Pocket money for au pairs

There are different regulations depending on the relevant country when it comes to the pocket money of an au pair. In some countries, the amount is fixed by law, in others it is determined by common sense. The following table lists the amount of pocket money in 20 host countries.

 

Good morning Stephanie. How much pocket money do you get in the various host countries? I would like to become an au pair in Italy.
(Candace, New Zealand)

There are different au pair programmes in Italy. They range from Demi Pair to Au Pair Plus. A Demi Pair working 15 hours per week receives a monthly pocket money of 120 euros. As an Au Pair Plus, you receive 300 euros. You should always include the amount of pocket money in your au pair contract.
Useful links: Au Pair Programme Italy

I would like to know if I receive my pocket money on a weekly or monthly basis?
(Elodie, France)

In many countries, pocket money is paid at the end of each month. In the UK au pairs typically receive their pocket money at the end of each week. We recommend that the pocket money is paid on a weekly basis in all other countries, as well. This includes those countries, in which a certain amount of pocket money is fixed on a monthly basis.
Useful links: Pocket money, UK

Hi Stephanie, are au pairs subject to paying taxes and having deductions to our pocket money? Or is it something that host families help us out with?
(Melissa from Ontario, Canada)

The question of whether the relevant amount of pocket money is subjet to taxation depends on the host country. We have carried out some research for Germany and Italy and other countries (you will find it below). You should also ask your host family to help you clarify this question. In this context, they can ask their tax consultant or the tax and revenue office in charge.
Useful links: Tax liability in Switzerland, Tax liability in Norway, Tax liability in Denmark, Tax liability in Finland,

Does the pocket money form part of my salary?
(Caren from Kenya, Africa)

An au pair placement is no job! Therefore, an au pair does not receive a salary, but a pocket money. Should any family offer you a salary, you should be careful. This respective "family" is most likely scam. Please, also bear in mind: the habitual pocket money offered in Europe merely suffices to cover your own living expenses. Therefore, you may not be able to financially support your relatives.  
Useful links: Please, never send any money!, The au pair is a family member for a certain period of time, no employee.

Is there any other cost the family needs to bear? 
(Anne-Gaëlle, France)

Your au pair is entitled to free board and lodging throughout his/her entire stay. This equally applies, should your au pair fall ill or have some time off. Your au pair usually bears his/her own travel expenses (round trip), as well as the cost for the visa. The host family pays for the au pair insurance. The au pair usually pays for the language course.
Useful links: How much will I have to pay for a year as an au pair?, Country life: Can you reasonably expect your au pair to take the long way to the next language course?

 

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Thank you very much for your questions! Unfortunately, we cannot answer all of them on this page. Therefore, we included some additional links: Travel expenses, How can I cut down on pocket money?, Visa and regulations, Should I pay the journey to our country for my au pair?, Language course