Family Frequently Asked Questions
What is an au pair?
Au Pairing is the oldest known cultural exchange programme. An Au Pair will come to the Ireland to learn English and experience Irish family life and is treated as a member of the family during their stay. For a definition of an Au Pair, Host Family or Agency please visit The European Committee for Au Pair Standards.
How many hours can an au pair pair work? Currently in Ireland, there is no legislation governing the au pair cultural exchange programme. In Ireland families are now obliged to pay minimum wage to an au pair as the au pair is considered to be an employee. For more information regarding minimum wages see citizen's information
As a guideline, The European Committee for Au Pair Standards has set certain conditions regarding au pairs' accommodation, working hours and free time as follows:
What are an au pair's duties?
An au pair's main duties are to care for the children. They can also be expected to do some light housework which can include:
-tidying up children's toys
-keeping children's room clean and tidy
-loading and emptying the dishwasher
-hanging out washing and taking washing in
-ironing the children's clothes
-making snacks and light meals for the children
-keeping the kitchen clean tidy
-dropping and collecting children to and from school
*We recommend that an au pair do up to 1 hour of light housework per day.
How much does an au pair placement cost?
KA Au Pair placement fees:
Au Pair Stay Placement Fee
up to 3 months €195
3-6 months €395
12 months €650 (this can be paid in monthly installments)
The above fees include an initial €50 search fee which is payable at the beginning of the placement process.
How much pocket money do I need to give to an au pair?
Please see our au pair programmes.
What are the visa requirements, if any, for au pairs?
All our au pairs are from within the European Union and do not require a visa to be an au pair.
What are the steps involved in getting an au pair?
Call (01) 485 3774 or email support@kaaupairagency.ie and we will do an assessment of your family's needs over the phone. We will then send you an Application Form for you to fill out and send back to us, together with some family photos. As soon as we receive this together with your search fee of €50, we will then email you all suitable au pair files for you to review.
Do you offer au pairs for Seniors / the Elderly?
Yes we do offer au pairs for Seniors, please call us at (01) 485 3774 or email support@kaaupairagency.ie we will guide you through the process.
What countries are your au pairs from?
Au Pairs are from all over Europe including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Norway, Finland and Hungary.
What type of security checks do you conduct on au pairs?
We work with our partner agencies throughout Europe. Our partner agencies carry out the following security checks as well as interviewing all au pairs:
-A minimum of 2 references
-A police clearance certificate
-A medical check
What happens if the au pair placement does not work out / there is a disagreement?
If an au pair placement doesn't work out, KA Au Pair Agency is on hand to try to mediate between the au pair and your family. We have both Irish and foreign staff that can facilitate this process. Please contact the agency immediately before any decisions are made on the family asking the Au Pair to leave. If the au pair placement does not work out, even following mediation, KA Au Pair Agency will provide a replacement au pair without charge. Terms and conditions apply.
Can you organise English Classes for our au pair?
Yes we can organise English classes for your au pair, this is possible in Dublin and across Ireland. We deal with a number of reputable English schools throughout Ireland and many of these schools offer a discount to our au pairs. If you would like us to organise English classes for your au pair please get in touch and we will do our best to help.
What au pair social programme are available?
We believe that a happy au pair is critical to a successful relationship between au pair and family. Au pair social programmes are organised regularly. We will contact all our au pairs to tell them about all upcoming social events. These events can either be an afternoon meet-up or could be a weekend trip away. They are a lovely way to see Ireland and to get to know other au pairs and make new friends!
Paediatric First Aid Classes
We run paediatric first aid class. These classes are suitable for au pairs or parents to attend. They cover temperature management, how to respond confidently in case of an emergency and more. To book into our First aid class please contact us at 01-485 3774.
Do you place au pairs to families outside the main cities in Ireland?
Yes, KA Au Pair Agency places au pairs across Ireland, in both rural and urban areas throughout the country.
Au Pairing is the oldest known cultural exchange programme. An Au Pair will come to the Ireland to learn English and experience Irish family life and is treated as a member of the family during their stay. For a definition of an Au Pair, Host Family or Agency please visit The European Committee for Au Pair Standards.
