Contract

You and your family should clarify in advance what you expect from each other and sign a contract in which the most important points are defined. Thus, you can avoid future disappointments. You should use the official au pair contract according to the European Agreement.

You will find more useful information and details to the conditions of your au pair stay on our page Pocket money, working hours, time off & Co.

Termination

The legal period of notice is 14 days. Both the au pair and the host family need this time in order to find a replacement or organise the return trip.

Health insurance

It is not possible to register au pairs with the national insurance scheme in Spain.

Prior to your departure, you should get in touch with your health insurance company in your own country to find out whether you will be fully covered throughout your entire stay in Spain. You should know in which particular cases you will benefit from full coverage, for how long and which formalities you need to take care of. You should also ask your host family to contact their local Seguridad Social for more information.

According to your country of origin, you have different options.

Are you an EU citizen?

If you intend to work as an au pair in Spain less than three months, you are covered by your European Health Insurance Card. Should you not have this card yet, you need to apply for it with your insurance company before leaving your country.

If you stay in Spain for more than three months, your European Health Insurance Card, which you apply for in your own country, will cover you in case of grave illness, accident or maternity. To benefit from primary health care, it is necessary that you contact your health insurance to obtain an S1 Form (former E-106). Fill in the document and take it to your local Seguridad Social to have it stamped, as soon as you have arrived in Spain. You will then receive a card which entitles you to primary health care at a medical centre (ambulatorio). Should you not be able to apply for an S1 Form at your health insurance company, you need to take out a private insurance in Spain to be able to benefit from primary health care on the spot. There are various insurance companies in Spain where you can take out your private insurance. Ask your host family to help you find an insurance which meets your needs. 

Are you a non-EU citizen?

Should your country not have signed a bilateral agreement on medical assistance with Spain, you need to take out a private health insurance. There are various insurance companies in Spain where you can take out your private insurance. Ask your host family to help you choose an insurance which meets your needs. 

Spain has signed the European Agreement on the Au Pair Placement on the condition that au pairs and host familiesequally share the total cost of contributions for private health insurances.

Car driving and driving licence

Usually, host families prefer an au pair who has a driving licence. Having enough driving experience is also expected.

Most probably, as an au pair you will be driving the car of your host family. Issues of insurance and liability should be clarified in advance. Should any damages result from an accident, it should be clear who pays for them.

If you wish to drive in Spain, you should first find out whether or not your driving licence is valid there.

Be on the safe side:

• Have you already spoken with your host family on the telephone to find out how well you get along with each other? For more safety tips, visit our page Tips for au pairs.

• Having good knowledge of the language spoken in the host country enables you to express your needs and wishes in the beginning. Especially in case of illness, having some adequate vocabulary will certainly help you.