30–180 days | 5.0/10 | — | No |
| 10 | Belgium | Au Pair Permit | — | 30–60 days | 5.0/10 | — | No |
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Austria (1 programme)
- Au Pair Permit — Au pair permit. €551.10/month pocket money (Geringfügigkeits-Grenze).
Belgium (1 programme)
- Au Pair Permit — Au pair permit. EUR 325/month allowance. 12 months, renewable once.
Denmark (1 programme)
- Au Pair Permit — Au pair permit. DKK 4,550/month gross pocket money. Max 2 years.
Finland (1 programme)
- Au Pair Permit — Au pair permit. EUR 280/month pocket money. 12 months, non-renewable.
France (1 programme)
- Au Pair Visa — Au pair visa. €320/month pocket money.
Germany (1 programme)
- Au Pair Visa — Au pair visa for 12 months. €280/month pocket money, host family provides room and board.
Norway (1 programme)
- Au Pair Permit — Au pair permit. NOK 5,900/month pocket money.
Portugal (1 programme)
- Au Pair Employment Visa — Au pair arrangements processed under standard employment permit. Host family must pay minimum wage (EUR 10,640/year). Visa fee EUR 75, residence card EUR 93. Processing ~2-3 weeks. Age 18-30. Renewable.
Sweden (1 programme)
- Au Pair Permit — Au pair permit. At least 10% of basic price amount as pocket money.
Switzerland (1 programme)
- Au Pair Permit — Au pair permit. CHF 700-1,000/month pocket money + room and board.
Au Pair Visas by Country
Frequently Asked Questions
How many countries offer au pair visas in 2026?
As of 2026, 10 countries in our database offer at least one au pair visa pathway. Requirements, processing times, and costs vary significantly between countries.
Which country has the easiest au pair visa to obtain?
Based on our difficulty scoring, Portugal currently offers one of the most accessible au pair visa pathways, though eligibility still depends on your individual circumstances.
What are the typical requirements for au pair visas?
Common requirements include proof of income or savings, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and passport validity. Specific thresholds (income, education, experience) vary by country and programme.
Can I bring my family on a au pair visa?
Many au pair visa programmes allow family accompaniment (spouse and dependent children). Some also grant work rights to spouses. Check the family column in our comparison table above.
How long does it take to get permanent residency through a au pair visa?
The path to permanent residency ranges from 2 to 10 years depending on the country. Some au pair visa programmes offer faster PR tracks than others — see the PR Path column in our table.
Explore by Region
- Europe Immigration Guide 2026
- Asia Immigration Guide 2026
- Americas Immigration Guide 2026
- Middle East Immigration Guide 2026
- Oceania Immigration Guide 2026
- Africa Immigration Guide 2026
See also: All Pathways by Country · Compare Countries Side by Side · Immigration Glossary
Data sourced from official government immigration portals, verified March 2026. Requirements change frequently — always confirm with the relevant embassy or immigration authority before applying.