Au-Pair in Spain

Spain 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 24 months

For host families

Language course
Not regulated
Insurance
Host family pays part
Contract
Written contract required
Visa
EU/EEA: nothing needed
Non-EU: currently not possible
See au pairs for SpainSee families in Spain

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: BOE, Acuerdo Europeo sobre la Colocación Au Pair · Real Decreto 1155/2024 (Reglamento de Extranjería), art. 52 · Ley Orgánica 4/2000, art. 33.5 · checked 2026-09-18

Spain is an increasingly popular Au-Pair destination. The sunny climate, warm culture, and the opportunity to learn Spanish make it an attractive choice. Although Spain has no formal Au-Pair program, Au-Pair stays are widespread and work well based on private agreements.

No formal program

Unlike in Germany or France, Spain does not have a state‑regulated Au-Pair program. The terms are agreed directly between the Au-Pair and the host family. A written contract is therefore especially important.

Requirements

  • Age: 17 to 30 years (European Au-Pair agreement, ratified by Spain)
  • Language skills: Basic Spanish is advantageous but not mandatory
  • Child‑care experience: Desired
  • Visa: EU citizens do not need a visa. For non‑EU citizens there is currently no Au-Pair residence permit: Spanish immigration law (Reglamento de Extranjería, RD 1155/2024, Art. 52) includes study, student exchange, volunteering and further training, but no Au-Pair category. A language‑course stay is also not considered an Au-Pair route by the ministry. Au-Pair in Spain is therefore a route for EU citizens

Allowance and benefits

  • Allowance: €200‑300 per month (depending on region and hours)
  • Accommodation: Private room with the host family
  • Meals: Full board
  • Language course: Not legally required, but many families support attendance at a Spanish course

Working hours

  • Typically 25‑30 hours per week
  • Tasks: child care, school runs, practicing English or other languages with the children
  • At least one day off per week
  • Possibly 1‑2 evenings of babysitting per week

Duration

  • Typically 6 to 12 months
  • Summer Au-Pairs: 2‑3 months (June to September, especially popular)
  • Starting in September (beginning of the school year) is ideal for longer stays

Popular regions

The most popular regions for Au-Pairs in Spain are:

  • Madrid: Capital with a rich cultural offering and many host families
  • Barcelona: Cosmopolitan seaside city, but note: Catalan is also spoken here
  • Valencia: Pleasant climate, affordable, friendly atmosphere
  • Andalusia: Seville, Málaga, Granada — authentic Spain with the best weather

Why Spain?

Spanish is the second‑most spoken native language in the world. An Au-Pair stay in Spain is a fantastic way to learn the language, enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle, and create lifelong memories.

Create your profile on AuPairMatch and find your host family in Spain.