Au pairs

Can a Nordic or EU/EEA citizen be an au pair in Denmark?

Nordic citizens do not need a residence permit in order to enter or work in Denmark. EU/EEA citizens who would like to become an au pair must apply to the Regional State Administration for a proof of registration.

How long are au pair residence permits valid for?

An au pair stay may not exceed 18 months. However, in exceptional situations the length of your stay may be extended to 24 months. See all conditions for an au pair stay.

Can my au pair contract be annulled before it expires?

Both you and your host family have the right to annul your contract with 14 days notice. Both parties can annul the contract unilaterally and without warning in cases of serious contract violation or other circumstances that necessitate such an action. If the contract is annulled before it expires, the Immigration Service recommends that the annulment is done in writing, signed by both parties and sent to the Immigration Service.

What happens if my contract is annulled before it expires?

If a contract is annulled, your host family must pay travel expenses for you to return home, if you are a resident of a non-European country. The same applies if your au pair stay ends at the time agreed on in the contract. You and your host family must make sure to de-register you as a resident at the host family's address by going in person to the local citizen's service centre (Borgerservice).

How is my monthly allowance to be paid?

You and your host family are free to agree on how your allowance will be paid. The Immigration Service recommends that your host family helps you set up a bank account where your allowance can be paid to. If you do not wish to set up a bank account, the Immigration Service recommends that you sign a statement that you have received the money. In this way, your host family can document that you have received the money.

What happens if I become ill during my au pair stay?

Your host family must make sure you are registered as a resident at their address with the Central Person Register and that you are covered by the Danish National Health Insurance. This is done at the local Citizen's Service Centre (Borgerservice), where you will be issued a so-called CPR number and 'health card' as proof that you are covered by the Danish National Health Insurance. If you become ill during your au pair stay, your host family is required to provide free room and board, as well as adequate care until other arrangements can be made.

What are the requirements for becoming an au pair?

In order to be granted a residence permit as an au pair, you must meet a number of conditions. See all conditions for an au pair stay.

Why are there language requirements?

The primary goal of an au pair stay is to improve language and other relevant skills, as well as expand your cultural horizon by learning about Denmark. The requirement that you must have a working knowledge of either Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German ensures that this can happen.

What are the requirements for becoming a host family?

In order to be approved, the host family must meet a number of conditions. See all conditions for an au pair stay.

Can a single parent host an au pair?

Yes, as long as the family meet the other requirements.

Can a host family be approved if they have no children, but the host mother is pregnant?

Yes, if the application includes documentation stating expected time of birth, and if the family meet the other requirements.

Can I change host families?

If you wish to change host families, you must apply for a new residence permit. You may not start as an au pair with a new family until you have received a new residence permit. However you are allowed to move in with the new host family as their guest. The Immigration Service recommends that the new host family get references from the previous host family before signing the contract. If the new host family is unsure how long the au pair has left of the 18 months an au pair stay can last, they can check the au pair's passport. The date of entry into Denmark will be stamped in the passport, and an au pair stay can last for a maximum of 18 months from this date.

Am I entitled to attend school during my au pair stay? If yes, who pays?

No, but you are entitled to appropriate time off to attend Danish class. The host family is not required to pay for your school.

What happens if I get married during my au pair stay?

If you get married during your au pair stay, your residence permit will be revoked, as you no longer meet the requirements for being an au pair.

What happens if I become pregnant during my stay in Denmark, or if I am already pregnant when I arrive in Denmark?

Caring for your own child is not compatible with the purpose of an au pair stay. Therefore, you cannot bring your own children to Denmark or care for your own child who was born in Denmark. If you have a child during your au pair stay, your residence permit will be revoked and you will have to leave Denmark.

How do I apply?

The au pair and the host family must both complete and sign an application form. Read more about how to apply.

Am I entitled to holiday?

The relationship between you and your host family is regarded as an employer/employee relationship and is therefore subject to Danish regulations covering the right to holiday and holiday pay. For more information, contact Feriekontoret, Landemærket 11, 1119 København K; tel: +45 33 95 52 20. Read more about the rules governing holidays on the website of the National Directorate of Labour.

Do I have to pay tax?

As the relationship between you and your host family is regarded as an employer/employee relationship , it is subject to Danish taxation laws. The tax authority in the municipality of your host family can answer questions regarding taxation.

Do I need to need to take out insurance?

Your host family is responsible for insuring you against industrial injuries. For more information, contact the National Board of Industrial Injuries on +45 72 20 60 00. Read more about the rules governing insurance against industrial injuries on the website of the National Board of Industrial Injuries. Your host family must take out an insurance covering your repatriation in case of death, serious illness or injury.

Where can I get help?

You are always welcome to contact the au pair division of the Immigration Service. Furthermore, the Danish Refugee Council offers councelling for au pairs and host families, including mediation between au pairs and host families. You can contact the au pair team Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on tel: +45 33 73 53 22 or via email: contact@aupairsupport.dk. You can also make an appointment for a personal meeting. Furthermore, the Danish Refugee Council offers open councelling on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 in Borgergade 10, 1300 København K. Read more about the Danish Refugee Council au pair support.