Au Pair in Asia 2025: Best Countries, Visas & Benefits

Live, learn, and grow as an au pair in Asia.

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Au Pair in Asia 2025 – Best Countries, Visas & Benefits | Masons Au Pair

Why Asia for Your Au Pair Journey?

Asia combines cultural diversity, career-boosting languages (Mandarin, Japanese, Korean), and a generally affordable cost of living in many cities with true family immersion. From creative megacities to peaceful towns, you’ll experience warm hospitality, shared meals, seasonal festivals, and a daily rhythm that helps you grow. Robust visa pathways, holistic program comparisons, and reliable transport make Asia a smart first step for aspiring au pairs — and China often stands out thanks to free language classes and clear programs.

Explore the top destinations, check requirements, review the comparison table, and see exactly why China stands out. When you’re ready, apply online or talk to an advisor.

Top Destinations for Au Pairs in Asia

Japan for au pairs 🇯🇵 Japan

Au Pair in Japan

Experience tradition and modernity in Tokyo and beyond with unique cultural immersion.

Coming Soon
Korea for au pairs 🇰🇷 Korea

Au Pair in Korea

Live in Seoul and dive into K-culture while staying with welcoming local families.

Coming Soon

Need help choosing? Talk to an advisor or apply now to get matched with licensed host families.

Visa & Requirements

General Requirements

  • Age: typically 18–29
  • Basic English communication
  • Experience with children (babysitting, tutoring, siblings)
  • Clean background check & medical fitness

Not sure you qualify? Contact us and we’ll review your profile.

Why China Is Easier

China offers smoother visa pathways via licensed agencies, plus free Mandarin classes and cultural activities — making it an ideal first step in Asia.

Get Your Chinese Visa

Au Pair Program Comparison in Asia

Country Visa Pathway Language Classes Program Availability Cost of Living (relative) Big-City Options Support & Activities Best For
China 🇨🇳 Clear via licensed agencies ✅ Free Mandarin High (more host families) Moderate Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu Strong partner support + weekend trips Language growth + total benefits
Japan 🇯🇵 Limited, stricter criteria ❌ Typically not included Medium (more competitive) Higher Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto Good support; fewer slots Culture lovers; organized cities
Korea 🇰🇷 Limited, varying by host ❌ Typically not included Medium Medium-High Seoul, Busan Moderate support networks K-culture immersion
Thailand 🇹🇭 Evolving options ❌ Not standard Growing Lower Bangkok, Chiang Mai Warm hospitality; community feel Budget-friendly lifestyle
Vietnam 🇻🇳 Evolving options ❌ Not standard Growing Lower-Medium Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City Community support improving Emerging programs

This comparison focuses on the overall package (visa clarity, classes, support, lifestyle) rather than hours or amounts. We’ll confirm specifics during your advisory call.

Why China for Au Pairs

Learn Mandarin

Free classes + daily immersion = fast progress and a CV boost for international careers.

Vibrant Cities

From welcoming Chengdu to dynamic Shanghai, discover safe, exciting urban life.

Better Benefits

Higher allowance feel, housing & meals included, plus cultural activities and trips.

Clear & Legal

Work with licensed agencies and proper visas. Read more about legality.

Ready to Get Started?

We’ll review your profile, match you with licensed host families, and help with every visa step.

FAQ - AU PAIR IN ASIA

What does being an au pair in Asia involve day to day?

Being an au pair in Asia means living with a local host family and becoming part of their daily life while supporting childcare and light household tasks. A typical day for an au pair in Asia often includes helping children get ready for school, preparing simple meals, assisting with homework, playing games, and introducing them to your own culture. In return, you receive free accommodation, meals, and cultural immersion that no tourist could experience.

In China, for example, an au pair in China might take the kids to school in the morning, attend free Mandarin classes in the afternoon (see our guide: Learn Chinese in China), and enjoy family dinners in the evening. Weekends often include exploring major cities like Chengdu, joining cultural trips organized by licensed agencies, or practicing Mandarin with local friends.

The daily routine will always depend on the host family, but one constant is the opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic Asian culture while building lifelong skills. To better understand the benefits, see:

This combination of childcare, cultural exchange, and language learning makes being an au pair in Asia one of the most affordable and transformative ways to live abroad.

