Au Pair Permit
Young people aged 17-30 living with a Swiss host family to help with childcare and learn a language.
The Au Pair Permit is a Swiss work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~CHF 65-150 cantonal fee (plus agency costs)) and processing time (~6-10 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Au Pair Permit is for
Young people aged 17-30 living with a Swiss host family to help with childcare and learn a language.
Temporary cultural-exchange stay with no settlement pathway.
Au Pair Permit - eligibility criteria
- Aged roughly 17-30 (varies by canton)
- Placement with a host family via a recognised agency
- Enrolment in a language course
- Non-EU au pairs face stricter cantonal conditions
Au Pair Permit cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Au Pair Permit (Switzerland) is ~CHF 65-150 cantonal fee (plus agency costs), with an indicative processing time of ~6-10 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Apply to the cantonal authorities via an approved placement agency |
| Length of stay | Up to 12 months |
| Work rights | Light household/childcare duties for the host family |
| Study rights | Compulsory language course |
| Government fee | ~CHF 65-150 cantonal fee (plus agency costs) |
| Processing time | ~6-10 weeks |
| Route to PR | Temporary cultural-exchange stay with no settlement pathway. |
Pathway & next steps
Temporary cultural-exchange stay with no settlement pathway.
Many applicants also compare Trainee · Trainee / Young Professional Permit, Student · Residence Permit for Study. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Swiss route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Au Pair Permit pitfalls we fix
Au Pair Permit - frequently asked questions
How much does the Au Pair Permit cost?
The Au Pair Permit government fee is ~CHF 65-150 cantonal fee (plus agency costs). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) before applying.
How long does the Au Pair Permit take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~6-10 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Au Pair Permit lead to permanent residence?
Temporary cultural-exchange stay with no settlement pathway.
Can I work on the Au Pair Permit?
Work rights: Light household/childcare duties for the host family.
Who can apply for the Au Pair Permit?
Young people aged 17-30 living with a Swiss host family to help with childcare and learn a language.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Switzerland government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) - official Switzerland immigration authority