Au Pair – FAQ

Frequently asked questions about residence permits for 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?

Normally, au pair stays may not exceed 18 months. In exceptional situations, the length of your stay may 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.

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.

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

If you becomes 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. In addition, your host family is responsible for registering you with the national healthcare service.

What are the requirements for becoming an au pair?

You must be between the ages of 17 and 30 and unmarried. You may not bring children under the age of 18 with you to Denmark. In addition, you must have completed the equivalent of nine years of schooling, and must have a working knowledge of either Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German. 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 horizons 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?

A host family must have at least one parent and one child under the age of 18 living at home. In order to ensure that the au pair has someone to inform them about Danish language and culture, normally at least one parent must be a Danish citizen. The host family must be able to support itself, i.e. it must not receive public assistance. 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 an au pair 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 for a new family until you have received a new residence permit.

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

An au pair is not entitled to attend school in Denmark. The host family is not required to pay for an au pair’s language lessons.

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 au pair stay?

Pregnancy and childbirth have no impact on your residence permit. Whether you can continue living with the host family must be agreed upon between you and the family.