Yes — if you are 18–29 years old and have basic English communication skills, you are generally eligible to become an au pair in Asia. Most programs in countries like China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam welcome young applicants who are open-minded, motivated, and excited about cultural exchange.

While advanced childcare certifications are not required, you should have at least some childcare experience — babysitting, tutoring, summer camps, or helping younger siblings all count. A clean background check and basic medical clearance are also essential to ensure family trust.

China, in particular, is one of the most accessible options for new candidates. The Au Pair in China program offers clear visa pathways (see: Get Your Chinese Visa), free Mandarin lessons (Learn Chinese in China), and a large network of vetted families, making it easier to qualify compared to stricter destinations like Japan or Korea.

If you’re unsure whether you meet the requirements, our team can help review your profile. Simply apply now or contact us for a personalized eligibility check.

For first-time participants, the best country to start as an au pair in Asia is almost always China. The Au Pair in China program offers a complete package: clear visa pathways (Get Your Chinese Visa), free Mandarin classes (Learn Chinese in China), strong local support, and a large number of carefully vetted host families. This makes it much easier for newcomers to adjust compared to more restrictive destinations.

Other countries like Japan and Korea are excellent cultural experiences, but they tend to have fewer program slots and stricter eligibility requirements. Meanwhile, Thailand and Vietnam offer exciting emerging programs but currently lack the same structure and benefits available in China.

That’s why if you’re applying for your very first au pair in Asia placement, China is the most reliable, rewarding, and supportive choice — especially if you want to combine childcare with language learning, cultural immersion, and safe family integration.

China is often considered the top pick for an au pair in Asia program because it offers the most complete benefits package compared to other Asian destinations. The Au Pair in China program includes free Mandarin classes (Learn Chinese in China), clear and legal visa pathways (Get Your Chinese Visa), and a large network of vetted host families across major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.

Unlike other countries in Asia, where language courses or program structures may be limited, China provides structured support, cultural activities, and weekend trips to help au pairs feel integrated. Families are carefully selected, and agencies ensure the program is legal and safe (Is Au Pair in China Legal?).

In addition, being an au pair in China gives participants a huge career advantage. Mandarin is one of the most valuable languages for international business, and combining childcare experience with language immersion makes your profile stand out for future study or career opportunities.

For first-time applicants, this combination of language growth, cultural exchange, and strong family support is why China consistently ranks as the best option for au pair in Asia programs.

The au pair application and matching process in Asia is designed to be smooth and supportive, especially if you apply through a licensed agency like Masons Au Pair. The steps are simple:

  1. Apply online via our application page and share your profile, childcare experience, and preferences (country, city, family type).

  2. Our team reviews your file and provides guidance to make your profile stand out — including help with your family letter, intro video, and references.

  3. We then introduce you to host families in Asia for video interviews. Families are carefully screened to ensure safety and compatibility.

  4. Once there’s a mutual match, we assist with the next steps: preparing your visa, scheduling cultural orientation, and confirming your start date.

If you choose China, the process is even more streamlined thanks to licensed agencies, a large network of families, and clear visa options (Get Your Chinese Visa). Many au pairs also benefit from free Mandarin classes once they arrive, along with local orientation and support.

Whether you’re aiming for Japan, Korea, Thailand, or Vietnam, the core process is the same: apply, match, prepare, and enjoy your au pair in Asia journey with full cultural immersion.

You don’t need to be a professional nanny or teacher to qualify — but some childcare experience is essential to become an au pair in Asia. Host families and agencies usually look for proof that you’ve worked with or cared for children in some capacity. This can include:

  • Babysitting neighbors, relatives, or family friends

  • Helping younger siblings with homework, meals, or playtime

  • Tutoring or teaching in after-school clubs

  • Volunteering in summer camps, youth groups, or language exchanges

When you apply through Masons Au Pair, we’ll help you highlight these experiences in your application profile and family letter (Apply Now). Even informal experience counts as long as you can demonstrate responsibility, patience, and cultural openness.

If you’re aiming for the Au Pair in China program, the requirements are often more flexible compared to Japan or Korea, where stricter standards sometimes apply. China also offers free Mandarin classes and strong support networks, making it an ideal entry point for applicants with less formal childcare backgrounds.

So while you don’t need years of professional childcare experience, you do need to show genuine interest in working with kids, openness to cultural exchange, and a willingness to learn — the foundations of every successful au pair in Asia journey.

