Imagine living in Austria, surrounded by Alpine views, historic streets, and a calm, family-focused lifestyle while earning a stable income caring for children. In 2026, babysitting and au pair jobs in Austria are opening real doors for foreigners who want legal work, visa sponsorship, and a better quality of life.
For many international applicants, this is more than a job. It’s a chance to live with an Austrian family, receive free accommodation and meals, and earn monthly pocket money or a negotiated salary, all while gaining European work experience. Au pairs receive legally regulated monthly payments, while experienced nannies can earn significantly higher salaries, depending on hours, skills, and responsibilities.
What Types of Babysitting Jobs Exist in Austria?
When people talk about babysitting jobs in Austria, there are generally three main types of opportunities:
1. Au Pair Positions
The most common route for foreigners wanting to care for children and live in Austria is through the au pair program. This is not just babysitting it’s a cultural exchange where you live with a host family, help with childcare and light household duties, and attend language or cultural courses.
- Role: Child supervision, light housework, and language and culture exchange.
- Hours: Up to 18 hours/week.
- Accommodation & Meals: Included.
- Pocket Money: Must meet Austria’s minimum for au pairs.
Au pairs from countries outside the EU must obtain a special employment residence permit to work legally. If you are from the EU/EEA, you still need to register when you arrive.
This is the closest thing Austria offers to visa-sponsored babysitting work.
2. Nanny or Professional Babysitter
Some families may want a full-time nanny rather than an au pair. This position is more like traditional employment and may require:
- A formal employment contract.
- Work visa and residence permit (e.g., Red-White-Red Card or similar).
- Proof of skills and experience.
- Employer sponsorship for visa processing.
Jobs like this are more professional, often involving younger infants or long-term full-time care, and they usually pay higher wages. Unlike au pairs, these roles require a full work visa and not just the au pair permit
3. Part-Time Babysitting Through Local Platforms
Austria has several babysitting and caregiver match platforms like Sitters.at, where sitters can create profiles and get matched with families for flexible babysitting jobs. These roles are often part-time and casual.
However:
- These jobs do not automatically grant work authorization.
- If you are a foreign national, you still need a work permit or proper visa to be legally employed or paid for these gigs
So while they are good for locals or residents, they are not a substitute for visa sponsorship for internationals.
Visa & Work Authorization: What You Need to Know
Working legally in Austria as a babysitter depends on your nationality:
If You Are an EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen
- You can live and work in Austria without a work visa.
- You just need to register your residence after arrival.
- Au pair roles simply require registration and a notification to the Public Employment Service (AMS).
If You Are a Non-EU/EEA Citizen
To work in Austria as a babysitter or child-care worker (especially as an au pair or nanny), you must secure:
1. A Host Family Employer
Without a family or employer willing to sponsor you, it’s nearly impossible to get a babysitting job with visa sponsorship.
For au pairs, the host family must report the employment to the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) before visa processing begins. The confirmation is necessary for the permit application.
2. A Valid Residence Permit
Non-EU au pairs and nannies need a residence permit for the purpose of dependent employment. This is separate from the short-stay visas travelers use for tourism.
- Apply before entry, usually at an Austrian consulate or embassy.
- You’ll need proof of contract, health and accident insurance, and often a basic German certificate for au pairs.
Key Requirements for Babysitting/Au Pair Visa Work
Whether you’re pursuing an au pair or professional nanny role, certain requirements are common:
1. Age & Experience
- Au pairs are usually between 18–28 years old, especially for visas
- Some nanny jobs expect prior childcare experience and references
2. Language Skills
- Basic German (A1) is often expected it helps with daily communication and strengthens your visa application
3. Health & Travel Insurance
- You must provide all-risks health and accident insurance that applies within Austria.
4. Formal Contract From Host/Employer
- Visa sponsors must provide an employment contract outlining duties, hours, remuneration, and living conditions.
How to Find Babysitting Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Austria
Landing a babysitting job that sponsors a visa takes strategy. Here are the top ways to find one:
1. Au Pair Match Sites
These platforms specialize in matching au pairs with host families:
- Aupair.com
- Aupair-Austria.com
- AuPairWorld.com
- GreatAuPair.com
These sites allow you to apply directly to families and showcase your profile to those interested in hiring abroad.
2. Childcare & Babysitting Platforms
Sites like Sitters.at let you list your services locally. They’re great for exposure, but you still need legal work authorization. Sitters.at
3. Nanny & Household Staffing Agencies
Some agencies specialize in placing nannies and domestic workers. They sometimes assist with documentation and even employer sponsorship.
4. Networking & Social Groups
Expats in Austria frequently share opportunities in Facebook groups or expat forums, especially for au pair matches. While not official, these can lead to real job contacts.
Typical Pay & Benefits of Babysitting Jobs in Austria
Au Pair Positions
- Pocket money: based on Austrian law (indexed monthly rate plus 13th/14th salaries).
- Board & lodging: covered by host.
- Cultural exchange and language classes are often included.
Professional Nanny Jobs
Salaries vary widely. According to niche job postings, experienced international nannies may command significantly higher pay, though these vary by family and negotiation.
For example, some job listings claim net monthly compensation far higher than minimum wage, but always verify credibility before committing.
Conclusion
Babysitting jobs in Austria with visa sponsorship in 2026 remain one of the most realistic entry routes for foreigners seeking legal work in Europe without a university degree. Whether through an au pair program or a professional nanny role, Austria offers structure, worker protection, and a high standard of living.
The key is understanding the system: securing a host family or employer first, meeting age and language requirements, and applying for the correct residence permit before arrival. Au pair roles are ideal for younger applicants looking for cultural exchange and low living costs, while experienced caregivers can pursue higher-paying nanny positions with full employment contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa is used for babysitting/au pair work in Austria?
Non-EU nationals typically apply for a Residence Permit – Au Pair or a Residence Permit for Dependent Employment. The host family must sponsor the application and register with the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS).
Is a salary provided, or just pocket money?
Au pairs receive monthly pocket money set by Austrian law, plus full room and board. Professional nannies may negotiate a higher salary based on experience and hours.