Find a host family, apply for a visa, manage everyday life, stay safe – the honest guide for your au pair stay in Brazil.
Key information at a glance
- Brazil does not have a legally regulated au pair structure – contracts are negotiated individually with the host family
- German citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days – for longer au pair stays, a temporary visa (VITEM V) is required
- Pocket money typically ranges from 400–800 BRL per month (approx. 70–140 EUR), plus board and lodging
- São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro offer the largest network for young foreigners and the best language course options
- Southern Brazil (Santa Catarina, Paraná) is quieter, closer to nature, and more family-friendly
- Yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended for travel to the Amazon and many rural regions
- Private hospitals in Brazil often require treatment costs to be paid in advance
- Travel health insurance with repatriation coverage is essential for au pair stays in Brazil
What does being an au pair in Brazil mean?
As an au pair, you live with a Brazilian host family for several months and take care of their children. You help with homework, accompany the children in their daily routines, and are integrated into family life – as an equal member, not as a domestic worker.
Brazil differs from European au pair destinations in this regard: there is no standardized government-regulated au pair program. This makes many things more flexible, but it also requires more initiative when negotiating your contract. If you are aware of this, you can use it to your advantage.
Everyday life in Brazil is lively, family-oriented, and surprisingly warm. Host families are often closely connected within a larger network of relatives – so you don’t just get to know one household, but an entire community.
Practical tip: Ideally, plan your start 4–6 months in advance. This gives you enough time to find a host family, handle visa formalities, and prepare your Portuguese skills.
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Find a host family – how to proceed
The first step is finding the right host family – and this should start early. Several months of lead time are not an exaggeration, but a realistic planning horizon.
Online platforms
Platforms such as AuPairWorld, Cultural Care, or GoAuPair allow you to create your own profile and contact host families in Brazil directly. There, you can filter by region, family size, or the age of the children and arrange initial video calls.
Agencies
Specialized au pair agencies for Brazil are rare, but there are a few German-speaking providers that support placements in South America. They offer more personal guidance but are usually more expensive.
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What should be included in the preliminary agreement?
- Exact working hours per day and week (recommended: max. 30–35 hours)
- Days off and vacation entitlement
- Pocket money and payment method
- Accommodation and meals (including a private room!)
- Language course support by the host family
- Return travel costs in case of emergency (who covers what?)
- Terms for early termination
Important: Do not sign any agreement that does not clearly define working hours or vacation days. Even without an official au pair regulation in Brazil, Brazilian labor law applies – and you have rights.
Entry & visa
German citizens may enter Brazil visa-free for up to 90 days. For longer au pair stays, you will need a corresponding residence permit.
Up to 90 days: Visa-free entry is possible – but officially not intended for employment.
VITEM V / Temporary visa: The most commonly used visa for au pair-like activities during longer stays.
Brazilian embassy: Always check current requirements directly with the embassy in Berlin – regulations can change.
The visa situation for au pairs in Brazil is not uniformly regulated and was last updated in 2024. Before entering the country, obtain up-to-date information from the Brazilian embassy in Berlin or the German Federal Foreign Office.
Daily routines
Your daily routine depends on the rhythm of your host family. Typical tasks include:
- Waking the children in the morning, helping them get dressed, and accompanying them to breakfast
- Taking children to school (depending on age and agreement)
- Helping with homework in the afternoon
- Playing and organizing leisure activities with the children
- Light household tasks (in moderation, not the main responsibility)
In your free time – which should be contractually guaranteed – you have the opportunity to explore the city, attend language courses, and meet new people. In Brazil, social networks among young foreigners quickly form in areas with a high number of expats, such as Barra da Tijuca (Rio) or Jardins (São Paulo).
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Language & culture
Portuguese is the official language of Brazil – and it differs significantly from European Portuguese. If you already have basic knowledge, you will settle in much more easily. However, prior knowledge is not essential: everyday life with the host family is the best language-learning environment.
Culturally, you can expect a society where hospitality is highly valued. Family gatherings, shared meals, and spontaneous visits are part of everyday life in Brazil. At the same time, you should be prepared for cultural differences in punctuality, personal space, and communication style – things work differently here than in Germany.
Tip: Before you leave, download a language learning app (e.g., Anki or Pimsleur for Brazilian Portuguese) on your phone. Just 15 minutes a day over 2–3 months can make a noticeable difference.
Where to live in Brazil?
Brazil is almost as large as Europe. Your choice of location will have a major impact on your daily life.
São Paulo – The largest city in Brazil. Cosmopolitan, many expats, good language schools, heavy traffic.
Rio de Janeiro – Beaches, culture, and vibrant life. Beautiful, but requires a higher level of safety awareness.
Florianópolis / South – Closer to nature, more relaxed. Popular with families and less crowded with tourists.
Brasília – The capital with very modern architecture. Less typically Brazilian, but considered safer.
For au pairs seeking nature and tranquility, cities in the south (Santa Catarina, Paraná) are recommended. Those who prioritize language courses and a social network are better off in São Paulo or Rio.
