Becoming an Au Pair in Portugal

Becoming an au pair in Portugal allows young people to live for one to twelve months with a host family, learning Portuguese and immersing in daily life, in exchange for helping with childcare and light household tasks. Au pairs usually work about 30 hours a week and get pocket money as well as free board and lodging.

This guide will cover all essential steps to becoming an au pair in Portugal, from eligibility and visa rules to finding a host family and managing finances, setting your journey to becoming an au pair in Portugal in motion.

What is an au pair in Portugal?

An au pair is a young person living with a host family overseas, and receiving accommodation, meals, and pocket money in exchange for light childcare and household duties. Au pairs usually stay with a family for anything from one month to one year, and may require an appropriate visa to allow them to enter and remain in the country.

It’s helpful to know that for an au pair experience, the primary purpose is cultural immersion, not formal employment. That means an au pair would be expected to take an active part in family life, and use the opportunity to learn more about the country and language.

Who can become an au pair in Portugal?

Portugal does not have a dedicated au pair visa. Au pair arrangements are usually agreed using an agency which acts as a middleman, matching families who are looking for support, and young people who want to become an au pair. This means that the agency may be the one to set any specific requirements which you must fulfil to be eligible to be an au pair in Portugal.

The common requirements are as follows:

• 21 – 30 years old (childminders in Portugal can not be younger than 21 making this a common cut off age)
• Command of English is often needed – having French language skills is also a plus
• Not married, with no children of your own
• Some demonstrable experience with children
• Clear criminal record
• Good physical and mental health

Some families or agencies may also require you to hold a valid driving license. Generally agencies can work with both EU nationals and non-EU nationals, although getting a visa may work differently depending on the country you’re from.

Au pair Portugal requirements

If you’d like to become an au pair in Portugal, there are a few basic requirements you’ll need to consider. Let’s take a look.

Passport and visa considerations

As we mentioned, Portugal does not have a dedicated au pair visa. The exact route to work as an au pair in Portugal depends on your nationality and the length of your stay.

If you’re a EU citizen you can work in Portugal freely, including as an au pair, but you may need to register your residency depending on your length of stay.

People from outside the EU who intend to be an au pair in Portugal for under 90 days may not need a specific visa if their nationality already grants them visa free entry to Portugal or the Schengen area. For longer stays you may need a residency visa.

For example, if you’re from Canada you can apply for a residency visa in person at your local Portuguese consulate which allows you to enter Portugal for 120 days and register for residency on arrival. Or if you’re in the UK you may use the VFS services to apply for a national visa for Portugal to sort out your residency before working as an au pair.

Check the official government or local consulate websites for Portugal for the most up-to-date information, as rules can change, and whether or not you can be a short term au pair in Portugal under a basic visa or using visa free entry may depend on your nationality. You’ll also need to check the standard entry requirements based on your citizenship which usually include having a passport with at least 3 months validity, and several blank pages.

Language skills for au pairs in Portugal

Some agencies and host families will impose specific language requirements for being an au pair in Portugal. In most cases, fluency in the local language is not necessary, but a basic understanding can allow you to connect with more families and settle into the country more easily.

Learning the local language is important for successful integration – but having a good grasp of English or other European languages can often be enough for host families.

Financial ability to afford the trip

To get a visa to allow you to work as an au pair in Portugal you’ll usually have to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your initial travel costs and personal expenses before receiving pocket money. Au pair agencies and host families may also ask for details of how you’ll support yourself so they know you’ve planned ahead.

The amount of money you need to have on hand depends on the visa you’re applying for, and the country you’re in. Check the financial requirements based on the visa type you intend to apply for, with your local Portuguese consulate.

Finding au pair jobs in Portugal

Once you’ve navigated the visa requirements, you need to decide how to find au pair positions in Portugal. Here are some of the most common and effective methods for connecting with host families.

Using au pair agencies in Portugal

Getting matched to a host family using a dedicated au pair agency can make the process of arranging contracts and sorting any required visa paperwork as simple as possible. Agencies may also offer ongoing support if you run into any issues. Some Portuguese au pair agencies to consider include:

• Nina Care – au pair agency in Portugal
• European Au Pair – Irish based au pair agency working in Portugal

Online platforms for finding au pair programs in Portugal

Using reputable international online platforms to find au pair opportunities in Portugal can be an excellent way to learn more about the opportunities out there and to get connected with host families.

Some options which work worldwide and also have postings in Portugal include:

• Au Pair – website supporting au pair matching worldwide
• AuPairWorld – website supporting au pair matching worldwide

Direct applications to host families

Another approach is to apply directly to host families, for example through social media groups or personal networks. You’ll need to create a resume which explains why you’d be a good fit as an au pair, and be prepared for families to arrange digital interviews and meetings so you can see if you’d work well together.

If you’re following this route, bear in mind that you’ll need to tackle visa paperwork as needed independently and with no agency to help you out.

The au pair contract Portugal essentials

Before you start work, you need to agree to an au pair contract to ensure a clear and fair arrangement. A written contract is essential for protecting both the au pair and the host family.

An au pair contract is agreed between the au pair and family, usually with the agency supporting. There’s not a legally required template for this contract but generally it should include:

• Duration of the placement and duties agreed
• Working hours and time off – at least one full day off per week
• Time agreed to attend language courses.
• Monthly money pocket amount

Agencies may also publish their own requirements for a contract and working arrangements – for example, AuPair World has detailed guidance on working hours, pocket money and rest times, while Au Pair.com offers Portugal specific details on things like working hours.

