Au Pair in Italy: the steps to follow
The “Au Pair” solution is a perfect symbiosis of exchanging experiences. Italian families can share their culture by welcoming an au pair into their home. In return, they will have a responsible and flexible solution for their children.
There are some requirements to be met by both parties. The family must:
• have at least one child under the age of 18
• be able to support expenses such as the Au Pair’s salary, meals and health insurance
• have a private room for the Au Pair inside the house
• have a different nationality from that of the Au Pair
• family members speak Italian at home
Au pairs can come from both European countries and non-European countries. Obviously, the procedure and the necessary documents vary depending on the country of origin and the length of stay.
If the au pair is a European citizen, an identity card or passport will be sufficient to enter in Italy. In case she intends to stay in Italy for more than 3 months, she must, obligatorily, register in the City Hall of the municipality where the family is resident and then request the tax code.
The host family is required to submit the “Declaration of hospitality” to the local public safety authority within 48 hours after the au pair’s arrival.
The procedure is different for non-EU citizens who need a visa and a declaration of hospitality for stays up to 90 days or a visa, and subsequently a residence permit, in case of longer stay.
Generally for Au Pairs there are provided visas for tourism, working holiday or study. In this case, the au pair should also attend an Italian language course in an accredited school for the release of the Visa, that includes, at least, 20 hours of lessons per week .
To submit the visa application at the Italian Embassy or Consulate, typically the required documentation include:
• request form
• valid passport
• passport-sized photos
• prove of financial resources
• return ticket or proven resources for the purchase of the same
• payment of the related administrative fees
• accommodation (declaration of hospitality by the host family)
Within 8 days from the arrival in Italy, accompanied by the host family, the au pair must submit an application for a residence permit at the Immigration Office of the police headquarters, where they must present:
• the application form
• 4 passport-sized photos
• a € 16 revenue stamp
• the passport with the Working Holiday or Study Visa
• enrollment in the study course
• a copy of the passport
