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How to Get Verified as an Au Pair in South Africa
Verified badges make your profile stand out to families. They build trust, and they increase your chances of being contacted.
Why verification matters
Families choosing an au pair want reassurance before they invite someone into their home. That's why many look for verified candidates first.
AuPairly displays verification badges prominently on profile cards in search results, and families can filter for verified candidates.
Verified profiles appear as “Strong Contenders” when families are actively searching.
Available verified badges
| Badge | Cost | What it verifies |
|---|---|---|
| ID Verified | Included | South African identity document |
| Police Clearance Verified | R149 | AFIS fingerprint check via SAPS database |
| Driving License Verified | TBC | Valid SA driving license |
| First Aid Verified | TBC | Current first aid certificate |
| Matric Verified | TBC | National Senior Certificate |
| References Checked | TBC | Verified employment references |
Costs for Driving License, First Aid, Matric and References Checked badges to be confirmed.
How to get the Police Clearance Verified badge
- 1Log into your AuPairly dashboard
- 2Navigate to Verifications
- 3Purchase the criminal record check for R149
- 4Check your email for a booking link from MIE Fingerprint Zone
- 5Book your appointment at a location near you — locations available across all 9 provinces
- 6Attend your appointment — bring your South African ID book or smart ID card. The appointment takes approximately 15 minutes.
- 7Your result is returned within 24-48 hours of your appointment
- 8Your Police Clearance Verified badge goes live on your profile automatically
Cost context
- AuPairly criminal record check: R149
- Cheaper than PostNet HURU and traditional background check agencies
- Faster than a SAPS-issued clearance certificate (15+ days, R190)
- Suitable for domestic employment and childcare roles
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a police clearance to work as an au pair in South Africa?
It is not legally required but it is strongly recommended. Most families on AuPairly prefer verified candidates and many will only contact au pairs who have completed a background check.
How long does the AuPairly police clearance take?
Results are returned within 24-48 hours of completing your fingerprint appointment. Booking an appointment is quick and locations are available across all 9 South African provinces.
Is the AuPairly check the same as a SAPS police clearance certificate?
No — the AuPairly check is an AFIS fingerprint database check linked to the SAPS criminal record database, suitable for domestic employment and childcare roles. A SAPS-issued clearance certificate is a different document required for international visas and emigration.
What if I already have a police clearance certificate?
If it was issued within the last 3 months, email it to us for free manual verification — see your dashboard for instructions. If it’s older than 3 months, you can still upload it from your dashboard and tell us the year it was issued. Once approved, you’ll get a dated "Verified [year]" badge instead of the standard one.
Can I get verified without visiting a fingerprint location?
For the standard "Verified Current" badge, no — AFIS fingerprint capture needs a brief in-person appointment. But if you already have a police clearance certificate, you can upload it from your dashboard instead, with no appointment needed, and earn a dated "Verified [year]" badge. Other badges such as driving license and first aid can also be verified by uploading your documents directly from your dashboard.