Monthly costs at a glance
| Item | Monthly amount | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Remuneration | €551.10 | 2026 minimum for new arrangements at 16.5 weekly hours. |
| Special payments | Approx. €138 | 15 monthly payments per year, proportionate for shorter stays. |
| Statutory accident insurance | Approx. €6–7 | Registration with the ÖGK is required for marginal employment. |
| Occupational provision | Approx. €9–11 | 1.53% of gross remuneration, including special payments; the first month is exempt. |
| Accommodation and meals | Approx. €250 | Estimated additional household costs. |
| German course | Approx. €200–250 | Host families cover at least 50% of course costs. B1/B2 courses in Vienna often cost €400–500 per course month. |
| Mobility contribution | €60 | Required for placements made through our agency. |
| Total orientation budget | Approx. €1,200–1,300 | Excludes one-time agency and authority fees. |
Actual costs depend on the region, insurance, language course, contract duration and family situation. For non-EU nationals, residence permission and the AMS notification confirmation also matter.
Remuneration and special payments
For arrangements beginning from 1 January 2026, the source guide lists minimum remuneration of €551.10 per month and a maximum of 16.5 weekly hours including on-call time. Au pairs receive 15 monthly remuneration payments a year: two additional payments for holidays and one for Christmas, calculated proportionately for a shorter stay.
ÖGK registration and occupational provision
The host family registers the au pair with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK). Marginal employment generally includes statutory accident insurance. Registration is necessary even if private health insurance is also arranged.
The Occupational Employee and Self-Employed Provision Act also applies. The 2026 contribution is 1.53%; include it in the monthly budget.
Health insurance, room and board
Non-EU au pairs need health insurance valid in Austria and generally covering all risks for their residence permission. In Austria, this private health insurance is generally arranged and paid for by the au pair. The host family provides free accommodation and meals. Official benefit-in-kind values are not necessarily the same as the actual extra costs of food, electricity, water, heating and household use.
Language learning and mobility
Cultural exchange and improving German are central to the programme. A German course is especially important for non-EU nationals: extending the AMS notification confirmation after six months requires evidence of attendance at a suitable educational institution.
All contracts placed through our agency include a monthly €60 mobility contribution. It supports public transport costs and applies regardless of actual usage.
Arrival, visa and AMS confirmation
The au pair generally pays for travel, visa and documents. Before a non-EU au pair starts, an AMS notification confirmation is needed. It initially lasts six months and may be extended for up to another six months if the conditions are met. Apply for an extension around eight weeks before expiry.
Our agency fees in Austria
Full-service placement costs €399.90 when the au pair arrives and a further €399.90 after six months if the contract continues. The expense allowance and self-match options remain separate.
Other everyday costs
Include your au pair in family activities. When you invite them to restaurants, trips, cinema visits or a family holiday, the family generally covers the costs. These vary month to month, but belong in a realistic budget.
Common questions
Is Austrian remuneration the same as German pocket money?
No. Austria uses remuneration rather than Germany’s pocket-money model. The source’s minimum for a new 2026 arrangement is €551.10 per month.
Does private accident insurance replace ÖGK registration?
No. Registration is still required.
Are costs tax-deductible?
This depends on your circumstances. Ask a tax adviser in Austria.