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An au pair is in charge of taking care of the children and lives within the home of the family. The au pair is provided accommodation and meals and a stipend of spending money. The family gains a loving caretaker for their children and an addition to the family. The idea of being an au pair is common in Luxembourg. Expats have both found work, and employed, au pairs.

Contracts

Au pairs must have a valid employment contract to work in Luxembourg. It must include working hours and nature of duties. The employee must be declared to the Centre Commun de la Securite Sociale (CCSS). Registration is simple, but must be completed.

Contributions towards benefits are calculated by the CCSS and are paid by the employer each month. The employee is covered by the health insurance system in case of illness, maternity or accidents and contributes towards retirement benefits.

What the au pair must know

Basic application criteria vary from agency to agency, there are a few typical requirements:
• Be conversant in French, German, or English (language classes will usually be provided)
• 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 3 references regarding your experience and character
• Be in good physical and mental condition as evidenced by a Physician's Report. Agree to a background check.

In addition to these requirements, it is common for families to ask for non-smoking, possession of driver's license, responsible or non-drinkers, and for females. Some agencies may also require time spent tutoring.

What the family has to do

The family has to welcome the au pair in thinking that she is not just an employee, but an important part of the family. Therefore they will make sure:
• The au pair must have 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.
• They understand that having an au pair does not mean having a servant. Au pairs may be asked to do some housework as agreed upon in the contract.
• It may be of benefit to register the au pair at the family doctor.
• The family should pay an allowance. The amount should be written into the contract.

Au pair Agencies

EasyExpat lists Au Pair positions in the Classified's for Luxembourg. Another excellent place to look is in expat forums where expats can give advice on the services they use and what to look for.

Visa

If hired through an agency, the agency usually guides the au pair through the process.

Long-stay visas cannot be obtained or changed once you're in Luxembourg. Apply in advance for authorization to stay (Autorisation de sejour). Applications must be made to the Immigration Office:
Direction de l'Immigration du ministere des Affaires etrangeres
Address: 12-16,avenue Monterey, L-2163 Luxembourg
Telephone: 24 78 40 40
Website: http://www.gouvernement.lu/ministeres/mae.html

Required Documents:
• Birth certificate
• Marriage or divorce certificates
• Application form
• Passport-type photos
• Medical certificate of good health from an approved doctor
• Certificate of good conduct
• Proof of financial means
• Proof of health insurance
• Au pair contract

All documents not in French, German or English should be translated into one of these languages by a sworn translator. They must be authenticated with an apostille certificate or notarized from a competent authority in the applicant's place of residence.

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