Discover the perfect au pair from Portugal

Hosting an au pair from Portugal is about more than just childcare—it’s about building meaningful connections across cultures. Whether it’s celebrating traditions like São João or Santo António, cheering on their favorite soccer team, trying delicious Portuguese foods, or introducing your kids to the Portuguese language, welcoming a Portuguese au pair into your home will help your children see the world from a new perspective.

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Why choose a Portuguese au pair?

Many families who’ve welcomed Portuguese au pairs started their search in our host family app—where you can browse profiles and connect with someone who’s the right fit for your family.

Au pairs from Portugal are known for their warm, family-oriented values and a culture that emphasizes hospitality, connection, and tradition. With a strong sense of responsibility and a calm, caring nature, Portuguese au pairs bring both dependability and heart to their role. Their adaptability, kindness, and dedication make them a wonderful fit for families seeking nurturing, flexible, and reliable care.

How our au pair program works

Matching process & local support

We'll help you find an au pair from Portugal who is a strong match in terms of personality, values, and parenting style. With guidance from our team during the matching process—and yearlong support from a local coordinator in your community—you’ll have expert help every step of the way.

Visa requirements & legal considerations

Portuguese au pairs travel to the U.S. on a legal J-1 cultural exchange visa with the federal au pair program. These visas are issued by the U.S. Department of State, which also regulates the program. Cultural Care is a designated sponsor of this program and is responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal regulations.

Understanding the program costs

Hosting an au pair through Cultural Care is a cost-effective alternative to daycare or nanny care—especially for those with multiple children. Au pair costs start around $1,755/month. You're also expected to provide a weekly stipend, meals, and up to $500 toward your au pair’s educational requirement.

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The unique benefits of hosting a Portuguese au pair

Help your children learn Portuguese

While they're conversationally fluent in English, Portuguese au pairs also love sharing their native tongue—giving your children the chance to experience language-learning through daily conversation, songs, and play.

Celebrating Portuguese traditions in your home

From traditional fado music to holidays like São João and Santo António, your au pair from Portugal will bring rich traditions into your home. Hosting means sharing everything from flavorful foods to celebrations rooted in family, community, and cultural pride.

Tailored support for your family’s needs

Our Portuguese au pairs provide care that fits into your family’s schedule and lifestyle—think help with school drop-offs and pick-ups, bedtime routines, weekend and date-night coverage, and everything in between.

How we support host families and Portuguese au pairs

Preparation and training

Our team provides pre-arrival guidance and comprehensive training for both au pairs and host families, so everyone feels prepared and confident from day one.

Local support during the year

With the arrival of your Portuguese au pair to the USA, you'll benefit from ongoing check-ins, 24/7 emergency support, and a dedicated local coordinator in your community.

Online and in-person events

Cultural Care hosts 365+ online and in-person support sessions and recreational activities, all of which program participants can access through the app.

Become a host family

Success story: How one Portuguese au pair became a part of the family

“From her very first day with us, Ana showed nothing but love and dedication toward my girls.

She has a natural ability to connect with my girls and has also won over the hearts of my extended family. My parents, sisters, and teenage nieces all adore her. Whether it’s helping the girls with their homework, playing games, or taking them outside to ride their bikes, Ana pours her heart into every moment. Ana has also introduced us to Portuguese pastries called Pastéis de Nata, traditional embroidered decorative cloths, and has taught the girls Portuguese greetings.”

Samantha, host mom in California

FAQs about Portuguese au pairs

Can au pairs help with household chores?

What language proficiency should I expect from a Portuguese au pair?

English proficiency among Portuguese au pairs can vary, so it’s important to assess their language ability during the matching process. Each au pair candidate is interviewed and scored on their English level by Cultural Care staff in Portugal, and this information is included in their profile. You’ll get a sense of our Portuguese au pairs communication abilities during your own video interviews.

How does their Portuguese cultural background influence their childcare approach?

Portuguese au pairs often bring a nurturing, attentive approach to childcare, shaped by a family-oriented culture that values respect, warmth, and connection. In Portugal, children are considered an important part of daily family life, and caregiving is often shared among close relatives. This background fosters a childcare style centered on trust, consistency, and meaningful interaction—making Portuguese au pairs loving and reliable companions for your children.

What happens if a family or au pair feels the match isn’t working?

As one of the country's top-rated pair programs, we're here to help if challenges arise. If either the host family or au pair feels the match isn’t a good fit, our office staff and your local coordinator will step in to provide guidance and support. In some cases, concerns can be resolved through communication and coaching. If not, we’ll work with both parties to find a new match—ensuring the transition is smooth and respectful for everyone involved.

Can a Portuguese au pair travel with my family?

What kind of training do Cultural Care au pairs get?

Participants complete a three-part training program to prepare them for life as a Portuguese au pair in the USA. First, they work through self-paced online modules to build foundational knowledge. Next, they attend Cultural Care’s Au Pair Training School—a 32-hour, online orientation covering child development, safety, first aid, and CPR. Finally, they participate in pre-departure workshops in their home countries to better understand American family life, cultural expectations, and how to succeed in their new role.

Can I choose an au pair with specific skills or qualifications?

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