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France · Working holiday

Temporary residence card "au pair"

Who it's for: Young non-European people hosted by a family in France in exchange for light housework and childcare, under an agreement with the family.

Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.

Last checked 3 Nov 2026

Requirements at a glance

  • Language: Have a basic knowledge of the French language or have a secondary education or professional qualifications
  • Age limit: 18 to 30
  • Main fee: €250
  • Decision time: 90 days

Figures and costs

Approximate, at rates of 27 Oct 2026. Banks use different rates.
Figures for the Temporary residence card "au pair"
ItemAmountIn your currencySource
Main fee€250—service-public.gouv.frOfficial · 3 Nov 2026

Figures marked check could not be confirmed on a live official page, or come from a secondary source.

What the official pages say

4 points recorded from official pages. Open a point to see the official wording.

  • LanguageHave a basic knowledge of the French language or have a secondary education or professional qualificationsOfficial wording
    “Have a basic knowledge of the French language or have a secondary education or professional qualifications”
  • Age limit18 to 30Official wording
    “Be between 18 and 30 years old”
  • Main fee€250Official wording
    “You have to settle €100 by tax stamps when validating, on your arrival, the long-stay visa as a residence permit then €150 when issuing a first residence permit”
  • Decision time90 daysOfficial wording
    “The prefecture has a period of 90 days, from the filing of the complete application, to take a decision on the issuance of this card”

We have not yet recorded: Job offer needed; Study place needed; Minimum education; Work experience; Money to show; Salary threshold; Family can join; Can lead to permanent residence; Occupation list. That does not mean there is no rule — confirm on the official page. Official page.

All visa types in France

Every visa type we have listed, grouped by purpose, with links to the official pages.

France visa types

Before you pay anyone

  • Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
  • UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
  • German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
  • Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.
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