This is a guide, not legal or immigration advice.
Rules change, vary by region and depend on your exact arrangement and nationality. Everything here was researched from official sources and dated, but figures go out of date — check the official links on this page before you rely on any of it, and get proper advice on your own visa position.
South Africa
You are an employee
United Kingdom
You are entitled to the minimum wage
Ireland
Calling it "au pair" changes nothing
Germany
A cultural exchange, not a job
France
Three different statuses
Netherlands
There is a ceiling, not a floor
Spain
No au pair law at all
Switzerland
Your canton decides
United States
A federal programme with a fixed stipend
Canada
No au pair visa exists
Australia
It depends on your arrangement
New Zealand
You are an employee, no exceptions
Researched from official sources and last reviewed 2 September 2026. Employing an au pair instead? See the rules for host families.