HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

If you are eager to experience Spain's rich culture by living with a local family and assisting with childcare, there are various avenues to make this a reality. While there isn't an official au pair visa specifically designated for Spain, there are pathways for au pairs from select non-EU English-speaking countries to come and work in the country for an extended period.

In this article, we'll explore some of the options available to individuals seeking to work as au pairs in Spain for more than three months.

Understanding the Role of an Au Pair

An au pair is akin to a nanny, primarily responsible for helping a family with childcare duties. Unlike professional nannies, au pairs typically lack specific childcare qualifications. They are often recruited from overseas to provide children with an opportunity to learn a new language.

Au pairs typically reside with the host family, receiving accommodations and meals in return for their services, which usually include a modest stipend rather than a full salary. In addition to childcare, some families may request assistance with cooking and light housekeeping.

Au pair schedules may only require them to work part of the day, such as taking children to school and caring for them after school until their parents return from work or bedtime. This can provide au pairs with valuable free time to pursue studies or learn the Spanish language.

Who is the Au Pair Visa in Spain for?

The Au Pair visa for Spain is designed for young individuals interested in working with a host family in Spain. This exchange program allows au pairs to assist host families with household tasks and childcare in exchange for lodging, regular meals, a small allowance, and a cultural experience.

To be considered an au pair, several key factors must be met:

• The au pair must reside at the same address as the host family upon arrival in Spain.
• The services provided should be complementary to the primary purpose.
• Au pairs should not receive a salary for their services but rather a modest "pocket money" typically provided weekly.

What should be Included in an Au Pair Agreement

To ensure a clear understanding and avoid any potential misunderstandings, it's essential for Au Pair visa applicants to have a comprehensive Au Pair agreement in place. This agreement serves as a legally binding document that outlines key aspects of the exchange program, including roles, responsibilities, and expectations between the host family and the Au Pair. Below are some critical elements that should be included in the Au Pair agreement:

• Residence Details: The agreement should provide the address of the host family's residence where the Au Pair will be living, ideally including a map or detailed description for reference.
• Contract Duration: Clearly specify the duration of the contract, which should not exceed one year, with precise start and end dates.
• Household Duties: Define the expected household duties that the Au Pair will be responsible for. These duties should not exceed a maximum of five hours per day to ensure a fair balance.
• Weekly Day Off: Include provisions for the Au Pair to have at least one day off each week. Furthermore, stipulate that at least one of the free days in each month should be a Sunday, allowing for consistent and predictable time off.
• Pocket Money: Clearly state the agreed-upon monthly pocket money that the host family will provide to the Au Pair. This financial arrangement should be specified in the agreement to prevent any confusion or disputes.
• Termination Clause: Outline the circumstances under which either party, the Au Pair or the host family, may terminate the agreement. Include a notice period of at least two weeks to allow for an orderly transition in case of contract termination.

Having a well-defined Au Pair agreement in place is not only a legal requirement but also a valuable tool for establishing a harmonious living and working arrangement between the Au Pair and the host family. It ensures that both parties understand their respective roles and responsibilities, fostering a positive and mutually beneficial experience during the exchange program.

Eligibility Requirements for Au Pairs in Spain

Eligibility requirements for au pairs in Spain can vary based on the applicant's nationality:

For EU Citizens:

• Age between 17 and 30 years.
• Proficiency in specific languages like Spanish, English, French, or German.
• A clean criminal record.

For Non-EU Citizens (Including British):

• Age between 17 and 30 years.
• Language proficiency in Spanish, English, French, or German.
• A clean criminal record.
• At least an intermediate school certificate or a university degree.
• Sufficient funds to cover visa, travel, and other au pair-related expenses.

How to Apply for an Au Pair Program in Spain

To initiate the au pair application process in Spain, follow these steps:

• Ensure you meet all the requirements for an Au Pair visa.
• Find a host family in Spain, which can be done through online platforms such as aupair.com. Register your profile and engage with potential host families.
• Verify that your passport is valid for the entirety of your stay in Spain.
• Read and sign the au pair agreement with the host family, clarifying all expectations.
• If you are a non-EU citizen staying in Spain for more than three months, apply for the Au Pair visa for Spain (Spanish Student visa).
• Ensure you have a European Health Card (EHIC/GHIC) or private health insurance for safety during your stay, especially if you are a UK national.

Required Documents for an Au Pair Visa for Spain

When applying for an Au Pair visa for Spain, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Recent digital passport-sized colour photos.
• Valid passport.
• Signed au pair agreement between you and the host family.
• Proof of enrollment in a Spanish course.
• Evidence of financial means to cover living expenses, course fees, and travel costs (typically around £3950 in your bank account).
• Medical certificate affirming good health.
• Recent criminal background check (no older than three months).
• Proof of residence, such as a driver's licence, student card, rental agreement, or bank statement.
• Notarised invitation letter from the host family (for stays shorter than six months).
• Payment of the visa application fee.
• For minors, a parent's identity document or passport and a document confirming the parent-child relationship, such as a birth certificate.

Au Pair Visa Application Process

To apply for an Au Pair visa for Spain, you must schedule an appointment at your nearest Spanish consulate.

Prepare all required documents and ensure that they are submitted during your visa appointment. If the applicant is a minor, one of their parents should apply on their behalf.

Each appointment covers one person and one passport, so accompanying parents should book additional appointments if needed.

Submit your application before your study period begins, as consulates may need to consult other authorities to determine your eligibility.

Processing Time and Costs

You can expect to receive a decision on your visa application within approximately one month from the day following submission. However, this period may be longer if interviews or additional documents are requested.

Once your Au Pair visa for Spain is approved, it must be collected in person by you or your parents if you are a minor. The visa should be collected within two months after approval, and the consulate will provide instructions on the process and the return of original documents.

The cost of the Au Pair visa varies and is dependent on your nationality, more information can be found at https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/londres/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-estudios.aspx

What to Do in Case of a Denied Au Pair Visa Application for Spain

In the event that your Au Pair visa application for Spain is denied, you will receive written notification explaining the grounds for the refusal. In response to a visa denial, you have several options:

• Reapplication: You may choose to submit a fresh visa application. Ensure that you address the issues that led to the initial refusal to improve your chances of approval.
• Appeal: Another option is to file an appeal for reconsideration directly with the consulate that denied your visa. Provide additional documentation or address any concerns raised in the refusal notification.
• Contentious-Administrative Appeal: For a more formal recourse, you can file a contentious-administrative appeal before the High Court of Justice in Madrid. This option is available within two months following a visa refusal. It involves a legal process to contest the decision, and you may want to seek legal advice or representation for this step.

Each of these options offers a pathway to address a denied Au Pair visa application and potentially obtain a favourable outcome. It is essential to carefully review the reasons for the refusal and take appropriate action to rectify any issues before pursuing one of these avenues.