Au Pair Working Hours: UK, Germany & Country Rules

Country rules before a weekly schedule

• Germany: the official au-pair programme allows at most 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week, including babysitting. It also requires at least 1.5 free days a week and four free evenings; other programme conditions apply.

• USA: the standard BridgeUSA au-pair programme permits up to 10 hours a day and 45 hours a week. EduCare has a 30-hour weekly limit. The designated sponsor must confirm the applicable programme and conditions.

• UK: a 30-hour week is a possible agreed schedule, not a universal au-pair legal cap. Au pairs are entitled to minimum wage. Check employment status, working-time rules, rest and paid holiday before agreeing hours.

A worked German schedule: 30 hours, with time to study

Monday to Friday: 07:00–09:00 and 15:00–19:00 gives 6 hours per day and 30 per week. Saturday and Sunday are free. Keep the middle of the day free for language classes, travel and personal time; do not silently add errands or on-call duties. This is an example to adapt, not a placement agreement.

For one hour of evening babysitting on Tuesday, remove one hour from Tuesday afternoon so the daily total stays at 6 and the weekly total at 30. Keep at least four evenings free. Last-minute changes should be mutually agreed, not demanded. If the family needs more cover, arrange separate help rather than extending this programme schedule.

Agree and record the actual care time

• Write down school runs, childcare, agreed household tasks, evening cover, breaks and time off before arrival.

• Record actual hours and review changes together each week. A nominal break is not free time if the au pair remains responsible for the children.

• Confirm programme eligibility, holidays, insurance and language-course obligations using the official sources; hours alone do not establish eligibility.

Official sources, reviewed 9 October 2026