Student Visa (Au Pair Program)
Spain
Last updated: December 23, 2025
2 years
$106-$548
4-8 weeks
Medium
About this Visa
This is a student visa that lets you work as an au pair (childcare worker) in Spain. You live with a Spanish family, care for their children, and attend Spanish language classes. The family provides your room, meals, and weekly pocket money. It's a cultural exchange program—you learn Spanish while helping the family. This is NOT a traditional work visa. It's a student visa with permission to work as an au pair on the side. You must attend language classes every week (at least 20 hours). That's the main point of the program. The program is active as of December 2024. However, big changes happened on May 20, 2025. If you apply after May 20, 2025, you cannot stay in Spain as a worker after your student visa ends. You can only use this to study and work temporarily.
Key Benefits
- Work legally as au pair caring for children
- Live with Spanish family with free housing and meals
- Earn minimum €70 per week pocket money
- Learn Spanish through classes and daily life
- Travel freely within Europe with registration card
- Work up to 25 hours per week
- Healthcare access covered by insurance
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 or older as of May 20, 2025
- Must be unmarried with no dependent children
- Must have clean criminal record
- Must speak basic Spanish or English
- Must be willing to attend 20+ hours language classes per week
- Must pass medical examination
- Must prove sufficient financial means
- Must enroll in accredited Spanish language school
Financial Requirement
Must show €600 per month available for each month of stay. Example: 12-month stay = €7,200 minimum. Can count host family housing/food contributions.
Documents
- Valid passportAt least 1 year valid with 2+ blank pages
- Visa application formCompleted national visa form
- Au pair contractNotarized by Spanish notary - critical document
- Language school acceptance letterFrom accredited Spanish language school confirming enrollment
- Proof of fundsBank statements 3-6 months showing €600+ monthly
- Health insurance certificateFrom Spanish-authorized company
- Medical examinationBilingual, proves good health
- Criminal background checkFBI check for Americans, must have Apostille
- Certified translationsAll English documents translated to Spanish
- Passport photoColor, 4x3cm, recent
- Visa fee paymentMoney order in correct amount
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.