Allowed au pair tasks vs illegal work

The legal frame

Au pair placements rest on a written agreement and light family or household tasks, with time to attend language courses. Where a country caps hours (for example 5 hours a day and 25 hours a week in France), that cap is a hard limit, not a target.

• Family or household tasks: childcare, light housework.
• Respect the country cap (e.g. France: 5 h/day, 25 h/week).
• The au pair receives lodging, board and pocket money.
• Declare the placement through the official channel (e.g. Urssaf in France).

Allowed tasks

• Caring for children: play, homework, meals, bath, bedtime.
• Taking children to school and activities.
• Light housework linked to family life.
• Joining family life and improving the host language.

Not allowed / signs of illegal work

Going beyond the frame becomes illegal work. That is a legal and social-security risk, and a common reason placements break down.

• Regularly exceeding the legal daily or weekly hours.
• Assigning non-family work (heavy labour, security, a business activity).
• Making the au pair work for third parties (neighbours, friends) for pay.
• Paying part of the money undeclared, on top of the official declaration.
• Replacing a qualified employee with an au pair in a full-time role.

Best practice

• Write the tasks and hours into the signed agreement.
• Keep a simple, verifiable weekly schedule.
• Pay pocket money and contributions through declared channels.
• Read and sign the agreement together.