Can an Au Pair Babysit for Other Families?

Extra money can be tempting, but before accepting another babysitting job, au pairs and host families need to understand the rules.

Imagine your au pair tells you she wants to babysit for another family on her day off. She wants some extra spending money, perhaps for travelling or saving for the future. You understand why. But you also worry that she might become exhausted, that your childcare arrangements could be affected, or that the extra work might not be allowed under her visa.

For the au pair, it may feel like a personal decision. For the host family, it raises questions about reliability and responsibility. A recent online discussion highlighted this dilemma. But before either side makes assumptions, there is one important thing to check: is additional paid babysitting actually permitted?

Can an au pair legally work for another family?

The answer depends on the country and the au pair's immigration status.

In Germany, au pair employment is a specific arrangement intended to support cultural exchange and language learning while helping with childcare and everyday household tasks. Official guidance limits au pair duties to six hours per day and 30 hours per week. Babysitting for the host family counts towards these hours. German Federal Employment Agency.

An au pair residence permit for a non-EU national is linked to authorised au pair employment. It should not be assumed that this permit also allows paid babysitting for another family. Before accepting outside work, the au pair should check the conditions printed on their residence document and ask the local immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde) whether separate permission is required.

In the United States, au pairs participate in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Programme. The US Department of State explains that a second job is not automatically prohibited under programme regulations, but the au pair must consult their sponsor first. The sponsor must approve and vet the additional job. 

The takeaway is simple: don't accept extra work based on what a friend does or what someone online says is allowed. Check the rules that apply to your own situation.

Why might an au pair want extra money?

Wanting additional income doesn't automatically mean an au pair is unhappy with their host family. They may want to save for a trip, cover personal expenses or support relatives back home. Even when accommodation and meals are provided, an au pair may have financial goals that their monthly allowance cannot easily cover.

Host families may have different concerns. They need their au pair to be rested, reliable and able to fulfil the agreed childcare responsibilities. Both perspectives are understandable. The important thing is to discuss the concern without assuming the other person has bad intentions.

What about tiredness and free time?

An au pair's free time should not be treated as an extension of their working hours. Living with a family doesn't mean being permanently available. At the same time, taking on additional work could leave someone with too little time to rest, especially if their regular schedule is already demanding.

Host families should focus on reasonable working hours, clear responsibilities and the au pair's well-being rather than trying to control every personal decision. Au pairs should consider whether extra commitments could affect their health, rest or agreed duties. And if outside work isn't legally permitted, having enough free time does not make it permissible.

Have the conversation before problems arise

If you're a host family, discuss working hours, days off and expectations around availability before the placement begins. If your au pair asks about additional work, listen to their reasons and check the applicable rules together. If you're an au pair, ask questions before accepting any outside job. Check your visa or residence conditions, consult your programme sponsor where applicable, and get confirmation from the relevant authority if you're unsure.

A good match is built on independence, responsibility and honest communication.

At Auost, we believe that clear expectations help both au pairs and host families avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. A conversation about money or free time may feel awkward at first, but it's much easier than dealing with the consequences of an assumption.

Because a positive au pair experience should give everyone room to thrive while respecting the rules that make the arrangement possible.