Host families in Austria

Hosting an au pair means flexible support in everyday family life – within clearly regulated legal conditions in Austria. On this page you will find the most important requirements, obligations, and key conditions for host families, summarized clearly and understandably. In short: Host families provide accommodation and meals, support the language course and the required organizational steps, while au pairs support childcare and light household tasks within the agreed hours.

What Does It Mean to Be a Host Family?

As a host family in Austria, you welcome an au pair as a temporary member of your family. An au pair is not professional childcare or a cleaning service, but provides support within the agreed hours with childcare and light household tasks – and in return learns the language, culture, and everyday life in Austria.

Cultural Exchange Instead of an Employment Relationship Like a “Nanny”

The core of the au pair program is cultural exchange. The au pair lives with you, speaks with the family, experiences Austria – and improves their German. A respectful, clearly structured family routine provides the best foundation.

Reliable support in everyday life – predictable and fairly regulated

Au pairs support you reliably within defined time windows. For this to work well, clear agreements are needed: tasks, weekly schedule, free time, household rules, and genuine involvement in family life.

Requirements for Host Families in Austria

Hosting an au pair comes with certain requirements that host families in Austria must meet. The following points provide an overview of the most important requirements and organizational conditions.

Minors in the household & family-friendly environment

• At least one minor lives in the household.
• German is spoken as the family language in everyday life.
• The ongoing costs are financially covered.

Room & board and Integration

• A private, lockable room in the household.
• Free accommodation and meals.
• Inclusion in family life through shared meals and activities is desired.

Tip: The more clearly you define roles, tasks, and personal space, the more stable the au pair year will be. A weekly plan, “house rules”, and fixed communication times are helpful.

Tasks, Working Hours & Free Time

In Austria, the weekly working hours for au pairs are clearly limited and include childcare as well as moderate help in the household. Important: The au pair is not responsible for “running the household”, but supports with light tasks.

Weekly Hours & Typical Tasks

• Childcare: dropping off/picking up, playing, routines, small meals, everyday support.
• Light household tasks: tidying up, clearing the kitchen after meals, vacuuming/mopping shared areas, laundry related to the children.
• No professional cleaning and no permanent sole responsibility overnight.

Free days, Holidays and family rules

• At least one day off per week (including scheduled free time).
• Vacation arrangements depend on the length of stay (clearly regulated in the contract).
• Clear house rules: guests, quiet hours, use of car/public transport, media use.

Compensation, Language Course & Organizational Obligations

In Austria, the au pair arrangement is clearly regulated and tied to employment conditions. For host families, this means transparent standards for compensation, registration, and supporting the language course. Specific amounts and details may change and are set according to current regulations.

What Host Families Typically Cover

• Monthly compensation at least according to the applicable minimum standard (linked to the marginal employment threshold; adjusted annually).
• Accommodation & meals free of charge.
• German language course: enable participation and cover half of the course costs.
• Registration/insurance: depending on compensation and the specific situation, complete the required steps with the ÖGK/social insurance.
• Written contract with clear points: tasks, hours, days off/vacation, compensation, course, rules.

Details on costs and obligations: Costs · Information Pack

Why My Family Au Pair?

How We Support You – Clear, Personal, and Reliable

A successful au pair year is built on clear expectations, suitable profiles, and support that remains accessible in everyday life. This is exactly what My Family Au Pair specializes in.

• Direct and honest communication
• Personal support
• Many years of personal experience as host parents

Transparent & Digital Processes

You always know where you stand: profile, selection, getting to know each other, preparation, start. No vague promises, but clear, traceable steps. Our processes are designed digitally – low-paper, structured, and family-friendly, so you spend less time organizing and more time living everyday life.

Selection of Candidates

As an au pair agency with many years of experience, we work with an established network of international partner agencies. This gives us access to a wide selection of suitable candidates – including au pairs who are already in Europe and want to continue their cultural exchange.

Support When It Matters

Questions, misunderstandings, or conflicts can often be resolved quickly – if addressed early and moderated clearly. We remain reachable, help with structure, communication, and solutions, and make sure expectations align again.

Frequently Asked Questions (Austria)

How many hours may an au pair work in Austria?

An au pair’s working time is limited and includes childcare as well as light household tasks. It is a maximum of 16.5 hours per week for contracts concluded from 01/01/2026 onwards. The specific schedule is defined in the contract.

Which tasks count as “light household tasks”?

Light tasks include, for example, tidying up after meals, keeping shared areas in order, vacuuming/mopping in the kitchen/living area, as well as tasks related to the children. No professional cleaning and no full household management.

Does the host family have to pay for a language course?

Host families enable participation in a German course and cover half of the course costs. The exact arrangement is defined in the contract and coordinated with the weekly schedule.

Is an au pair allowed to look after children alone?

Yes, within the agreed hours and tasks. Clear agreements, age-appropriate responsibility, and a safe framework are important. Permanent sole responsibility overnight or during longer absences of the parents should be avoided.

What happens if problems arise during the au pair stay?

My Family Au Pair supports you in case of misunderstandings or conflicts and helps with clarification talks, structuring everyday life and—if necessary—with a change within the framework of fair solutions.

Are You Considering Becoming a Host Family in Austria?

We carefully review your requirements and support you throughout the entire au pair stay – clearly, accessibly, and in a structured way.