Au pair Countries 2026 Compared: Pocket Money, Visa, Duration
Photo: Gustavo Fring / Pexels
Seven countries with their own au pair program are available in 2026: Germany, Austria, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and the USA. They differ mainly in three areas: the allowance, the visa rules for non‑EU citizens, and the program structure (self‑organized or through an agency).
Britain, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are also popular. This comparison covers the countries for which we have verified rules from the responsible authorities.
In this comparison you’ll find the key data in a table — plus an honest assessment of which country fits which goal. Note: In Germany, France, the Netherlands, Austria and the USA the allowance is set by law; in Italy and Spain it is freely agreed in the contract.
Countries with their own au pair program at a glance
| Country | Allowance/month | Language | Visa (non‑EU) | Maximum duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | min. €280 | German | National visa | 12 months |
| USA | at least US$195.75 per week | English | J-1 visa through an agency | 12 months + Ext. |
| France | minimum €320 (legal) + board and lodging | French | Visa | 12 months |
| Spain | freely agreed, not a legal provision | Spanish | No au pair title for non‑EU | 12 months |
| Netherlands | up to €340 (maximum) | Dutch/English | Visa/Agency | 12 months |
| Italy | Reference value (fluctuates) | Italian | Visa | 12 months |
| Austria | €551.10 | German | Visa | 12 months |
The amounts are legally defined in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Austria and the USA— in the Netherlands as a ceiling, elsewhere as a minimum. Italy and Spain have no legal rate; you set it in the contract. Rates are updated regularly, often at the turn of the year in several countries— always check the current official rules of the destination country before confirming.
Best country for beginners
First‑time au pair travelers benefit from a clear, regulated program structure. Germany and the USA are ideal: both have legally defined pocket money, set maximum working hours, and a solid framework. In the USA everything also goes through an approved agency that supports you – it reduces uncertainty but adds more organization. Within the EU, beginners in Germany or Austria are well placed because the structures are similarly reliable.
Best country for language learning
If language is your main goal, the allowance matters less than the language environment. France and Spain are classic destinations to learn French or Spanish in everyday life — both countries traditionally link the au pair year with a language course. For English, the US J-1 program is the clearly regulated path. In Germany and Austria you learn German — often with a language‑course subsidy from the host family.
Best country for the budget
If budget is the main concern, look at the allowance‑to‑cost ratio—not just the raw number. A higher allowance in an expensive country often ends up lower than a modest one in a cheaper region. Austria offers at least €551.10 but limits you to 16.5 hours per week; Spain and Italy have no legal minimum, yet provide a pleasant lifestyle. In the USA the program covers flight, accommodation and meals, so the weekly allowance has limited saving potential. Always calculate total costs, not individual items.
Don’t pick your country just based on the allowance. First ask yourself: Which language do I want to learn, and how much can or want I spend? Language goal plus budget usually leads to a better choice than the highest number in the table.