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. The idea of being an au pair is becoming more common in the Czech Republic. Expats have both found work, and employed, au pairs.

What the au pair must know

Basic application criteria vary from agency to agency, there are a few typical requirements:
• Be conversant in English and preferably some Czech
• 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.

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 they will make sure:
• 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. Average pay should be the equivalent of US$140 per week. This should be written into the contract.

Au Pair Agencies

You could find a list of Au Pair agencies for Czech Republic on the Internet.

EasyExpat lists Au Pair positions in the Classifieds for Czech Republic.

Another excellent place to look is in expat forums. Here, other expats can give advice on the services they use and what to look for.

Visa

An au pair will need to apply for a long stay visa. If hired through an agency, the agency usually guides the au pair through the process.

Required documents:
• Application form - completed and signed by the applicant
• Passport
• 2 recent passport-sized photographs
• Proof of accommodation in the Czech Republic (i.e. notarized statement from the owner saying you are provided for or a notarized copy of the rental contract)
• A Czech criminal history record (which can be applied for at the embassy along with the visa)
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of sufficient funds (the amount depends on the purpose of your stay)

In addition, a work permit will be required. Along with the other requirements, a work contract with the prospective employer will need to be supplied.

For more information on visa, consult the section on Passport and visas.

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