Au Pair Permit (Jeune au Pair)
Young people living with a host family, learning French while helping with childcare.
The Au Pair Permit (Jeune au Pair) is a French study & graduate visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€99 visa + OFII validation tax) and processing time (~2-4 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Au Pair Permit (Jeune au Pair) is for
Young people living with a host family, learning French while helping with childcare.
No direct PR path; switch to study or work permit to remain.
Au Pair Permit (Jeune au Pair) - eligibility criteria
- Aged roughly 18-30
- Au pair placement agreement with a host family
- Enrolment in French-language courses
- Basic knowledge of French
- Valid passport and clean record
Au Pair Permit (Jeune au Pair) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Au Pair Permit (Jeune au Pair) (France) is ~€99 visa + OFII validation tax, with an indicative processing time of ~2-4 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at France-Visas.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a French consulate abroad (VLS-TS) |
| Length of stay | Up to 12 months |
| Work rights | Childcare/light tasks for the host family only |
| Study rights | Enrolment in French-language study |
| Government fee | ~€99 visa + OFII validation tax |
| Processing time | ~2-4 weeks |
| Route to PR | No direct PR path; switch to study or work permit to remain. |
Pathway & next steps
No direct PR path; switch to study or work permit to remain.
Many applicants also compare Étudiant · Student Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant), Stagiaire · Trainee / Intern Permit (Stagiaire), WHV (PVT) · Working Holiday Visa (Programme Vacances-Travail). Run a free VisaChief check to see which French route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Au Pair Permit (Jeune au Pair) pitfalls we fix
Au Pair Permit (Jeune au Pair) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Au Pair Permit (Jeune au Pair) cost?
The Au Pair Permit (Jeune au Pair) government fee is ~€99 visa + OFII validation tax. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at France-Visas before applying.
How long does the Au Pair Permit (Jeune au Pair) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-4 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Au Pair Permit (Jeune au Pair) lead to permanent residence?
No direct PR path; switch to study or work permit to remain.
Can I work on the Au Pair Permit (Jeune au Pair)?
Work rights: Childcare/light tasks for the host family only.
Who can apply for the Au Pair Permit (Jeune au Pair)?
Young people living with a host family, learning French while helping with childcare.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official France government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- France-Visas - official France immigration authority