Safety & health
Brazil is a beautiful country with a vibrant culture – and at the same time one that requires a realistic awareness of safety. This does not mean fear, but preparation.
Safety in everyday life
- Do not wear expensive jewelry or display devices openly
- Research neighborhoods and appropriate times of day for walking in advance
- Discuss with your host family which areas of the city are safe
- Only use licensed taxis or app-based services (99, Uber)
- Back up important documents digitally (cloud, email to yourself)
Health & vaccinations
The German Federal Foreign Office and tropical medicine institutes recommend the following vaccinations for Brazil: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid (depending on the region), yellow fever (mandatory when entering from certain countries, recommended for travel to the Amazon and parts of the northeast). Malaria prophylaxis may be relevant depending on the region – consulting a travel medicine specialist is advisable.
Yellow fever vaccination: For travel to the Amazon or certain rural regions, yellow fever vaccination is not only recommended but must be proven upon entry from certain countries. Make sure to get information in advance from a tropical medicine institute or travel doctor.
Coverage: what really matters
Brazil has a public healthcare system (Sistema Único de Saúde, SUS) that is formally accessible to foreigners as well. In practice, however, this often looks different: waiting times, language barriers, and very uneven quality depending on the region make personal coverage not a luxury, but a real necessity.
An emergency visit to a private hospital in Brazil can quickly cost several thousand euros – and without appropriate insurance, treatment costs usually have to be paid in advance on site. In addition, there may be return transport costs in case of illness, which hardly anyone can cover without insurance.
Anyone going abroad as an au pair should at least consider having travel health insurance that includes emergency outpatient care and repatriation coverage. For longer stays of several months – as is typical for au pair placements – it is worth taking a closer look: coverage limits, durations, and how pre-existing conditions are handled vary significantly depending on the provider.
Good to know: au pair-specific insurance policies There are dedicated insurance products for au pairs that are tailored to their specific situation – long stays, family environment, limited financial resources. Protrip World offers suitable options for stays abroad like yours. View insurance coverage for au pairs
What a good au pair insurance should cover
- Outpatient and inpatient treatment costs without a deductible
- Medically necessary repatriation to Germany
- Coverage amount of at least EUR 1 million (Brazil: 5–10 million recommended)
- Valid for the entire duration of the stay (including possible extensions)
- 24/7 emergency hotline in German or English
- Option to include emergency dental treatment
Travel to Brazil with peace of mind – with the right coverage Whether a short trial stay or a longer au pair placement: Protrip World helps you find the right insurance for your stay in Brazil.
Costs & pocket money
Brazil does not have a fixed compensation system for au pairs. Agreements are made individually with the host family. The following benchmarks can help with orientation:
Pocket money: 400–800 BRL/month (approx. 70–140 EUR). In addition: board and lodging. Flights: Round-trip flight approx. 700–1,200 EUR (depending on booking time and departure location). Language course: Some host families cover the cost of language courses – clarify this in advance and put it in writing. Insurance: Around 30–70 EUR/month for comprehensive travel health insurance including repatriation.
As a rule of thumb: plan at least 1,500–2,000 EUR as a reserve before departure. This buffer helps cover unexpected expenses without putting you under financial stress.
Calculate costs realistically: Our free travel cost calculator helps you estimate flights, insurance, and living costs for Brazil more accurately.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about au pair activities in Brazil
Do I need a visa as an au pair in Brazil?
For stays longer than 90 days, you will generally need a long-term visa. Au pair-specific visas are not yet uniformly regulated in Brazil – many stays are arranged through a temporary visa (VITEM V). You can find current requirements at the Brazilian embassy in Berlin.
How much pocket money do I get as an au pair in Brazil?
Brazil does not have a legally defined pocket money regulation for au pairs. Typically, it ranges from 400–800 BRL per month (approx. 70–140 EUR), plus board and lodging. The amount is negotiated directly with the host family.
Is health insurance mandatory for au pairs in Brazil?
It is not legally required, but strongly recommended. The Brazilian public healthcare system varies greatly in quality and accessibility. Private hospitals often require upfront payment – without insurance, costs can quickly reach several thousand euros.
Can I extend my au pair stay?
In principle, yes – but your visa and insurance must be adjusted accordingly. Clarify extension options early to avoid gaps in coverage.
How safe is it to live in Brazil as a young person?
Brazil requires awareness and a realistic sense of safety. With the right precautions (well-known neighborhoods, app-based taxis, not displaying valuables), risks can be significantly minimized. Most au pairs spend their time without issues – but preparation is essential.
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Key takeaways
- Starting early pays off – finding a host family and handling visa formalities requires at least 4–6 months of preparation
- Put contracts in writing and keep them detailed – in Brazil, there is no legal framework that automatically protects you
- Basic Portuguese skills make settling in much easier – even though everyday life is the best learning environment
- Safety is not about fear, but preparation – the right habits will reliably protect you
- Without travel health insurance, a multi-month stay in Brazil is a real financial risk – not just in theory
- A financial reserve of EUR 1,500–2,000 gives you flexibility if unexpected expenses arise
- Your place of residence significantly shapes your experience – big city or southern regions offer very different lifestyles