Hosting an au pair is a rewarding experience that offers valuable cultural exchange and essential childcare support. To ensure a smooth and positive experience for both the host family and the au pair, it is essential to have a clear, well-structured agreement.

This article explains what an au pair agreement is, its benefits, how you can easily create one using Bind, and includes a free au pair agreement template for your convenience.

What exactly is an au pair?

An au pair is a young person, typically aged between 18 and 30, who lives temporarily with a host family in a foreign country, providing childcare and assistance with household tasks in exchange for accommodation, meals, and a modest stipend. The primary purpose of becoming an au pair is cultural exchange, allowing the au pair to learn a new language and experience life abroad while helping the host family with childcare.

The term "au pair" comes from the French language and literally means "on equal terms," indicating the reciprocal, balanced nature of the arrangement. It emphasises the idea that the au pair becomes part of the family, sharing responsibilities and experiences equally, rather than being treated purely as an employee.

Au Pair vs Nanny vs Babysitter – What's the difference?

Though sometimes used interchangeably, au pairs, nannies, and babysitters have distinct differences:

1️⃣ Au Pair: An au pair lives with the host family as part of a cultural exchange, typically working part-time hours, with duties mainly related to childcare and light household tasks. They usually receive a small stipend rather than a full salary, with cultural exchange and language learning being primary objectives.

2️⃣ Nanny: A nanny is typically a trained professional who provides childcare as their primary occupation. Nannies often have formal qualifications or extensive childcare experience, usually work full-time or part-time on a professional basis, earn a regular salary, and typically do not live with the family (although live-in arrangements may exist).

3️⃣ Babysitter: Babysitters provide occasional childcare on an as-needed basis, usually during evenings or weekends. Babysitters do not typically have regular hours or formal contracts, and they are generally paid hourly rates for short-term care.

What is an au pair agreement?

An au pair agreement is a written contract between a host family and an au pair, clearly outlining the terms and conditions of the au pair’s stay with the family. The purpose of this agreement is to foster cultural exchange while ensuring both parties clearly understand their respective rights, duties, and expectations.

An au pair agreement typically covers important details such as childcare responsibilities, accommodation, stipend, working hours, and termination conditions.

Contents of an Au Pair Agreement

A thorough au pair agreement usually includes:

1. Details of Parties
   Names, addresses, and contact information of the host family and au pair.
    
2. Purpose and Duration of Stay
   Explanation of the cultural exchange purpose, start and end dates of the arrangement, and conditions for extensions.
    
3. Duties and Responsibilities
   Description of the au pair’s childcare duties, working hours, household responsibilities related to childcare, and the host family's obligations to provide accommodation, meals, support and time off.
    
4. Stipend and Payment Terms
   Amount, frequency, and method of payment.
    
5. Accommodation and Board
   Detailed description of living conditions, including privacy and comfort expectations.
    
6. Termination Conditions
   Conditions and procedures for early termination, including notice periods and immediate termination scenarios.
    
7. Confidentiality and House Rules (optional but recommended)
   Guidelines on privacy, confidentiality, and any specific household rules.
    
8. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
   Clarification of legal jurisdiction and the process for resolving disputes

Benefits of having an au pair agreement

Creating an au pair agreement has several important advantages:

• It sets clear expectations between the host family and the au pair as both parties clearly understand their responsibilities, reducing misunderstandings and conflict.
• Ensures that cultural exchange remains positive, structured, and beneficial for everyone involved.
• An au pair agreement provides both parties with documented protections should disagreements arise.
• Makes resolving potential disputes easier and quicker through established terms.

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Bind provides the easiest, quickest, and most reliable way to generate clear, accurate, and personalised au pair agreements and many other documents essential for everyday use.

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Common questions about au pair agreements

Do au pairs need an employment contract?
No, an au pair arrangement is considered a cultural exchange programme rather than formal employment. However, an agreement outlining responsibilities and expectations is strongly recommended.

Can the agreement terms be changed during the stay?
Yes, terms can be amended with mutual consent in writing, clearly specifying any changes agreed upon by both the host family and the au pair.

What happens if you don’t create an au pair agreement?
Without an au pair agreement, misunderstandings or disagreements about responsibilities, working conditions, or financial expectations can occur. Such conflicts can negatively impact family dynamics, cause stress for both parties, and potentially end the placement prematurely. A clearly defined agreement prevents many common issues by establishing mutual understanding and providing a framework for resolving disputes.

Typical Au Pair Pay in the UK

Even when au pairing is primarily a cultural exchange programme, the compensation should align with the UK's minimum wage regulations with an adjustment (deduction) made for accommodation and board provided by the host family.

For 2025 the National Minimum Wage in the UK are:

• £10.00 per hour for individuals aged 18–20
• £12.21 per hour for individuals aged 21 and over​

The accommodation offset is £10.66 per day (equivalent to £74.62 per week)and is deducted to account for the room and board provided by the host family.

EXAMPLE: An au pair aged 22 working 30 hours per week would earn

• 30 hours × £12.21 = £366.30
•  £366.30 − £74.62 (accommodation offset) = £291,68 per week

Au Pair Agreement – free template

Here is a professionally structured, clearly understandable free template you can use as your starting point:

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This Au Pair Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into on [Date], between:

Host Family
Host Family Name
Address
Contact information

Au Pair
Au Pair Name
Address
Contact information

Purpose
This Agreement sets out the terms under which the Au Pair will live with and assist the Host Family in exchange for accommodation, meals, and a stipend, fostering cultural exchange.

Term
The agreement is valid from [Start Date] to [End Date] unless terminated earlier or extended by mutual agreement.

Duties and Responsibilities

Au Pair:

1. Supervise and care for children. [specify by e.g. adding a daily or weekly schedule and working hours per week]
2. Assist with light household tasks related to childcare.
3. Adhere to the agreed daily schedule.
4. Respect family privacy and confidentiality. 

Host Family

1. Provide a private room with bathroom, meals, and household amenities.
2. Pay a stipend of [amount] [currency] per [month], payable on [payment date].
3. Pay for all activities and meals outside of the home when the Au Pair is asked to join in the capacity of providing childcare.
4. Treat the Au Pair respectfully and facilitate their cultural integration.
5. Ensure adequate time off for the Au Pair. [Specify]

Termination
Either party may terminate the agreement with four weeks’ written notice, or immediately in case of serious misconduct or significant breach of terms.

Governing Law:
This agreement is governed by the laws of [Country], with exclusive jurisdiction granted to the courts of [City].

Signatures
Date:
Host Family: 
Au Pair:

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Easily create your Au Pair Agreement with Bind

Creating a clear, customised au pair agreement is quick and straightforward with Bind:

1. Choose the Au Pair Agreement template from Bind.
2. Answer a few simple questions to customise the agreement to your situation. 
3. Bind automatically generates your agreement, which you can review and edit as needed.
4. Digitally sign and send the document to your au pair directly from the platform.

Create an Au Pair Agreement in minutes with Bind