Au Pair Programme Spain

Programmes for Canadians and New Zealanders

Are you from Canada or New Zealand? If so, you may as a Canadian work in Spain under the Youth Mobility Scheme, and as a New Zealander under the Working Holiday Programme.

Step 1: Check the validity of your passport

Make sure that you hold a valid passport before planning your trip.

Step 2: Have your host family send you an invitation letter and an au pair contract

The au pair contract is a pre-requisite for the visa application. Have your signed contract sent to you well in good time.

Step 3: Apply for your visa

You are in charge of applying for a visa yourself. You need to submit the following documents at the Spanish embassy: your valid passport + your complete and signed visa application form + biometric passport photos + a medical certificate + a police clearance certificate + the au pair contract + the host family's invitation letter

Step 4: Register at the aliens registration office

After your arrival in Spain, you need to register at the Oficina de Extranjería (aliens registration office) right away in order to apply for your residence permit.

Step 5: Register at the residents' registration office

Within one week after arriving at your host family you have to register at the Oficina de Empadronamiento (residents' registration office). There you confirm that you live with your host family.

Alternative for nationals of other countries

You are not from Canada or New Zealand? Then you may normally live in Spain, but you are not entitled to work and earn money. Applying for a student visa could be an alternative:

Student visa: For a student visa, you need to be enrolled in a Spanish course (at least 10 hours weekly) before leaving your home country. Furthermore, providing evidence that you can afford your stay in Spain might entitle you to work a certain number of hours per week. However, you need to clarify this issue in advance with the Spanish embassy.
 

More information for au pairs about the host country Spain:

• Quick Check for au pairs
• Pocket money, working hours, time off & Co.
• Do not forget: contract, insurance & Co.

More information for host families in Spain

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[Last update: August 2011]