How to Apply for a Spain Au Pair Visa Online and In-person
This article explains how to apply for a Spain Au Pair visa online and in person.
Are you thinking of studying abroad in Spain? If yes, you should consider applying for a visa to live and work in this beautiful country. This way, you can gain valuable work experience and improve your language skills while studying in Spain.
Spain is a beautiful place to visit or even settle down. The country has lovely cities, stunning beaches, and warm people. Furthermore, it provides a diverse range of opportunities for students.
To apply for a visa, you’ll need to send a letter of invitation from your employer. You must also provide details about your qualifications, salary, and references. This article will give you some insight into the application procedure. Let’s get started!
What is a Spain Au Pair Visa?
A Spain au pair visa is a long-stay visa that allows young people to work as au pairs with a Spanish family for up to 12 months. You must be between 18 and 30, have some experience working with children, and meet specific language requirements to qualify for this visa.
Obtaining a Spain au pair visa is a simple process. First, you must find a Spanish family willing to host you as an au pair. If you meet the following requirements, you can apply for a Spain Au Pair visa:
- You are between the ages of 18 and 30.
- You can communicate in Spanish, English, French, or German.
- You understand at least basic Spanish.
- You don’t have any children.
- You must first find a host family before applying.
Who can Apply for a Spain Au Pair Visa?
Who can apply for Au pair Spain Visa depends on two factors: the length of your intended stay, and your nationality, both influence your visa application.
If your intended stay is less than three months, you will not need a visa if:
- You are a citizen of the EU/EEA.
- You are a citizen of one of the 62 countries covered by the Schengen visa-free zone.
Suppose you intend to stay for more than three months. In that case, you will only need a visa if you are a national of a European Union member country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland.
Check out our article on who needs a Spain visa to find out who needs to apply for the other Spain visa types.
How to Apply for a Spain Au Pair Visa Online?
Spain is an excellent choice for an au pair visa because the process is relatively simple, and there are countless job opportunities. First, however, you must follow some procedures and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. Here’s what you need to do:
#1 Find a Host Family in Spain.
This is the first thing you should do after ensuring that you meet the eligibility requirements for an Au Pair Visa in Spain, which are listed at the beginning of the article. You can find such a family in various ways, including online or through friends.
When you find this family, you and the hosting family should sign an agreement stating:
- You will look after the host family’s children or assist with light household chores.
- You will only work 5 hours per day.
- The host family has one single room available for you.
- You will be fed seven days a week by your host family.
- The host family will give you pocket money ranging from €50 to €70.
- You can take at least one day off per week, with a total of one week of paid leave every six months.
- Finally, the agreement is valid for at least one month and up to one year.
#2 Find out when and where you can apply for a Spain Au Pair Visa.
Next, determine where you must submit your application. The Spanish authorities regulate this process differs depending on your home country. You may need to apply at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. The third option is to apply at a visa application center in your country, to which Spain has outsourced visa applications.
Contact the Spanish diplomatic representation in your country of residence for more information.
You must ensure that your application is submitted on time. It is important to note that you must apply at least 90 days before your trip to Spain. However, use at least five weeks before your trip in case of embassy processing delays.
#3 Gather the Required Documents for an Au Pair Visa in Spain
Obtaining the necessary supporting documents for a Spain Au Pair Visa is a critical step in the visa application process. These documents demonstrate that you meet the requirements for obtaining this visa and moving to Spain as an au pair.
The following documents are required for a Spain Au Pair Visa:
- The standard required documents. The necessary standard documents are the application form, photos, passport, and copies of previous visas and passports.
- Agreement reached with the host family. This document must include the agreement’s duration, which cannot be more than a year. It should also have the work conditions – working hours, days off, pocket money, obligations, and so on – and the address and other information about the host family.
- Financial proof. Documents demonstrating your ability to cover your living expenses and your trip from home to Spain and back.
- Certificate of Medical Fitness. A certificate issued by a certified doctor confirms that you do not have any diseases that could have a severe impact on public health.
- Healthcare insurance. Purchase insurance from a licensed health insurance provider in Spain for the duration of your stay.
- Clearance from the police. A document obtained at a police station in the country/countries where you have lived in the last five years. The clearance cannot be more than three months old.
- If the intended stay is less than six months, a notarized invitation letter from the host family in Spain is required.
#4 Make a Visa Appointment
You must schedule an appointment through the call center or online at the embassy/consulate/visa center’s website. The Spanish authorities determine it in your country of residence. Therefore, you should also inquire with them about this.
#5 Spain Au Pair Visa Interview
The interview is a brief meeting between you and a consular officer. They will inquire about your trip and the documents you are submitting. During this interview, you will be asked to submit the documents you have gathered for a Spain Au Pair Visa.
If you have not visited the EU in the last five years, you will also be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image) on the same day.
Most countries require a visa fee to be paid on the day of the interview.
#6 Pay the Spain Au Pair Visa Fee
When you apply for a Spain Au Pair Visa, you must also pay a visa fee. The following are the approximate fees based on nationality:
- Citizens of the United States will be charged €141.
- To obtain an Au Pair Visa for Spain, Canadian citizens must pay a fee of €83.
- Applicants of other nationalities must pay only €80.
Fees for the United States and Canada are higher due to reciprocity agreements.
#7 After Landing in Spain with an Au Pair Visa
If you plan to stay in Spain for more than three months, you must apply for a foreigner’s identity card once you arrive and settle in with your host family. Apply for this card at the nearest Police Station, Immigration and Documentation section to your hosts’ home.
How long does Au pair Visa last?
An Au Pair Visa is only valid for one year. You will, however, be able to apply for an extension if the hosting family is willing to keep you or if you find another hosting family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Spain have an au pair visa?
Yes, there is an au pair visa in Spain. The visa is a long-stay visa that allows young students to study and work as au pairs in Spain. To be eligible for the visa, you must be between 18 and 30, have a valid passport and be fluent in Spanish.
How do I apply for an au pair visa in Spain?
First, you must locate a host family in Spain that the Spanish government has approved. Then, documents such as your passport, birth certificate, and proof of health insurance will be required. A police background check will also be required. Start early because the process can take up to six months.
What kind of visa do au pairs need in Spain?
Au pairs staying for less than three months must determine whether people from their home country require a visa to enter Spain, which is part of the Schengen Area. They must apply for a short-term visa (Schengen visa) if a visa is required.
How much does it cost to be an au pair in Spain?
The cost of being an au pair in Spain varies according to the family with whom you are placed. However, room and board will typically cost between €100 and €200 per month. You will also need to budget for transportation, food, and entertainment.
Conclusion
Finally, applying for an Au Pair visa can be done online or in person. The process is relatively simple, but there are a few points to remember. First, before beginning the application, ensure you have all the necessary documents and accurate information. Then, contact an immigration lawyer or the Spanish consulate if you have any questions.
