Spain National (Type D) Au Pair Visa: Who Meets the Eligibility Criteria?

Key Takeaways

• Spain National (Type D) Au Pair Visa lets non-EU citizens stay up to 1 year with a host family.
• Applicants must be 17–30 years old, have a notarized family agreement, and enroll in a Spanish language course.
• Required documents include proof of funds (€565/month), private health insurance, and, for long stays, criminal and medical certificates.

If you are considering a stay in Spain 🇪🇸 as an au pair, the Spain National (Type D) Au Pair Visa is specifically designed for young people from outside the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland who want to live with a Spanish family, help with childcare, and learn about Spanish language and culture. This visa allows you to stay in Spain 🇪🇸 for more than 90 days, often up to one year, and is linked to language study. Below, you’ll find a detailed, step-by-step guide on eligibility criteria, required documentation, fees, and the entire application process. This guide will help you avoid delays and mistakes that could impact your application.

Checklist: What You Need Before Starting
– Age: 17–30 years
– Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship
– Signed agreement with a Spanish host family
– Language course enrolment and acceptance letter
– Proof of financial support (own or parental)
– Health insurance for entire stay
– Recent criminal record certificate (sometimes needed)
– Medical certificate (if stay is over six months)
– All required translations and legalizations

Understanding the Spain National (Type D) Au Pair Visa

The Spain National (Type D) Au Pair Visa allows foreign young adults to live with a host family in Spain 🇪🇸, help with light household tasks and child care, and attend a recognized Spanish language school. It’s designed to be an exchange and cultural experience, not a job in the normal sense. Because au pair stays last longer than a tourist visit, people from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland need this visa to stay more than 90 days.

Step 1: Check Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, make sure you meet all eligibility criteria:

1. Age Requirement
   • You must be between 17 and 30 years old at the time of application.
2. Nationality
   • Only non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals need the Type D Visa for stays longer than 90 days.
   • If you are from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you do not need this visa.
3. Purpose and Work Limitations
   • Au pair work is not considered formal employment, so you cannot use this visa to take up a regular paid job in Spain 🇪🇸.

Important: You need both a signed agreement with a host family and admission to a Spanish language school.

Step 2: Secure a Host Family and Language Course

You can only apply for the Spain National (Type D) Au Pair Visa after arranging:

• Host Family Match: Find a suitable Spanish family willing to host you as an au pair.
  • Sign a detailed au pair agreement with your host family. This contract must include work hours, main duties, free time, and what the family provides (meals, allowance, room).
  • The agreement must be notarized by a Spanish notary.
• Language School Enrollment: Register in a Spanish language course at a school recognized by the Instituto Cervantes.
  • Get an acceptance letter showing the course schedule, start/end dates, and payment proof.

Tip: Start your search early. Many families and schools have busy periods (spring and fall) when demand is high.

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

Up-to-date and complete documentation is the backbone of your application. The required paperwork includes:

1. National Visa Application Form
   • Fill out and sign the official Spain National Visa application form. Double-check for errors.
2. Passport-Sized Photo(s)
   • Provide recent, color, passport-size photo(s) against a white background.
3. Passport
   • Your passport must be valid for at least one year from planned arrival.
4. Proof of Residence
   • Provide a document proving you live in the consular district (e.g., state ID, driver’s license, utility bill).
5. Acceptance Letter from School
   • This letter must list the school’s details, your name, the full course period, and confirmation that you have paid.
6. Signed and Notarized Au Pair Agreement
   • The agreement should precisely detail your role and must be arranged through a Spanish notary.
7. Financial Means
   • Show you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your return ticket:
     • Bank statements that prove at least €565 per month (the current IPREM rate), or
     • A notarized letter from your parents (translated into Spanish if needed), stating the exact monthly amount they will send you. Example: “I, (parent’s name), certify that I will support (applicant’s name) with €565 per month while in Spain 🇪🇸.”
     • Some consulates may expect you to show around €10,000 for a full year.
8. Private Health Insurance
   • You must have health insurance valid in Spain 🇪🇸 for your entire stay that covers all risks, including medical evacuation/repatriation.
   • Certificate must be in Spanish, or a sworn translation may be needed. The average cost is €45–€55 per month, but host families usually cover half.
9. Criminal Record Certificate
   • Needed only if you are over 18 and plan to stay more than six months.
   • Should cover all countries where you have lived in the last five years.
   • The document must be:
     • Issued within the last six months
     • Has an apostille or consular legalization, if required
     • Sworn translated into Spanish if not originally in Spanish
10. Medical Certificate (for over six-month stays)
    • States you don’t have diseases that pose public health risks under International Health Regulations.
    • Doctor’s note must be certified and, unless using a bilingual version, must be translated into Spanish by an official translator.
11. Other Documents
    • Proof of where you’ll live in Spain 🇪🇸 (address provided by host family)
    • Pre-paid envelope for document return, if required by the consulate
    • Any extra documents requested by your local consulate

Caution: Provide only original documents or certified copies, and keep backup copies for your records.

