Are you looking for someone to help you take care of your children – above all, an Au pair that fits in with your whole family? Our agency is specialised in finding Au pairs for families residing both in Switzerland and worldwide. We pride ourselves in doing everything possible to meet your needs and expectations. Both international, English-speaking Au pairs and Swiss Au pairs are ready to assist your family.

• Procurement process
• Costs for the host family
• How long can you engage an Au pair?
• Who is eligible to employ an Au pair?
• Who is eligible to become an Au pair?
• An Au pair’s duties and responsibilities
• An Au pair’s entitlements
• The host family’s expectations of the Au pair
• The Au pair’s expectations of the host family
• What to do if the Au pair proves unsatisfactory?
• Use of the telephone and respecting the host family’s privacy
• What to do if the Au pair falls ill?

Procurement process

Simply fill out our online application form, then have a look through our Au pair gallery. Take your time to discuss the available options with your family and let us know once you have decided on an Au pair. We will then contact you personally to discuss your choice. While the final decision rests with you, of course, we might also put forward additional alternative Au pairs who could correspond with your needs. Once you have made your decision, we will contact the Au pair for you and finalise the contractual paperwork.

Costs for the host family

• Agency fees payable to us (CHF815) and registration fees (CHF100)
• Administration fees for the Au pair’s residence permit
• Registration fees for the language course and travel expenses to the language school
• Health and accident insurance policy for the Au pair, pursuant to Swiss Federal Law
• Doctor’s fees for obtaining the Au pair’s medical certificate, if required by the Authorities
• Au pair’s monthly wage (CHF600)
• Registration of the Au pair with the Swiss immigration authorities

How long can you engage an Au pair?

For a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 12 months

Who is eligible to employ an Au pair?

In order to employ an Au pair, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Sound financial situation (Authorities have the right to request evidence of financial stability, such as bank statements).
• Sufficient housing space to accommodate the Au pair.
• You must be a family or a single parent with a child/children.
• Openness towards foreign cultures.

Who is eligible to become an Au pair?

All applicants must meet official health requirements, must not have any children of their own, must enjoy being with children and be experienced in child care. A basic command of the host country’s language is also required. Age requirements: between 17 and 30 years for applicants from the European Union, between 18 and 25 years for non-EU applicants. Swiss nationals must be at least 15 years old if employed within Switzerland. Candidates from non-EU countries and EU acceding countries need a Swiss work permit and a Visa.

An Au pair’s duties and responsibilities

These are largely dependent on your family’s daily routines. In general, Au pairs take on a share of the family’s responsibility for childcare as well as light housework:

• Taking the children to school and likewise picking them up
• Playing with the children
• Preparing meals for the children
• Grocery shopping
• Setting the table
• Washing the dishes
• Helping the children dress
• Doing the laundry
• Taking the children to bed and reading them bedtime stories

An au pair’s entitlements

• A suitable room of her/his own
• Free board and lodging
• A monthly salary
• Health and accident insurance
• Reimbursement of travel costs to and from language school
• Attendance of language course
• Unrestricted practice of religion
• Predetermined free time

The host family’s expectations of the Au pair

• Reliability
• Flexibility
• Willingness to make compromises
• Proactive and responsible attitude
• Respect for privacy

The Au pair’s expectations of the host family

• A fully-furnished, well-lit room with heating
• Integration into the family
• Participation in common meals
• Clearly defined working hours and free time
• Support in learning the language
• Respect for privacy

What to do if the Au pair proves unsatisfactory?

If this should occur, the first thing you need to do is contact us. In the event of irresolvable differences, the contract can be mutually terminated with a notice period of one month applying. This must be done in writing and must comply with Article 336 of the Swiss civil code. In the event of serious problems, the contract can be terminated without notice.

Use of the telephone and respecting the host family’s privacy

The Au pair should be allowed to call his/her family upon arrival in your home. Afterwards, it is recommended that you discuss and come to an agreement regarding their future use of the telephone. The Au pair is to respect the privacy of their host family and to protect their belongings.

What to do if the Au pair falls ill?

You are obliged to organise a health and accident insurance policy for your Au pair. Should the Au pair fall ill during his/her stay in your family, they are to see a doctor (such visits are covered by the health insurance).

You will find further information on your rights and responsibilities at “Info for host families.”

Are you looking for someone to help you take care of your children – above all, an Au pair that fits in with your whole family? Our agency is specialised in finding Au pairs for families residing both in Switzerland and worldwide. We pride ourselves in doing everything possible to meet your needs and expectations. Both international, English-speaking Au pairs and Swiss Au pairs are ready to assist your family.