No — you do not need to speak Mandarin, Japanese, or Korean before starting as an au pair in Asia. Almost all host families are comfortable communicating in basic English, and agencies like Masons Au Pair ensure you can match even without prior language skills.

In fact, one of the main benefits of choosing an au pair program in Asia is the chance to learn a new language through immersion:

  • In the China Au Pair Program, you’ll receive free Mandarin classes in addition to daily practice with your host family. This makes China one of the best countries for fast language progress.

  • In Japan and Korea, many families encourage au pairs to take local lessons or join community language groups while living in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Seoul.

  • Even in Thailand and Vietnam, you’ll naturally pick up phrases through daily interactions, meals, and cultural activities.

Learning on the job is part of what makes the au pair in Asia experience so unique. You arrive with basic English communication, and you leave with stronger language skills, cultural confidence, and an international CV boost.

If your priority is language growth, China is the top choice thanks to structured free classes, clear visa pathways (Get Your Chinese Visa), and a large community of au pairs learning together.

Yes — au pairing in China is legal when it is arranged through licensed agencies and the correct visa type. At Masons Au Pair, we only work with accredited partners who follow official government regulations to make sure every Au Pair in China program is 100% compliant. You can also read our full guide: Is Au Pair in China Legal?.

How legality works:

  • The program runs on proper visas (Get Your Chinese Visa) that allow cultural exchange.

  • Host families are carefully screened and vetted, ensuring safe living conditions.

  • Only licensed agencies are allowed to organize placements.

How safety is ensured:

  • You live with a vetted host family that provides housing, meals, and structured weekly schedules.

  • Agencies conduct regular check-ins, provide emergency contacts, and offer support for cultural adaptation.

  • Many programs include weekend activities, orientation sessions, and Mandarin classes (Learn Chinese in China) so that au pairs feel part of a community from day one.

By choosing the China au pair program with Masons Au Pair, you combine legal security, strong family support, and cultural immersion — making it one of the safest and most reliable ways to become an au pair in Asia.

As an applicant with Masons Au Pair, you’ll receive full support before and after your arrival to make your au pair in Asia experience smooth, legal, and safe.

Before arrival:

  • Application coaching: We review your profile and help you write your family letter to stand out.

  • Matching process: We introduce you to carefully vetted host families through interviews (Apply Now).

  • Visa assistance: Step-by-step help to secure the correct visa (Get Your Chinese Visa).

  • Cultural preparation: Guidance on what to pack, how to prepare for life as an au pair in China or other destinations, and tips for smooth adaptation.

After arrival:

  • Welcome check-ins: Our team and partners ensure you are safe and comfortable with your host family.

  • Emergency support: 24/7 contacts in case of urgent issues.

  • Language & integration: In China, you get free Mandarin classes and activities that help you adapt faster.

  • Cultural events: Organized trips, local excursions, and networking with other au pairs to build community.

This level of before-and-after support is what makes the Au Pair in China program stand out from other Asian destinations. By choosing us, you are never alone — from your first application step to your daily life abroad.

Becoming an au pair in Asia usually takes 2–4 months of preparation, depending on the country and your personal documents. The process starts with creating a strong application that highlights your childcare experience, motivation, and openness to cultural exchange. Once you apply through a trusted agency like Masons Au Pair, you’ll go through the matching process with licensed host families. After a successful video call and agreement, the agency helps with visa applications, travel preparation, and pre-departure orientation.

For countries like China, the timeline is often faster because visa pathways are clearer, host family demand is higher, and programs include free Mandarin classes as part of your package. In destinations such as Japan or Korea, the preparation can take slightly longer due to stricter entry requirements and fewer host family slots.

To make your journey smooth, it’s recommended to apply 3–6 months before your desired start date. This ensures enough time for background checks, medical documents, visa approval, and booking affordable flights. During this period, you’ll also have the chance to connect with other participants, prepare for cultural adaptation, and get ready for your au pair in Asia adventure.

If you’re considering China specifically, don’t miss our dedicated guides:

This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect and move abroad with confidence.

No, you do not need a university degree or formal professional experience to apply for most au pair in Asia programs. The au pair role is built around cultural exchange and childcare support, not academic qualifications. What matters most is that you are between 18 and 29 years old, have at least basic English communication skills, and show genuine childcare exposure — for example babysitting, tutoring younger children, helping siblings, or volunteering at summer camps.

