Many au pairs wonder: “Can I get a job while I’m in France as an au pair?”
The short answer is: no, you can’t — and not because we don’t trust you, but because the law is very clear.
Let us explain.
A unique and protected status
Being an au pair in France is not a job, and it’s not a side hustle either. It’s a cultural and linguistic exchange, with very specific legal rules.
To be an au pair in France, you must:
Have an au pair long-stay visa, or
Be an EU citizen with a signed hosting agreement (“convention d’accueil”).
This status does not allow any other paid work outside of your au pair duties.
What au pairs can do
As an au pair in France, you’re allowed to:
Help with childcare and light housework (up to 25 to 30 hours per week, depending on your country of origin),
Receive pocket money (€400/month),
Attend French classes (at a university or a language school).
You are not an employee. You’re a temporary family member.
What au pairs cannot do
You cannot:
Get a job elsewhere (restaurant, babysitting, deliveries, etc.),
Work freelance or run your own business,
Work more hours than agreed in your contract.
Doing so would break the rules of your visa and put your stay in France at risk.
Why is this so strict?
Because being an au pair is not a job — it’s a chapter of learning and sharing.
It’s about building bridges between cultures, not earning money.
The idea is for you to learn French, discover our culture, and feel like part of the family — safely, and with respect.
It’s more than just work — it’s a life experience
At Butrfly, we believe being an au pair is an unforgettable human adventure.
It’s about growth, connections, and mutual understanding — not employment.
And for the magic to work, everyone needs to follow the rules.