There’s also a helpful au pair contract template in English, provided by Au Pair world which covers the key information and which may be helpful when making visa applications.

Pocket money and working hours

Pocket money and working hours will be agreed in your au pair contract. Usually, working hours for an au pair in Europe are about 25 – 35 hours/week, with variable au pair pocket money based on the family’s location and the au pair’s duties.

Pocket money for an au pair in Portugal is often in the range of 300 EUR – 320 EUR monthly, although individual families may offer more or less depending on their requirements and preferences. Working hours are often around 32 hours/week, with at least one full day off weekly.

Duties and responsibilities of an au pair

The common tasks expected of an au pair focus on childcare and light household duties related to the children. This might include taking the children to school or preparing their food, playing with them, baby sitting or helping with homework or language acquisition for example. Au pairs are not usually expected to take on heavy cleaning tasks or cook for adults in the household.

Accommodation and board

Your au pair host family provides accommodation – a private room – and meals as a standard part of the au pair agreement.

The exact arrangements can vary, but as an example, AuPairWorld states that the room should be 9 metres square or more, with a window and lock, furnishings and heating.

Preparing for your au pair journey

Found a host family? Here are some key things to do before departing to ensure a smooth arrival and transition in Portugal.

Travel insurance and healthcare

Before you travel, make sure you have comprehensive travel and health insurance. If you’re from within the EU you may find you can access medically necessary emergency healthcare using an EHIC card. However, this is not an alternative to travel insurance and does not guarantee free access to Portuguese state health care.

Most au pairs in Portugal will have their own private health and travel insurance – this may also be needed for your visa. This covers you in the event of a medical emergency, or if you have items stolen for example.

The state healthcare system – the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) – supports healthcare in Portugal. You may be eligible for support including subsidized healthcare, if you’re a legal resident of Portugal. Eligibility depends on the length and type of your visa, so check if this is possible before you apply.

Setting up your finances for Portugal

A convenient way to receive pocket money from your host family – and manage your personal expenses in Portugal – may be to open a multi-currency account from a provider like Wise.

Wise lets you hold money in different currencies, avoid high bank fees, and easily transfer money internationally. You can receive bank transfers from your host family in EUR and spend conveniently with a Wise card. And whenever you need currency conversion you get the mid-market exchange rate with transparent, low fees.

Packing essentials for Portugal

Packing carefully is a must as you’re unlikely to have huge storage space – so think ahead to make the most of your luggage allowance:

• Comfortable clothing – Portugal is fairly warm year round and can be extremely hot in some areas in the summer – pack accordingly
• More formal clothes – you may well be invited to more formal occasions at restaurants with your host family, so take along one or two more formal items
• Sports, walking and workout gear – Portugal is a great place to hike, swim and get outdoors if that’s your thing
• Essential documents – your passport and any visa required, vaccination records, emergency numbers
• Chargers and adaptors – a universal adapter and multi-use charging cable are always handy in case of unexpected travel
• Small gifts for your host family – taking along something from your home country – such as chocolates or local foods – can help break the ice

Life as an au pair in Portugal

Day-to-day life as an au pair in Portugal depends very much on the family you’re living with and the needs of their children – but in all cases you’ll find wonderful opportunities for personal growth and cultural immersion.

During your time in Portugal you can enjoy learning the language, trying local foods, understanding customs, and participating in family and community life. To hit the ground running, consider joining local au pair groups, taking language classes, and building a social network around your hobbies. You can also travel within Portugal on days off to expand your horizons even further.

FAQ

Do I need a visa to be an au pair in Portugal?

Visa requirements to be an au pair in Portugal depend on the length of stay and your nationality. EU nationals may not need a visa, while non-EU citizens may need a resident or national visa. Always check the official consulate or embassy website for Portugal for the latest, most accurate information before making any plans.

How much pocket money do au pairs get in Portugal?

The monthly pocket money for an au pair in Portugal can vary a lot, but is commonly about 300 EUR a month, which is in addition to free room and board. The exact amount can vary depending on the family, location, and hours worked.

Can I work as an au pair in Portugal if I don’t speak the local language?

Fluency in Portuguese is rarely required, but a basic knowledge is highly recommended for safety, communication, and integration. Some families may specifically seek a native English speaker, and being able to speak other European languages like French is also a bonus.

How long can I stay as an au pair in Portugal?

Au pair placements in Portugal can range from a month or a summer, to a full year. The maximum duration is often tied to visa regulations – getting a visa for a longer stay might be harder than applying for a few months.

What are the main differences between an au pair and a live-in nanny in Portugal?

An au pair works in Portugal with one host family, as part of a cultural exchange program with limited hours and “pocket money.” A nanny is a professional employee with a formal contract, a full salary, and more extensive childcare responsibilities, subject to Portugal’s employment laws.

Useful resources

• International Au Pair Association – au pair industry body, with useful information and links to agencies by country
• Nina Care – au pair agency in Portugal
• European Au Pair – Irish based au pair agency working in Portugal
• Au Pair – website supporting au pair matching worldwide
• AuPairWorld – website supporting au pair matching worldwide