Au pair in Italy

Italy at a glance

European Au Pair Agreement

For au pairs

Age
17–30 years
Pocket money
Agreed between the two sides
customary as pocket money, no statutory rate
Working hours
max. 5 h/day
1 days off/week
Length of stay
up to 12 months

For host families

Language course
Not regulated
Insurance
Not regulated
Contract
Written contract required
Visa
EU/EEA: nothing needed
Non-EU: visa before entry
See au pairs for ItalySee families in Italy

We compiled this information to the best of our knowledge from the official sources listed below, each with the date we checked it. Laws and rates change, and an error can never be ruled out entirely — we do not re-check the sources daily. Please do not rely on this alone: verify with the competent authority before you decide. This is not legal advice.

Sources: DPR 394/1999, Art. 40 (nulla osta alla pari) · D.Lgs. 286/1998, Art. 27 · Legge 18 maggio 1973, n. 304 (Ratifikation des Europäischen Abkommens) · Ministero dell'Interno, Visto e permesso di soggiorno · checked 2026-09-18

Italy is a dream destination for au pairs who want to learn Italian and experience the famous Italian way of life. Although there is no specific au pair visa, stays as an au pair in Italy are common. The family‑centered culture makes it a particularly warm host country.

No specific au pair visa

Italy does not have its own au pair visa. The rules fall under general immigration regulations:

  • EU citizens: Can enter freely and work as an au pair (registration with the local residents’ office required)
  • Non‑EU citizens: Need an au pair permit (“nulla osta alla pari”) that the family applies for at the Sportello Unico. It is valid for up to one year under recognized exchange programmes – beyond that, at most three months (DPR 394/1999, Art. 40 para. 20). A student visa is not an official au pair route.
  • A written contract between the au pair and the host family is advisable

Requirements

  • Age: 18 to 30 years
  • Language skills: Basic Italian or English
  • Child‑care experience: Desired
  • Criminal record check: Clean
  • Health: Good condition

Stipend and benefits

  • Stipend: 250‑300 EUR per month
  • Accommodation: Private room with the host family
  • Meals: Full board (and in Italy that means excellent food!)
  • Language course: Many families help with an Italian course
  • Insurance: EU citizens use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non‑EU citizens need private health insurance.

Working hours

  • Typically 25‑30 hours per week
  • Tasks: caring for children, taking them to school or activities, playing and practicing language – an au pair is not a housekeeper
  • At least one day off per week
  • Evening babysitting by agreement

Duration

  • Typically 6 to 12 months
  • Summer au pairs: 2‑3 months (very popular on the coast)

Popular regions

  • Rome: Eternal city with history, culture and international flair
  • Milan: Economic hub with a cosmopolitan lifestyle
  • Tuscany: Breathtaking landscape, small towns, authentic Italy
  • Southern Italy: Naples, Sicily – less touristy, deep cultural immersion

Why Italy?

Italy offers a unique blend of culture, history, cuisine and warmth. The family‑oriented lifestyle often means au pairs are quickly welcomed as real family members. Learning Italian also opens doors in art, fashion, gastronomy and international relations.

Create your profile on AuPairMatch and experience La Dolce Vita as an au pair in Italy.