How many hours can an au pair pair work? Currently in Ireland, there is no legislation governing the au pair cultural exchange programme. In Ireland families are now obliged to pay minimum wage to an au pair as the au pair is considered to be an employee. For more information regarding minimum wages see citizen's information
As a guideline, The European Committee for Au Pair Standards has set certain conditions regarding au pairs' accommodation, working hours and free time as follows:
- Au pairs should be provided with their own heated and fully furnished room with adequate storage.
- Standard au pairs will usually work 30 hours per week.
- Au pairs may be required to carry out babysitting services once a week.
- Au pairs should be given 2 days off per week (1 of which should be on the weekend).
- Au pairs should be given a minimum of 2 weeks holidays (based on 12 month contract).
- Au pairs who wish to attend language classes or religious services should be given free time to do so.
- An agreement can be reached where a family pays their Au Pair overtime for longer hours worked.
What are an au pair's duties?
An au pair's main duties are to care for the children. They can also be expected to do some light housework which can include:
-tidying up children's toys
-keeping children's room clean and tidy
-loading and emptying the dishwasher
-hanging out washing and taking washing in
-ironing the children's clothes
-making snacks and light meals for the children
-keeping the kitchen clean tidy
-dropping and collecting children to and from school
*We recommend that an au pair do up to 1 hour of light housework per day.
How much does an au pair placement cost?
KA Au Pair placement fees:
Au Pair Stay Placement Fee
up to 3 months €195
3-6 months €395
12 months €650 (this can be paid in monthly installments)
The above fees include an initial €50 search fee which is payable at the beginning of the placement process.
How much pocket money do I need to give to an au pair?
Please see our au pair programmes.
What are the visa requirements, if any, for au pairs?
All our au pairs are from within the European Union and do not require a visa to be an au pair.
What are the steps involved in getting an au pair?
Call (01) 485 3774 or email support@kaaupairagency.ie and we will do an assessment of your family's needs over the phone. We will then send you an Application Form for you to fill out and send back to us, together with some family photos. As soon as we receive this together with your search fee of €50, we will then email you all suitable au pair files for you to review.
Do you offer au pairs for Seniors / the Elderly?
Yes we do offer au pairs for Seniors, please call us at (01) 485 3774 or email support@kaaupairagency.ie we will guide you through the process.
What countries are your au pairs from?
Au Pairs are from all over Europe including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Norway, Finland and Hungary.
What type of security checks do you conduct on au pairs?
We work with our partner agencies throughout Europe. Our partner agencies carry out the following security checks as well as interviewing all au pairs:
-A minimum of 2 references
-A police clearance certificate
-A medical check
What happens if the au pair placement does not work out / there is a disagreement?
If an au pair placement doesn't work out, KA Au Pair Agency is on hand to try to mediate between the au pair and your family. We have both Irish and foreign staff that can facilitate this process. Please contact the agency immediately before any decisions are made on the family asking the Au Pair to leave. If the au pair placement does not work out, even following mediation, KA Au Pair Agency will provide a replacement au pair without charge. Terms and conditions apply.
Can you organise English Classes for our au pair?
Yes we can organise English classes for your au pair, this is possible in Dublin and across Ireland. We deal with a number of reputable English schools throughout Ireland and many of these schools offer a discount to our au pairs. If you would like us to organise English classes for your au pair please get in touch and we will do our best to help.
What au pair social programme are available?
We believe that a happy au pair is critical to a successful relationship between au pair and family. Au pair social programmes are organised regularly. We will contact all our au pairs to tell them about all upcoming social events. These events can either be an afternoon meet-up or could be a weekend trip away. They are a lovely way to see Ireland and to get to know other au pairs and make new friends!
Paediatric First Aid Classes
We run paediatric first aid class. These classes are suitable for au pairs or parents to attend. They cover temperature management, how to respond confidently in case of an emergency and more. To book into our First aid class please contact us at 01-485 3774.
Do you place au pairs to families outside the main cities in Ireland?
Yes, KA Au Pair Agency places au pairs across Ireland, in both rural and urban areas throughout the country.
Family Testimonial
'Thank you so much for my wonderful au pair. Ana is part of our family we love her to bits.
Regards from a very grateful Mom'
'Monica, Sligo, February 2014
'Thank you so much for my wonderful au pair. Ana is part of our family we love her to bits.
Regards from a very grateful Mom'
'Monica, Sligo, February 2014
