Country guide · 190 families hosting
Au pair in Switzerland.
Highest pocket money in Europe. Here is what the exchange typically looks like there — money, hours, paperwork and pace of life.
- Typical pocket money
- CHF180–CHF250 / week
- Hours
- Max 30 hours / week
- Time off
- 1.5 days off weekly
- Typical stay
- 12–18 months
- Language
- German, French or Italian
The visa, in plain language
Rules are set canton by canton. EU/EFTA citizens can take au pair placements readily; for most non-EU nationals cantonal permits are very limited, so check the specific canton before committing to a family.
- 01
Confirm the rules of the canton your family lives in
- 02
Sign the cantonal au pair contract with agreed hours and pay
- 03
Family applies for the residence and work permit locally
- 04
Register with the commune and take out Swiss health insurance
Typical current practice, January 2026 — not legal advice. Always check the country's official immigration guidance before applying.
What makes Switzerland different
- The highest au pair allowances anywhere in Europe
- Language course fees usually paid by the host family
- Alps on your doorstep for every single day off
- Living costs are high — budget before you commit
Keep exploring