How to get an au pair visa for Spain: UK guide

Looking for a way to experience Spain beyond just visiting? Becoming an au pair lets you live like a local, immerse yourself in Spanish culture and build meaningful connections along the way. It’s a chance to improve your language skills, explore new places and support a host family with everyday life and childcare.

To make it all happen, you'll need to sort out the visa process first. We've put together a clear guide that walks you through how to become an au pair in Spain, including what documents you’ll need and what to expect once you arrive.

We’ll also suggest a solution for covering visa fees and managing your finances while abroad. With a Wise account, you can send money between the UK and Spain at the mid-market exchange rate for low fees*. You can also rely on the Wise card to spend like a local in euros and 40+ other currencies.

Open your Wise account 🌍

Table of contents

What is an Au Pair visa and do you need one for Spain? Au Pair program in Spain Eligibility requirements for a Student visa in Spain Age and nationality restrictions Host family and au pair agreement requirements Financial requirements and proof of funds Educational and language skill prerequisites Health and insurance How to apply for your Spanish Student visa Step-by-Step application guide Essential documents checklist for your application Where to apply: Spain's embassy or consulate Visa fees and typical processing times Life as an au pair in Spain: What to expect Duties, responsibilities and working hours for an au pair in Spain Pocket money, accommodation and other benefits Language courses and studying opportunities Visa duration and extension After you arrive in Spain: Important first steps Registering with local authorities Opening a bank account as an Au Pair Travelling to other countries during your stay Finding the right host family in Spain Reputable platforms and agencies for Au Pair placements in Spain Tips for a successful au pair interview and placement What happens if you change host families? Visa implications Your Spanish Au Pair adventure awaits

What is an Au Pair visa and do you need one for Spain?

There’s no au pair visa for Spain. UK au pairs usually apply for a type D Student visa and enrol in a Spanish or Catalan language course.¹

The course must be at least 20 hours a week at an accredited centre. You’ll live with a local family, help them with childcare and housework and receive pocket money, accommodation and food in return.¹

Au Pair program in Spain

Whether you’re working as an au pair in Spain, Italy, France or elsewhere, the heart of the program is always cultural exchange between you and your host family. In Spain, your main duties include looking after the children and helping with light housework.

In return, the host family provides accommodation, meals and a weekly allowance. These details are usually outlined in an au pair contract.

Eligibility requirements for a Student visa in Spain

To work as an au pair in Spain, you’ll need to apply for a Student visa, which involves meeting certain criteria. Let’s break down the Spain au pair requirements.

Age and nationality restrictions

There’s no officially stated age limit for the Student visa, but au pairs are usually between 17 and 30 years old.¹

As for nationality, all non-EU citizens must apply for a visa. UK citizens can live in Spain for up to 90 days without one, but anything longer requires a visa.²

Host family and au pair agreement requirements

If you’re applying for an au pair visa for Spain, a signed au pair contract is required. You’ll need to include both the original and a copy of the agreement in your application.²

The European au pair agreement outlines your duties, working hours and living conditions, while also ensuring you have enough time for your language course and rest.³

Financial requirements and proof of funds

To apply for a Student visa, you must show that you can support yourself during your stay and cover the cost of your travel. The required amount is based on Spain's Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM).² The IPREM for 2025 is €600 per month.⁴

Educational and language skill prerequisites

To apply for a Student visa as an au pair, you must provide proof of acceptance into an accredited language course. This usually means showing an official acceptance letter and proof that you’ve paid your registration or tuition fees.²

Health and insurance

You must provide a medical certificate from a registered doctor issued within three months of your application. The certificate should confirm that you don’t have any disease that poses a serious risk to public health under the 2005 International Health Regulations.²

Your health insurance must either be the GHIC or a Spanish-approved policy that covers all public healthcare, with no co-payments or waiting periods. If there’s a coverage limit, it must be at least €30,000.²

How to apply for your Spanish Student visa

Let’s go over the steps to apply for a Spanish au pair visa.

Step-by-Step application guide

1. Find a host family
2. Agree on the contract terms
3. Sign the au pair contract
4. Enrol in a language school
5. Ensure your passport is valid
6. Gather your documents
7. Contact the Spanish Consulate
8. Submit your visa application

Essential documents checklist for your application

Here are the documents you’ll need to apply for a Student visa in Spain:

• National visa application form
• Passport-style photo
• Valid passport with at least two blank pages
• Proof of acceptance for the language course
• Proof of financial means
• Health insurance
• Clear criminal record
• Medical certificate
• Proof of residence
• Signed au pair agreement²

Where to apply: Spain's embassy or consulate

The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation manages Student visa appointments through BLS International. You must apply in person at least two months before your language course begins.²

After submitting your application, the Consular Office will give you proof of receipt along with a code you can use to track its status.²

Visa fees and typical processing times

The decision period is typically one month, but may be extended if additional documents are requested.²

The fee for a visa lasting up to 180 days is around £75. For stays over 180 days, the fee increases to £345.⁵

Life as an au pair in Spain: What to expect

Let’s take a look at what your life in Spain will be like.