Step 4: Book Your Visa Appointment

• Visit the official consulate appointment booking system or go through your local BLS visa center.
• Choose the location that matches your place of residence.
• Appointments can fill up weeks in advance. Book at least two to three months before your planned travel date.

Step 5: Submit Application In Person

• Attend your appointment at the consulate or BLS Center. In most cases, you must apply in person, not by mail.
  • If you’re under 18, bring your parent or legal guardian.
  • Make sure your application packet contains everything on the documentation checklist.
• Pay the government visa fee and any extra service or courier fees at this time.

Fees (as of April 2025):

• Fees can increase slightly depending on where you apply.
• Some agencies may offer help for additional charges (€120–€180), but these are optional.

Caution: The consulate will not process an application missing documents or the correct fees. Double-check your application before your appointment.

Step 6: Wait for Processing and Decision

• Standard processing time is about one month after you hand in all documents. It may take longer if the consulate needs more information or schedules an interview.
• Check your email and post regularly for updates.
• Consulates may request more paperwork or clarifications, which could add delays.
• Plan accordingly if your start date is fixed.

Step 7: Collect Your Visa

• Once approved, you must pick up your visa personally at the consulate or BLS Center within two months of being told it’s ready.
• Bring your receipt and ID.
• If you do not collect your visa in time, the consulate may cancel it.

Step 8: Arrival in Spain 🇪🇸 and Next Steps

• Upon arrival, keep your passport, visa, and all other key documents handy.
• If you will stay over three months, apply for an EU Registration Certificate (“Certificado de registro como residente comunitario”) at a local Foreigners’ Office. You may also be given a local foreigner’s ID card.
  • Requirements can differ based on local rules, so ask your host family or call your nearest office for information.
  • You’ll need your passport, copy of your private health insurance, au pair agreement, language school certificate, proof of address, and form EX–18 (find the most recent version on the official Spanish police or immigration websites).
• This step is very important for your stay to be legal after 90 days.

Validity, Extensions, and Practical Advice

• The Spain National (Type D) Au Pair Visa is usually valid for up to one year, matching the period in your course letter or au pair agreement.
• If you want to stay longer, you must apply to extend your permit inside Spain 🇪🇸 before your visa expires. Extensions need a new contract and updated proof of financial support and insurance.
• Some regions have extra rules. Always check with your local Foreigners’ Office.
• If your visa application is refused, you can appeal or reapply. Ask for the reason, collect any extra documents, and try again if possible.

Summary Table: Main Steps

Timelines and Best Practices

• Apply early. Start the process at least three months before your intended travel date to allow for document gathering and appointment booking.
• Double-check all requirements with your local Spanish consulate, as smaller details and what counts as “proof” can differ between embassies.
• Always bring extra copies of every document, and keep translated documents ready.
• Keep proof of all payments and receipts for your visa paperwork and language course.

Where to Get More Help

• Always consult the official Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs consulate page for your area for the most accurate and updated information.
• VisaVerge.com offers up-to-date advice and real-world guidance from others who have completed the process.
• Many language schools and placement agencies offer document support for a fee.
• Contact your host family for practical help gathering local paperwork after arrival.

In Conclusion:
Applying for the Spain National (Type D) Au Pair Visa means meeting strict eligibility criteria, collecting a long list of documentation, and following specific steps for both your home country and Spain 🇪🇸. Staying organized and applying early are the best ways to ensure a smooth experience. Always follow consulate instructions closely, and double-check requirements, fees, and forms before submitting your application.

With thorough planning, your au pair year in Spain 🇪🇸 can be the start of a fun and educational adventure, giving you new skills, language abilities, and cultural understanding while also providing valuable help to a Spanish family.

For the most updated steps, specific forms, and contact instructions, start with your nearest Spanish consulate’s website. Good luck with your journey!

Learn Today

Type D Visa → A long-stay visa needed for stays in Spain exceeding 90 days, generally for study, au pair, or residence purposes.
Notarized Agreement → A contract officially certified by a Spanish notary, required between the au pair and host family for visa eligibility.
IPREM → Public Income Index in Spain; used to set the minimum required financial support for visa applicants (e.g., €565/month).
Apostille → An official certification adding legal validity to a document for international use, required for various certificates.
EX–18 Form → A specific registration form for non-EU residents to obtain an EU Registration Certificate in Spain after arrival.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Spain National (Type D) Au Pair Visa allows young, non-EU nationals to live with a Spanish host family, help with childcare, and attend a language school for up to one year. Strict documentation—including financial proof and insurance—is required. Early, organized preparation helps applicants avoid delays, ensuring a successful au pair experience.
— By VisaVerge.com

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