The Au Pair Programme
The au pair programme is an international cultural exchange that gives young people the opportunity to spend some time abroad.
By law, the au pair programme is determined by different requirements. If any one of these requirements is not met, the au pair is considered a domestic worker, this has financial consequences for the host family.
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Both the Au Pair and the host family understand that the main goal of the stay of the Au Pair is culture exchange: the au pair will learn about the Swiss society and culture. The host family shall treat the au pair as a member of the family and not as an employee.
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Who can be an au pair in Switzerland?
A difference is made between EU, Non EU Nationals
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EU
Au pairs with a European nationality do not need to go through an agency but cannot be an Au Pair in Switzerland without a residence permit!
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between the age of 17 and 30 years
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An au pair residence permit can be renewed, but the total period is limited to two years.
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Unmarried and no children
Non EU
Au pairs from countries outside the European Union can only come to Switzerland through a registered au pair agency
Many cantons ( Geneva, Vaud, Zurich,..) do not accept no EU Au Pairs anymore.
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Between the age of 18 and 25 years old
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Maximum 1 year
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Unmarried and no children
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