How to get an Au Pair visa for Spain
If you’re dreaming of spending a year helping a Spanish family, learning the language and immersing yourself in everyday life, the au pair visa for Spain is your pathway to a truly unique cultural adventure. Becoming an au pair allows you to build lifelong relationships, improve your language skills and experience Spanish traditions from the inside, all while receiving room, board and spending money.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What the Spanish au pair visa is and who qualifies
- The documents you will need for a smooth application
- How to apply at the Spanish consulate step-by-step
- Why health insurance is essential for au pairs
- What to expect once you arrive in Spain.
Overview of the Spanish au pair visa
Spain’s au pair visa is designed for young people who want to live with a host family while helping with childcare and household tasks in exchange for:
- Room and board
- Weekly spending money
- Language language and cultural immersion opportunities.
Eligibility for non-EU citizens
You can apply for Spain’s au pair visa if you are:
- Between 17-30 years old (this varies slightly by consulate)
- Single and without any dependents
- Accepted by a Spanish host family
- Enrolled in or planning to enroll in a Spanish language course.
Duration and renewal
The au pair visa usually allows for stays in Spain of between 6-12 months, with the possibility of renewing once depending on your language study enrollment.
Au pair visa requirements and documentation
Most consulates require:
- Completion of secondary education
- Basic knowledge of Spanish or English
- A clean criminal background record.
Your host family must provide a signed agreement that includes:
- Weekly working hours (25-30 hours per week is typical)
- Spending money amount
- Duties and expectations
- Whether they as the host family will cover any language course fees
- Accommodation and meals.
Proof of income, accommodation, and health insurance
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Must be provided by the host family |
| Financial means | Host family provides pocket money and you must show that you have basic funds available for day-to-day living |
| Health insurance | Full coverage private insurance is mandatory for au pairs. |
How to apply for Spain’s au pair visa
Visa application steps
- Prepare required documents
- Schedule an appointment with your Spanish consulate or VFS Global in some regions
- Submit the application in person
- Pay the visa processing fee
- Wait for approval (usually 4-6 weeks)
- Collect your visa and verify your entry dates for your country.
Common visa application mistakes to avoid
- Having an incomplete host family agreement
- Missing your language course enrollment proof
- Incorrect or insufficient health insurance
- Buying flights before securing your visa approval.
Health insurance for au pairs
Health insurance is legally required because au pairs are not included in Spanish public healthcare. Consulates check insurance documents very carefully.
Minimum coverage standards
- Health insurance must cover your entire stay in Spain
- No deductibles or co-pays
- Emergency and hospitalisation coverage is mandatory
- Insurance should be valid across all Spanish territories.
Trusted insurance providers like Feather offer instant visa-compliant insurance certificates, English-language support and non-deductive policies that meet all of Spain’s visa requirements.
With the right private health insurance in place, you can visit private clinics directly, schedule appointments without the need for referrals and access English-speaking doctors in major Spanish cities.
Living in Spain as an au pair
Registration with local authorities
Once you arrive, you may need to:
- Register your address at the local town hall (Ayuntamiento)
- Apply for a TIE (foreign residency card) within 30 days.
Understanding your rights and responsibilities
While living with your host family as an au pair, you are entitled to:
- Safe accommodation and meals
- Time for language studies
- Weekly rest days
- Cultural immersion opportunities.
Your responsibilities typically will include:
- Childcare
- Light household tasks
- Supporting your host family’s daily routine.
Cultural adaptation
While living in Spain, you would try to become as immersed in the culture as possible:
- Join local language exchanges
- Explore cultural events with your host family
- Learn regional customs and routines.
Begin your adventure as an au pair in Spain
Becoming an au pair in Spain is more than just a cultural exchange: it’s an invitation into a new way of living, learning and connecting. Once your visa is approved and your insurance is in place, you’ll be ready to join your host family, practice the language daily and explore Spain’s rhythms from the inside out.
Whether you find yourself sharing tapas in a lively plaza, helping children with their homework or travelling through Spain’s stunning regions on your days off, your experience will be shaped by the preparation you do now. By taking the right steps, you can begin a new chapter that you’ll look back on fondly for the rest of your life.
Sign up for expat insurance
Visa-compliant. Cancel anytime.
