Au Pair in Austria: Rules, Requirements and Permit for Everyone

Want to be an au pair in Austria? Here the system is stricter than in other countries: Austrian law sets age, maximum working hours and minimum compensation, and the family must notify the employment agency (AMS) of the hiring. If you are a citizen of the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you can start as soon as you arrive; if you come from a non-EU country you need a special residence permit to request from abroad before departure. Official information is available on the Austrian government portal (USP), updated as of 10 August 2026.

Requirements to be an au pair in Austria: who can apply

Age: between 18 and 28 years old. Some private portals indicate 17–30, but under Austrian law the limit is 28 years at the time of notification to the AMS.
German: you need at least level A1 of the European Framework, to be demonstrated with a certificate before you start.
Citizenship: no exclusions, but the process differs between EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and citizens of third countries.
Criminal record: for non-EU residence permits, a criminal certificate no older than 3 months is required.

What an au pair does under Austrian law

An au pair is a young foreign national who lives with the family to improve their German and learn about Austrian culture. The role is integration into the family and helping with light household tasks and childcare. It is not full-time domestic work. Austria provides by law a minimum compensation and notification to the AMS.

Working hours and days off

Maximum hours: 16.5 hours per week, including on-call time (Arbeitsbereitschaft), for contracts concluded from 1 January 2026. Some private sources indicate 17 or 18 hours: these do not match the most recent official data.
Day off: at least one per week.
Language courses: the family must give you time to attend them.

Minimum compensation, food and accommodation

In 2026 the minimum monthly compensation (Mindestentgelt) is 551.10 euros for 16.5 hours per week, equal to the threshold of non-taxable contributions. The official portal also indicates 15 monthly payments per year, including the two payments linked to paid leave and the Christmas bonus. Food and accommodation are free and do not count as remuneration. Usually the room is private and lockable, with full board.

German course

In addition to the A1 level required before you start, during your stay the family must allow you to deepen your German with formal courses. Language learning is part of the purpose of the programme, so ask how hours and costs will be organised before signing.

Duration of stay

AMS confirmation is valid for 6 months and can be extended once for another 6: the maximum is 12 months in 5 years. If you have already completed a year as an au pair in Austria, you must wait before starting again.

Contract and notification to AMS

The family must notify the AMS of the hiring at least two weeks before the start date, and receives confirmation (Anzeigebestätigung).
A written contract is required: there is an official contract template that you can ask the family to use.
Check that the contract includes working hours, monthly compensation, day off, time for courses and duration.

Health insurance

The au pair must be registered with the Austrian health insurance fund ÖGK. If you come from a non-EU country, you also need full private coverage (illness and accidents, all risks) valid in Austria: this is a condition for the residence permit.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens: no permit, but registration

You can enter with an identity card or passport and start working immediately, without permits. Within four months of arrival you must request a certificate of residence registration (Anmeldebescheinigung) from the competent office of the municipality where you live.

Non-EU citizens: the au pair residence permit

You need a residence permit Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Sonderfälle unselbständiger Erwerbstätigkeit for the entire duration of your stay, to be requested from abroad, at the Austrian diplomatic representation in your country, before you leave. The permit is valid for the duration of the contract, up to a maximum of 12 months. The documents required by the City of Vienna are:

valid passport and biometric passport photo no older than 6 months;
au pair contract;
confirmation from the AMS that the family has notified your activity;
proof of health insurance covering all risks;
criminal certificate no older than 3 months.

The application has a fee that in Vienna is 218 euros from 2026. Detailed rules, timelines and type of visa may vary depending on your country of origin: always ask for confirmation from the relevant embassy or consulate.

In summary

Age: 18–28 years old.
German: at least A1, certified.
Hours: maximum 16.5 hours per week, on-call time included.
Free time: at least one day off per week and time for courses.
Minimum compensation 2026: 551.10 euros per month, in 15 monthly payments according to the official portal.
Food and accommodation: free, do not count as remuneration.
Duration: 6 months renewable to 12; maximum 12 months in 5 years.
AMS notification: at least 2 weeks before the start.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: no permit; registration within 4 months.
Non-EU citizens: residence permit requested from abroad, with full insurance.

How to spot an unusual offer

Be wary if you are asked to work more than 16.5 hours per week, if the compensation is below the minimum, if there is no written contract or if the family does not want to notify the AMS: in this case you would be working without protection. If you are non-EU, never leave with a tourist visa to "sort things out later". To compare with neighbouring countries, read our guide on Germany.

The information in this article is updated to October 2026 and does not constitute legal advice. Amounts, limits and procedures change every year: always check on the USP portal of the Austrian government, on the AMS website, on the Vienna City Council page (MA 35) or the competent office, and on the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country.