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An au pair lives with a family and takes care of their children. The arrangement is mutually beneficial, as the au pair is typically provided with accommodation, meals, and spending money in addition to cultural experiences, while the family gains a caretaker for their children and member of the family. Expats may either work as au pairs or employ them.

Au Pair in Croatia

Being an au pair is not as common in Croatia as it is in other European countries. Few families seek caretakers on popular au pair websites, as they often seek caretakers locally or on a more personal level, through recommendations from friends and family.

There are no standard regulations that pertain to the relationship between the au pair and family, and there are no agencies to help you with the process.

Some expats in Croatia find work as caregivers or nannies (who may or may not live with the family) after they come to Croatia.

What the au pair must know

There are not any au pair agencies that specialize in bringing foreign au pairs to Croatia, meaning you must search for host families on your own, through forums, classifieds websites, or self-serve internet portals.

Typically, families want their au pair to:

• Be conversant in English (or dominant language)
• Be between 18-27 years old
• Have a High School diploma or equivalent
• Be able to commit to at least a 6 month placement
• Have at least 6 months child care experience
• Be able to provide references regarding your experience and character

In addition to these requirements, it is common for families to ask for non-smoking, female au pairs who have a driver' license. Many au pair families prefer native English speakers.

What the family has to do

Again, there are is no standard for au pairing in Croatia, so the au pair and the family must come to terms of agreement on their own.

Traditionally, the family is expected to welcomes the au pair as an important part of the family, ensuring that:

• The au pair has her own bedroom.
• The au pair will work to a maximum of 40 hours per week with a minimum 2 days off during the week.
• The au pair is not treated like a servant. Au pairs may be asked to do some housework as agreed upon in the contract.
• The au pair will receive assistance finding medical attention, if necessary.
• The au pair receives some sort of allowance.

You may look for a nanny or au pair in EasyExpat' job listings. You can also ask questions and find advice on the forums or network. Another great way to find a nanny for your expat family is to contact your embassy. They might have a list of caretakers that the embassy community knows and trusts.

Visa

Croatia does not offer a specific au pair visa. You may either apply for a temporary stay visa and work permit, or the family may offer to pay you "under the table," meaning that you likely won't have any sort of official contract or legal right to the money you earn.

It's best to communicate with your potential host family to determine what they have in mind and if they are willing to assist you with the visa process.

For more information on visas, consult the section on "Passport and Visas."