Families and childcare centres across Europe hire nannies, childminders and nursery assistants to keep children safe, active and settled in a daily routine. The work is similar in most countries, but languages, background checks and contract rules differ. This page explains what the work usually involves, what employers usually ask for, how to stay safe while job hunting, and how to apply through EURES, the official European jobs portal.
Salary and visa details below are GENERAL GUIDANCE ONLY. Pay varies by employer, country, hours, and experience. Always check the official posting before you apply.
Job Details
| Field | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Location | Europe — country and city as listed in the official posting |
| Job type | Full-time or part-time, live-in or live-out — as per official posting |
| Work setting | Private family home, kindergarten or childcare centre — as per official posting |
| Salary | General guidance only: pay varies widely by country and employer. Check the official posting for the exact rate. |
| Visa note | General only: EU/EEA citizens can usually work across the EEA; other applicants need the right permit for the specific country. Check the official posting and official immigration pages. |
What the Work Usually Involves
Daily tasks
- Supervise children at all times and keep their environment safe.
- Prepare meals and snacks suited to the children's ages and any allergy plans.
- Take children to school or kindergarten and collect them afterwards.
- Plan play, crafts, reading, music and outdoor time for each age.
- Support homework, routines, bathing and bedtime where agreed.
- Change nappies and support toilet training for younger children.
- Keep children's rooms, play areas and laundry tidy.
- Update parents on the day — food, naps, activities and any concerns.
- In centre-based roles, follow the setting's safeguarding and learning plans.
What Employers Usually Ask For
Requirements
- Genuine childcare experience, with references employers can contact.
- A clean criminal record certificate — most European countries require one for work with children, and the posting states which type.
- First aid training for children is widely requested.
- Childcare or early-years training helps, especially for kindergarten and nursery roles.
- The local language is often needed at least at a basic level, though some international families hire in English — the posting states what is needed.
- Patience, reliability and clear communication with parents.
- A driving licence is sometimes requested for school runs.
- Legal right to work in the country, or a clear plan through an official route.
Safety Note — Read Before You Apply
Childcare jobs involve trust on both sides, so protect yourself from the start. Use reputable agencies or verified platforms such as EURES, and be careful with adverts shared only through social media chats. Never pay upfront fees to an agency, recruiter or family for a job, a visa or paperwork — legitimate employers do not charge you to be hired. Check which working-with-children checks the country requires (usually a criminal record certificate) and complete them through official channels. Before accepting a live-in role, agree the hours, pay, days off, room and duties in writing, meet the family on a video call first, and keep your own documents — never hand over your passport. Be clear whether a role is a nanny job with an employment contract or an au pair cultural exchange, as the pay, hours and protections are different.
How to Apply
- Read the full official posting — country, ages of children, hours, duties, pay and requirements.
- Check the background check, language and right-to-work requirements for that country.
- Prepare a short CV focused on your childcare experience, the ages you have cared for and references.
- Apply only through the official link below.
- Save the posting and your application confirmation.
Apply here: Apply here — EURES, verified live 2026-10-16: the official European jobs portal run with public employment services. Use "Find a job" and search the role keyword "nanny" or "childcare" on that portal to see current listings. Apply link verified: 2026-10-16.
FAQ
Do I need to speak the local language for childcare jobs in Europe? Often some local language is expected, because you will talk with children, schools and doctors. Some international and expat families hire in English. The posting states the level required.
What background check do I need? Most European countries require a criminal record certificate for work with children, sometimes from your home country as well. The posting or the employer will explain exactly which certificate to obtain.
What is the difference between a nanny and an au pair in Europe? A nanny is an employee with a contract, set hours and a salary. An au pair is a cultural exchange guest who helps with light childcare for pocket money and language learning. Know which one a posting offers before you accept.
Can non-EU citizens apply for childcare jobs in Europe? You can apply, but you will normally need a work permit or a specific programme place (such as an au pair scheme) for that country, arranged through official channels.
Scam Warning
Never pay a fee to apply, to get a job offer, or to speed up a visa. If someone asks for payment, gift cards, or passport photos by chat, stop and verify through official channels.
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Image alt-text suggestion: "Childcare worker helping children with a craft activity."