Au pair or nanny - what fits your family?
Answer 4 short questions. In 30 seconds we'll honestly tell you which option fits your situation - no sales pitch.
Tip: there is no wrong answer.
1 of 4How many hours of childcare do you need per week?
Up to 30 hours a week, max 24 months and live-in, an au pair works (approx. CHF 1500 - 2000/month incl. room and board); beyond that you need a nanny as a real employee (CHF 4000 - 8000 gross).
- Above 30h/week an au pair is not legally allowed (VZAE Art. 48) - you need a nanny.
- Au pair: live-in mandatory, max 12 months (extendable to 24); nanny: open-ended.
- Both are employees: AHV registration and UVG accident insurance are mandatory.
Three typical families
Which situation looks closest to yours? Here's what daily life looks like in practice.
International family, 1 school-age child
Cultural exchange and light after-school care - language course included, private room available.
Two kids, both parents full-time
Professional full-time care Monday to Friday - formal training and experience with multiple children.
Baby + shift work
Experience with babies required, flexible hours including early mornings or evenings - not a 9-to-5 role.
Au pair vs. nanny - the basics
The key differences at a glance.
Au pair
Monthly cost
CHF 1500 - 2000 (incl. room & board)
Hours per week
Max 30h
Living arrangement
Live-in (mandatory)
Maximum duration
12 months (extendable to 24)
Status
Cultural exchange + pocket money
Who fits
EU/EFTA, 18-25, learning German
Nanny
Monthly cost
CHF 4000 - 8000 gross
Hours per week
Flexible (up to 45h)
Living arrangement
Live-in or live-out
Maximum duration
Open-ended
Status
Full employee (AHV, UVG, contract)
Who fits
Trained or experienced professional
≡Au pair vs. nanny - cost calculator
See the comparison for your family in 30 seconds.
Au pair
Live-inMonthly cost
CHF 2'035/month
CHF 24'420/year
- Pocket moneyCHF 800
- Board & lodging (BSV in-kind value)CHF 990
- Language course (mandatory)CHF 100
- Social insurance (~8.1 %)CHF 145
Pros
- ✓Cultural exchange
- ✓Language immersion for the kids
- ✓Lower total cost
- ✓Live-in, available in the evening
Cons
- ·Maximum 12 months (not extendable)
- ·Strict 30-hour weekly cap
- ·Permit admin & housing duty
Nanny
ProfessionalMonthly cost (employer total)
CHF 3'277/month
CHF 39'324/year
- Gross wage (CHF 28/h)CHF 3'031
- Social insurance (~8.1 %)CHF 246
- Total employer costCHF 3'277
Pros
- ✓Pedagogical experience
- ✓Full-time & flexible possible
- ✓Long-term solution
- ✓Lives externally, privacy preserved
Cons
- ·Higher total cost
- ·No cultural exchange
Recommendation
Au pair recommended
Language focus, older children and ≤ 30 h/week fit the au pair model perfectly.
VZAE Art. 48 · NAV household ordinance · BSV in-kind · fedlex.admin.ch
What you need to know legally
Au pair and nanny are both employees. These four points apply in both cases:
Au pair visa is valid for 12 months, capped at 30h/week - room and board come on top of the pocket money.
A nanny is a regular employee: AHV registration with the compensation office is mandatory from day one.
UVG accident insurance is mandatory in both cases - without it you are personally liable for accidents.
Written contract recommended (mandatory in Geneva) - it sets out hours, holidays and notice period.
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Quick answers
1Can an au pair work full-time as a nanny?+
No. Under VZAE Art. 48, working time is capped at 30 hours per week - and the primary purpose is cultural exchange, not full-time childcare. If you need more, you have to hire a nanny as an employer.
2What does an au pair really cost?+
Around CHF 1500-2000 per month: pocket money (CHF 800-1000), room and board (CHF 600-800), language course (CHF 100-150) and AHV/insurance. The cash figure looks small, but the room and meals are real costs. The guide to hosting an au pair in Switzerland breaks down the real costs and the liability risk if you skip UVG accident insurance.
3Do I need a contract and registration for a nanny?+
Yes. A nanny is a real employee - written contract (NAV Hauswirtschaft), registration with the compensation office, AHV/IV/EO contributions, UVG accident insurance and monthly payslip. Clino prepares all of that for you.
4Can I switch from au pair to nanny later?+
Yes, but as two separate employments. When your au pair leaves after a year or moves on, you can hire a nanny next. Many families start with an au pair and bring in a nanny later as their needs grow.
Ready to hire your nanny?
Clino prepares the contract, AHV registration, UVG and monthly payslip - CHF 19.90/month, 30 days free.
Note: Overview, not legal advice. As of May 2026. Federal rules (VZAE, AIG) and cantonal specifics can change. · Last updated: August 2026
