Oka NannysHow to find a nanny in Marbella: agency, app or word of mouth?
Three realistic ways to find a nanny on the Costa del Sol, an honest comparison, and the questions to ask before you trust anyone with your children.
Oka Nannys guide · 13 October 2026
You can find a nanny in Marbella through an agency, an online marketplace or word of mouth. An agency costs the most but does the interviewing, reference checks and matching for you. A marketplace is cheaper and faster but you do all the vetting yourself. Word of mouth can work well but is limited to who your friends happen to know. Whichever you choose, meet the nanny, speak to previous families and put the terms in writing.
Option 1: a nanny agency
Pros: candidates are interviewed and reference-checked for you; you are introduced to a shortlist matched to your children, language and schedule; there is someone to call if it does not work out; and agencies often help with the practicalities. Cons: you pay an agency fee on top of the nanny's pay, and quality varies between agencies, so check how they vet. See how our nanny agency works.
Option 2: an online marketplace
Pros: large choice, quick, and usually low or no fee to browse. Many offer identity checks and reviews. Cons: you do the interviewing, reference-checking and contract yourself; profiles are self-written; and platform fees apply. In October 2026, hourly rates asked by nannies on one popular Marbella marketplace ranged from about €10 to €16 an hour, averaging around €11.70 (Babysits, Marbella).
Option 3: word of mouth
Pros: you hear first-hand how a nanny behaves with children like yours. Cons: the pool is small, the best nannies are often already taken, and friendly arrangements can skip formalities such as a contract and Social Security registration — see how to hire a nanny in Spain legally.
Which is best for you?
- Short holiday or one-off evenings: an agency or established babysitting service, because you do not have time to vet.
- Long-term full-time or live-in: an agency, or a very thorough personal process.
- A few regular hours at low cost: a marketplace or word of mouth, if you are happy to check carefully.
12 questions to ask any nanny agency in Marbella
- Do you personally interview every nanny, in person or on video?
- Do you check references with previous families — and can I see what they said?
- How do you verify identity and background?
- Do all your nannies have childcare experience and first-aid knowledge?
- Can I speak to or meet the nanny before I commit?
- What languages do your nannies speak?
- What is your fee, exactly — and what does it include?
- Who is the employer, and who registers the nanny with the Seguridad Social?
- What happens if the nanny is not the right fit — is there a replacement guarantee, and for how long?
- How quickly can you respond, and can you cover last-minute needs?
- Do you have real client reviews I can read?
- Who will I speak to if something goes wrong at 10pm?
A short checklist for choosing the nanny
- Meet her (or video call) and watch how she talks to your children.
- Speak to at least two previous families.
- Check ID and right to work.
- Agree hours, duties, pay, holidays and trial period in writing.
- Start with a paid trial day or week.
Want a vetted nanny without the guesswork?
Tell us what you need and we will recommend nannies we have personally interviewed and reference-checked.