Yes! European candidates and UK families are still connecting, but the way they arrange their stay has changed.

Before Brexit, EU citizens could move to the UK much more easily and stay with a family as an au pair. Since the end of free movement, there is no dedicated UK au pair visa and most young Europeans no longer have an automatic right to work in the UK.

In practice, we now see families choosing one of two options:

• Some families match with a candidate who already has the right to work in the UK. They can make a proper childcare or au pair arrangement, subject to UK employment rules.
• Other families connect with a young European who wants to visit the UK for a shorter cultural experience. The candidate stays as a genuine guest, experiences British family life, improves their English and explores the UK.

Many EU travellers can visit the UK for up to six months with an ETA. This has made shorter cultural stays increasingly popular with families and young Europeans who meet through our platform.

Every cultural stay is different. The candidate may live with the family, join family meals and activities, practise English and experience everyday life in the UK. Families will usually offer a private bedroom, meals and a welcoming place to stay.

Candidates often become close to the family and naturally take part in everyday life, just as a visiting friend or relative might. However, a genuine visitor must remain free to organise their own time and cannot be required to provide regular childcare or household work in exchange for their stay.

An ETA permits a visit; it does not give permission to work as an au pair. If the family needs agreed childcare, fixed hours or regular household help, the candidate must have the appropriate right to work.

Since Brexit, families have become more flexible. Some specifically search for British or Irish candidates, candidates with settled or pre-settled status, or young people who qualify for the Youth Mobility Scheme.

Others meet European travellers who are looking for a genuine language and cultural stay rather than a formal au pair placement. Nina.care makes it possible for these families and candidates to discover one another, talk about their expectations and decide whether they are a good personal match.

We hear about many warm international connections developing this way. However, each family and candidate must make sure that the final arrangements fit the candidate’s immigration status.

A guest may naturally participate in ordinary family life. For example, friends and relatives may sometimes cook together, clear the table or spend time with the children.
There is an important difference between naturally participating as a guest and being responsible for agreed or regular childcare. Fixed duties, scheduled hours or help provided in return for money or accommodation may amount to work and are not permitted under visitor status.
How an arrangement works in practice is more important than whether the family calls the person a guest, candidate, friend of the family or au pair.

If you need someone to provide regular childcare, select a candidate who already has the right to work in the UK. This may include:

• A British or Irish citizen;
• Someone with settled or pre-settled status;
• An eligible Youth Mobility Scheme visa holder; or
• Someone with another immigration status that permits the proposed work.

In that situation, you can agree on working hours, duties, wages, accommodation, meals, time off and holiday. UK minimum-wage and employment requirements may apply.

A European visitor can generally stay for up to six months, subject to the conditions of their admission. This can work well for a genuine summer, language or cultural experience.
A candidate who has the right to work may be able to stay longer, depending on their citizenship or immigration status.

Nina.care is a European platform where families and candidates can meet, communicate and explore whether they are a good match.
We see both genuine cultural visits and placements involving candidates who already have the right to work. Nina.care does not determine a candidate’s immigration status or guarantee entry into the UK. Families and candidates must choose arrangements that are consistent with the candidate’s right to visit or work.

Hosting an au pair in the UK typically costs around £450 per month. This includes weekly pocket money, room and board, and sometimes contributions to transport or language classes. Families also pay for agency fees if they use one.

An au pair in the UK helps with childcare (school runs, babysitting, helping with homework, playing with children) and light household duties (tidying children’s rooms, laundry for children, preparing simple meals). They are not expected to do heavy cleaning, gardening, or act as a nanny.

Typical arrangements allow for up to 35 hours per week, including evening babysitting. The au pair must have at least two full days off per week and enough time to attend English language courses. Paid holiday is normally 2 weeks for a 6-month stay, or pro-rata for shorter stays.

A written au pair agreement is recommended in the UK. While not a formal employment contract, it outlines hours, tasks, pocket money, holidays, and house rules. This helps avoid misunderstandings.

• Au pairs must be 18–30 years old.
• The most common way to host an au pair in the UK are European candidates that apply to the normal visitor ETA (£20), with which they can stay for up to 6 month in the UK
• Au pairs must live with the host family and have their own private room.

Families can use au pair agencies or online matching platforms. Agencies are often helpful for navigating visa requirements post-Brexit. Families interview and agree on expectations before confirming a placement.

Open communication is encouraged if issues arise. If the match is not working, either side can end the arrangement with 2 weeks’ notice (unless agreed otherwise). Agencies can mediate and help find a replacement.

The au pair should be treated as a temporary family member, not an employee. Including them in meals, outings, and family traditions is expected. The UK program emphasizes cultural exchange—helping the au pair improve their English while sharing their own culture.