Unlike jobs that require formal training, becoming an au pair in Asia is designed for young people who want to live abroad affordably, learn a new language, and immerse themselves in family life. Countries like China even offer free Mandarin classes and cultural activities, so you don’t need to arrive with prior expertise.

That said, having additional childcare references, first-aid certificates, or tutoring experience can make your application stand out during the matching process. Families feel more comfortable choosing an au pair who demonstrates responsibility and reliability.

👉 If you want to check if you qualify, visit our guide on Visa & Requirements and explore why China is the easiest starting point compared to other Asian countries.

With the right motivation, personality, and openness to cultural exchange, you can start your journey as an au pair in Asia without needing a degree or long professional background.

The day-to-day role of an au pair in Asia is very similar to what you would experience in Europe or the USA: you live with a host family, support with childcare, and join in daily family life. However, there are a few key differences that make au pair in Asia programs unique and often more rewarding.

  1. Cultural immersion is stronger – In countries like China, you’ll be introduced to traditions, festivals, and food that are very different from Western lifestyles. Families often include au pairs in holiday celebrations, weekend trips, and local customs, creating a deeper cultural exchange than what many au pairs experience in Europe or the US.

  2. Language learning is prioritized – While European host families may not always provide structured language courses, in Asia (especially China), many programs include free Mandarin classes or cultural lessons. This means your au pair journey is also an education program designed to boost your CV.

  3. Costs and benefits are different – In Europe and the US, au pairs often receive a set allowance and sometimes must pay for language classes. In Asia, host families typically cover housing, meals, and cultural activities, and in China, you often get extra benefits like free excursions, local support, and clear visa pathways through licensed agencies.

  4. Program growth – While the au pair in Europe model has existed for decades, the au pair in Asia market is newer but growing quickly, especially in China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. This means opportunities are expanding, and families are often highly motivated to welcome international au pairs.

👉 In short, being an au pair in Asia gives you the same safe, structured childcare role as in Europe or the USA, but with added language training, stronger cultural immersion, and often more inclusive benefits. That’s why many first-time applicants choose Asia — and especially China — as the best starting point for their au pair journey abroad.

Yes — becoming an au pair in Asia is usually far more affordable than a traditional study abroad program or a working holiday visa. When you enroll in an au pair in Asia program, your housing, meals, and local support are provided by the host family. In many cases, you also receive free Mandarin classes in China or cultural lessons in countries like Japan or Korea. This makes the cost of living much lower compared to paying rent and tuition during a study abroad semester.

By contrast, a working holiday in Asia requires you to cover all expenses on your own: rent, food, utilities, and language learning, which can easily reach $1,000+ per month in big cities like Seoul or Tokyo. With an au pair program, your main costs are limited to flights, insurance, and visa fees — everything else is included.

👉 That’s why many applicants who want to experience Asia on a budget choose to start as an au pair. It’s the perfect bridge: cultural immersion like study abroad, financial security like a scholarship, and real work experience that strengthens your resume.

If you want a clear breakdown, check our guide to becoming an au pair in China — the most cost-effective option for living abroad in Asia.

Yes — becoming an au pair in Asia is usually far more affordable than a traditional study abroad program or a working holiday visa. When you enroll in an au pair in Asia program, your housing, meals, and local support are provided by the host family. In many cases, you also receive free Mandarin classes in China or cultural lessons in countries like Japan or Korea. This makes the cost of living much lower compared to paying rent and tuition during a study abroad semester.

By contrast, a working holiday in Asia requires you to cover all expenses on your own: rent, food, utilities, and language learning, which can easily reach $1,000+ per month in big cities like Seoul or Tokyo. With an au pair program, your main costs are limited to flights, insurance, and visa fees — everything else is included.

👉 That’s why many applicants who want to experience Asia on a budget choose to start as an au pair. It’s the perfect bridge: cultural immersion like study abroad, financial security like a scholarship, and real work experience that strengthens your resume.

If you want a clear breakdown, check our guide to becoming an au pair in China — the most cost-effective option for living abroad in Asia.

Absolutely! One of the biggest advantages of choosing an au pair in Asia program is the balance between childcare duties and free time. Most host families give au pairs regular days off and enough flexibility to explore local attractions, festivals, and nearby cities.

