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Au Pair/Trainee Caregiver Visa

Working Holiday

At a Glance

Processing Time

Up to 60 days

Estimated Cost

EUR €349

Stay Duration

1 year (extendable to a maximum of 2 years)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in France

Cost of Living

4% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€31,000

Quality of Life

173/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Long-stay visa for young people (18-30) caring for children in host families. Cultural exchange program with language learning component.

The jeune au pair is a French long-stay visa for non-EU nationals aged 18-30 who live with a host family, assist with childcare up to 25 hours per week, and study French. It requires a signed placement agreement (Cerfa 15973-01) and basic French (A1/A2), but no job offer.

The visa is valid for one year and renewable to a two-year maximum. There is no PR pathway and no dependent visa. Holders receive pocket money (minimum EUR 320/month) plus room and board — not a salary. The VLS-TS must be validated online with OFII within 3 months of arrival. Application fee is EUR 99.

This visa is ideal for non-EU young adults aged 18-30 wanting to live in France, improve French, and experience family life while providing light childcare — without pursuing formal work or residency.

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Cost Breakdown

Visa application feeEUR €99

VLS-TS validation feeEUR €100

First residence permit feeEUR €150

TotalEUR €349

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

France

Student Visa (Type D)

ValidityDuration of program

Processing2 weeks – 2 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Aged between 18 and 30 years old.

Must be a non-EU/EEA national.

Must have a signed Au Pair contract (convention d'accueil de jeune au pair, Cerfa 15973-01) signed by both the au pair and the host family.

Must have a basic knowledge of the French language (A1/A2 level) or secondary school level education or professional qualifications.

Must be hosted by a French family of a different nationality and with whom they are not related.

Must have valid health insurance for the duration of the stay.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

Min. Income

320 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months after intended departure).

Signed Au Pair contract (convention d'accueil de jeune au pair, Cerfa 15973-01).

Long-stay visa application form (CERFA).

Proof of basic French language knowledge (certificate or diploma), secondary school diploma, or professional qualifications.

Three recent passport-sized photographs.

Proof of health insurance.

Motivation letter explaining the purpose of the stay.

Clear criminal record (if required by the specific consulate).

Application Process

Find host family

Secure au pair placement with French family

Sign agreement

Execute official au pair agreement

Prove language

Demonstrate basic French knowledge (A1/A2)

Apply for visa

Submit at French consulate

Provide documents

Au pair agreement, family info, language proof

Pay fee

EUR 99 visa fee

Await decision

4-8 weeks

Validate visa

Online within 3 months of arrival

Register with OFII

Declare with immigration office within 3 months

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Long-stay visa application form	—
Cerfa 15973-01 Convention de placement jeune au pair (Au Pair Placement Agreement)	Fill online

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