How to Hire an Au Pair in South Africa
Finding the right au pair doesn't have to be complicated. Follow these 7 steps to go from search to placement with confidence.
Know What You Need
Before you start searching, define your requirements clearly. How many children? What ages? Full-time or part-time? Live-in or live-out? Do you need a driver? What about homework help, cooking, or light housework? The clearer you are, the better your match will be.
Pro tip: Use our Needs Wizard during family onboarding to get matched with the right au pairs automatically.
Search & Shortlist
Browse au pair profiles filtered by your province, preferred experience level, language requirements, and availability. Save your favourites to compare them side by side. Look for completed profiles with photos, detailed experience descriptions, and verification badges.
Pro tip: Au pairs with First Aid certification and a driver's license are the most in-demand — filter for these if important to you.
Check Verifications
AuPairly au pairs can complete four independent verification checks. Look for these badges: ID Verified (Home Affairs check), Criminal Clearance (SAPS), Qualifications (SAQA), and References (verified by our system). The more badges on a profile, the more confidence you have before you reach out.
Pro tip: You can see verification status on every profile. Encourage your shortlisted candidates to complete all checks.
Make Contact & Interview
Send a message through AuPairly to introduce your family and express your interest. Arrange a video call or in-person meeting. Ask about their childcare experience, how they handle emergencies, their approach to discipline, and why they want to be an au pair. Let your children meet them if possible.
Pro tip: Prepare 5-10 specific questions beforehand. Ask for real examples, not hypotheticals.
Check References
Even with verification badges, speak to at least two references directly. Ask about reliability, how they handled challenges, their relationship with the children, and whether the referee would hire them again. Our platform makes reference collection easy.
Pro tip: The best reference question: "What should I know that you haven't mentioned?"
Agree on Terms & Sign a Contract
Before your au pair starts, agree on salary, working hours, duties, accommodation (if live-in), leave, transport, and house rules. Put everything in a written contract — this is required by South African law. Both parties should keep a signed copy.
Pro tip: Download our free contract template that covers all BCEA requirements.
Register for UIF & Start
Register with the Department of Labour as a domestic employer and set up UIF contributions (1% each). Show your au pair around your home, introduce routines, and establish emergency contacts. The first week sets the tone for the whole relationship.
Pro tip: Read our First Week Guide for tips on making the transition smooth for everyone.