An au pair is in charge of taking care of the children and lives within the home of the family. The au pair is provided accommodation and meals and a stipend of spending money. The family gains a loving caretaker for their children and an addition to the family. Expats have both found work and employed au pairs.
Au Pair in Sofia
An au pair is a common position in Sofia, especially amongst diplomats. Families enjoy having an au pair to speak their native tongue as well as the Bulgarian language.
Their main duty is to care for the family's children and is common to do light to heavy chores around the household or run errands. Sometimes the family require English teaching lessons.
What an Au Pair Must Know
Basic application criteria vary from agency to agency, but there are a few typical requirements:
- Be conversant in English or Bulgarian
- Be between 18-27 years old
- Have a High School diploma or equivalent
- Be able to commit to at least a 6 month placement
- Have at least 6 months child care experience
- Be able to provide 3 references regarding your experience and character
- Be in good physical and mental condition as evidenced by a Physician's Report. Agree to a background check.
In addition to these requirements, it is common for families to ask for non-smoking, possession of driver's license, responsible or non-drinkers, and for females. Many au pair families prefer native English speakers. Some agencies may also require time spent tutoring.
What the Family Has To Do
The family has to welcome the au pair in thinking that she is not just an employee, but an important part of the family. Therefore:
- The au pair must have her own bedroom.
- The au pair will work to a maximum of 40 hours per week with a minimum 2 days off during the week.
- They understand that having an au pair does not mean having a servant. Au pairs may be asked to do some housework as agreed upon in the contract.
- It may be of benefit to register the au pair at the family doctor.
- The family should pay an allowance, with the amount written into the contract.
You may look for a nanny on EasyExpat's job listings. You can also ask questions and find advice on the forums or network.
Au Pair Visa in Bulgaria
If hired through an agency, the agency usually guides the au pair through the process. Au pairs in Bulgaria must obtain either a long-term visa or residency visa.
For more information on visas in general, consult the section on "Passport and Visas".
Update 6/06/2018
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