For example, if you join our China au pair program, weekends often include organized cultural trips, visits to landmarks like the Great Wall, Chengdu Panda Base, or Shanghai’s Bund, and even free Mandarin classes to enrich your stay. In other countries like Japan, Korea, Thailand, or Vietnam, au pairs often take advantage of low-cost transport to visit temples, beaches, night markets, or modern megacities.

Traveling while being an au pair is more affordable than backpacking or studying abroad, because your housing and meals are covered by your host family. This means more of your personal budget can go toward travel experiences, food adventures, and cultural activities.

👉 In short, saying yes to an au pair in Asia means not just childcare and language learning, but also travel opportunities that let you experience Asia’s incredible diversity — from tropical beaches in Thailand to futuristic skylines in Seoul.

Yes! One of the biggest highlights of becoming an au pair in Asia is the chance to join a fast-growing international au pair community. Unlike traveling alone, you are part of a network of young people from Europe, the USA, Latin America, and beyond who all share the same dream of cultural exchange and language learning. In China, for example, licensed agencies regularly organize weekend trips to cultural landmarks, language exchanges with local students, and workshops such as calligraphy, tea ceremonies, or martial arts, where you’ll naturally meet other au pairs and make friends. These structured activities give you a strong support system from day one.

But it doesn’t stop there. In major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, and Tokyo, many au pairs also connect through local expat groups, social media communities, and international meetups that happen weekly. Whether you’re exploring the Great Wall in China, discovering temples in Japan, or trying K-pop dance classes in Korea, you’ll almost always find other au pairs or international students to share the experience with.

This social aspect is what makes choosing to be an au pair in Asia so much more than childcare. It’s about joining a global network of motivated, curious young people who want to grow together. The friendships you build abroad often last a lifetime and can open doors to future opportunities in travel, language learning, or even international careers.

Most au pair programs in Asia go far beyond basic childcare. In addition to helping with children and daily family routines, au pairs usually gain access to language lessons, structured cultural immersion, and a variety of organized group activities that enrich the overall experience. For example, choosing an au pair in China program means you’ll often benefit from free Mandarin classes, traditional calligraphy workshops, introductions to martial arts such as kung fu or tai chi, and authentic Chinese tea ceremonies that connect you directly with centuries-old traditions.

In countries like Japan or Korea, au pair opportunities often include city tours of Tokyo or Seoul, seasonal holiday celebrations such as cherry blossom festivals or Chuseok, and hands-on cooking sessions with host families, where you can learn to prepare sushi, kimchi, or local specialties. Even in emerging destinations like Thailand or Vietnam, au pairs frequently join community events, cultural exchanges, and language practice with peers, making the experience much richer than a typical study abroad or work-travel program.

These extras set au pair in Asia programs apart: instead of being just a job, they are a pathway to live like a local, build lifelong relationships with your host family, and learn traditions first-hand while strengthening your CV with international skills. This combination of childcare, language learning, and cultural immersion makes Asia one of the most rewarding destinations worldwide.

Yes, many young people decide to extend their au pair in Asia program after completing their initial 6–12 month stay. Depending on the country, an au pair can apply for a visa extension, transition to a new host family, or use their time off to travel around Asia and explore nearby destinations. Some of the most popular options include spending a few weeks on Thailand’s tropical islands, experiencing the vibrant culture and affordable lifestyle of Vietnam’s major cities, or visiting the scenic countryside and historic temples of Japan.

Choosing China as your first au pair destination is especially recommended for long-term flexibility. Unlike other Asian countries, the au pair in China program offers clear visa pathways through licensed agencies, strong legal protections, and a much higher number of vetted host families available for matching. In addition, au pairs in China often benefit from free Mandarin classes, organized cultural activities, and support networks that make it easier to extend your stay. Many au pairs decide to continue studying Mandarin after their program, opening doors to new opportunities in education, business, or even a second au pair placement in China.

By starting your journey as an au pair in China, you gain the strongest foundation for a successful au pair in Asia experience: cultural immersion, language growth, affordable living, and the flexibility to extend, switch families, or combine your au pair role with further studies. If your goal is to maximize both personal growth and future career value, China is consistently the top choice for au pairs in Asia.Â