How many hours can an au pair work?
There is no worldwide au-pair hour limit. The host country and programme determine the rules, and responsible evening babysitting must be counted. Use the sourced country comparison and worked weekly schedule below before agreeing care hours. Keep an agreed record of tasks, breaks and time off.
An au pair schedule should protect the cultural-exchange purpose of the placement. That means enough free time for language learning, rest, friends, and local life, not just childcare cover.
What counts as working time
School runs, breakfast help, bath time, homework supervision, and light child-related household tasks.
Evening babysitting when the au pair is the responsible adult.
Time waiting in the home for children or parents if the au pair cannot freely use that time.
How to avoid schedule disputes
Write down regular hours and expected babysitting before arrival.
Track schedule changes and agree them in advance.
Give predictable days off and avoid treating the au pair like on-call staff.
Follow-up questions
Does evening babysitting count as au pair work?
Yes. If the au pair is responsible for the children, it should count toward the agreed working hours.
Can we add evening babysitting on top?
Include it in the agreed hours and check both daily and weekly limits. Adjust other duties and protect required rest; ask the programme or relevant authority if unsure.