Many American nannies assume that because they hold a US passport they automatically have the right to work in Europe without any visas, but that’s not entirely the case…
They do not need to obtain a work visa before traveling to the European country where they wish to work, but they must obtain a work permit before starting their job, and they can apply for one after arriving in Europe.
They need a valid Schengen work permit (or a work visa for a specific non-Schengen country), but they can look for a job and apply for a work permit while staying in Europe on a tourist visa. Some countries, such as Germany, even offer different job seeker visas.
Having a US passport makes the process a little more flexible, but it doesn’t change the fact that you have to find an employer who will sponsor you and that it’s a real challenge to find families who want to sponsor foreign nannies.
Also, since Brexit in 2020, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union. Therefore, just like EU nannies, US nannies can no longer work in the UK without a visa. Just like EU nannies, US nannies must obtain a work visa before arriving in the UK, if they do not have a “settled or pre-settled status” (or dual citizenship).
Just as there are no options for EU or UK nannies who want to work in the USA, it is also far from easy for US nannies who want to work in Europe or in the UK…
It is by no means possible to go and work in Europe overnight with an American passport. And don’t forget that Brexit affects you too, US nannies!