Duties, responsibilities and working hours for an au pair in Spain

What’s usually expected of the au pair is childcare and minor housework. The maximum time you’ll spend on tasks is usually 25 hours per week.

You’ll ordinarily have at least one free day per week, or more if you agree on that with the host family. This ensures that you have the time to attend courses in the disciplines of your choice.

Pocket money, accommodation and other benefits

Au pairs in Spain receive a minimum of €70 per week in pocket money. Host families, who are generally well-off, usually provide a private bedroom, meals and cover any extra costs that come with having an additional household member.⁶

Sharing a home with a local family allows you to connect deeply with Spanish traditions and daily life. You’ll gain new perspectives, practice the language and build relationships that could last a lifetime.⁶

Language courses and studying opportunities

Au pairs who apply for a Student visa are required to attend a Spanish language course for at least 20 hours a week. The course must be offered by a language school recognised by the Instituto Cervantes. IIt’s a good idea to have your host family assist you in finding the right program.⁶

Since your visa is tied to your language course, enrolling in other types of studies might not be allowed. However, if you do decide to take on additional studies alongside your language course and au pair duties, make sure to discuss your schedule with your host family to ensure it’s manageable for everyone.⁶

Visa duration and extension

The Student visa is valid for six months. If your course lasts longer, you can apply for a Foreigner Identity Card or Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) within a month of arriving in Spain to extend your stay.²

After you arrive in Spain: Important first steps

Once you have your visa and arrive in Spain, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Registering with local authorities

If you plan to stay in Spain for more than 6 months, you must apply for a TIE at a police station within 30 days of arrival. The card is valid for up to one year.⁷

When applying, be sure to bring both the originals and copies of the following documents:

• Completed application form
• Valid passport and entry visa
• EU entrance stamp or your boarding pass
• Letter of acceptance for your Spanish course
• Certificado de empadronamiento
• 3 recent passport-sized photos
• Proof of payment of the TIE application fee (€15.92)⁷

Opening a bank account as an Au Pair

You can open a bank account in Spain as a non-resident, sometimes even online. This means you’ll likely be able to apply before even moving there.

As an alternative to traditional banks, you could open a Wise account and hold 8+ currencies, including euros and pounds. You’ll pay low, transparent fees* and get the mid-market exchange rate for foreign currency conversion. Wise can be a way for you to pay and manage your finances while waiting for a Spanish bank account.

Travelling to other countries during your stay

Once you have your TIE, you can travel freely within the EU and to countries that have free movement agreements with Spain or the EU.⁷

Finding the right host family in Spain

Finding the right host family is one of the most important steps in your au pair journey. Take your time to explore trusted websites and read through family profiles in detail. If you prefer, you can also rely on a placement agency to help match you with a suitable family.

Reputable platforms and agencies for Au Pair placements in Spain

Some of the most popular websites for finding a host family include aupair.com and aupairworld.com.

While using an au pair agency involves a fee, it can make things much easier. For support, you can reach out to Asociación Española del Programa Au Pair or AEPA, which represents the largest au pair organisations in Spain.

Tips for a successful au pair interview and placement

A strong video interview can help you find the ideal host family and prove that you’re a good match. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Carefully read the host’s profile

Take your time to go through everything the family has shared. Be cautious of anything that seems suspicious since some profiles may not be genuine.

2. Write down questions

Think about what you want to know regarding the family’s expectations, children’s daily routines and house rules. This shows your interest and helps clear up any uncertainties.

3. Keep the time difference in mind

Remember that Spain is one hour ahead of the UK when scheduling your interview.

4. Call from a quiet environment

Choose a spot where you won’t be disturbed, with good internet and clear audio. Treat the interview professionally by dressing appropriately.

5. Pay attention to the children

If the children join the conversation, engage with them too and take this opportunity to connect. Don’t focus only on the parents

6. Discuss your contract

Make sure to talk about your working hours, days off, allowance and other important things early in the process.

7. Do a follow up call

One interview might not cover everything. Set up another call to see your room and sort out any questions you still have.

What happens if you change host families? Visa implications

The notice period for leaving your host family is usually two weeks.³

Before making any decisions, it is a good idea to contact the UK embassy or immigration authorities to check the latest information regarding your visa status.

Your Spanish Au Pair adventure awaits

Working as an au pair in Spain lets you join a local family’s everyday life and get to know the culture up close. You’ll come back with improved Spanish and valuable experience from living on your own in a different country.

To make the most of your experience as an au pair, you should find a way to manage your finances efficiently. With a Wise account, you can hold and exchange between 8+ currencies and send money between the UK and Spain for low, transparent fees*.

You can also get a Wise card for a one-time cost of £7 and use it in 150+ countries, including Spain. Each time you spend, your money is converted to the right currency, with only a small conversion fee*, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Open your Wise account 🌍

Sources used:

1. IAS - eligibility
2. Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación - study visa and details
3. Aupairworld.com - au pair agreements
4. IPREM - cost of study visa
5. BLS International - Spanish visa fees
6. Aupairworld.com - general information about au pair work
7. IBEI - residency permit (TIE)

Sources last checked on date: 19-Sep-2025