Au pair
If you wish to work as an au pair in Sweden you must have a work permit. If you intend to work for longer than three months you must also have a residence permit.
An au pair lives with a family and receives payment of minimum SEK 3,500 before tax for light household duties/taking care of children. The aim of the visit is to acquire international experience and to have the opportunity to learn Swedish and become acquainted with Swedish culture. If you have a permit to work as an au pair you are consequently not permitted to work as a nanny or housemaid full-time.
The Philippines does not permit its citizens to travel to Europe as au pairs. There is therefore no point submitting an application for a work permit.
In order to be granted a permit you must have:
You must apply for a residence permit as self-employed from your native country or other country outside Sweden where you are living. Your permit must be valid and be included in your passport before you travel to Sweden.
You can apply:
Enclose the following documents with your application:
Note that the embassy or consulate where you submit your application may require additional documents. You will find more information and contact information on the website of the relevant embassy. Click on the link in the right column to find the appropriate embassy.
Most people have to pay an application fee; see page on fees. If your application is refused, your money will not be returned. You must also pay a fee when you apply for an extension to your permit.
The decision will be sent to the embassy or consulate where you applied or that you specified when you applied via the website. You need to bring your original passport with you when you pick up your permit.
People who stay in Sweden for a period that is shorter than one year are not entitled to the same welfare benefits as those who reside here. It is therefore important that you and your family have good insurance cover when you travel to Sweden.
You can be granted a permit for the period covered by the offer of work although subject to a maximum stay in Sweden of one year.
You can not appeal against the decision to reject your application for a work permit.
A previous period spent as an au pair in another country immediately prior to the planned stay in Sweden could reduce the chances of you being granted a permit in Sweden. The reason is that this could be an indication that it is a question of regular work as a nanny or a similar position and not as an au pair.
For work that is shorter than three months, citizens in certain countries must have an entry visa; see link in the right column.
Special note for citizens of the Philippines
The Philippines does not permit its citizens to travel to Europe as au pairs. There is therefore no point submitting an application for a work permit.
Requirements to be granted a work permit
In order to be granted a permit you must have:
- a valid passport
- be between 18 and 30 years old
- be able to show that you have a distinct interest in or use for Swedish language studies
- a certificate of admission to the course of study concerned
- a written invitation from your host family in Sweden stating the terms and conditions of your employment as an au pair
Your host family must offer you the following
- a maximum of 25 hours housework per week
- studies in Swedish for a large part of the remainder of a normal 40-hour working week
- board and lodging
- a minimum salary of SEK 3,500 per month before tax
Applying for a work permit
You must apply for a residence permit as self-employed from your native country or other country outside Sweden where you are living. Your permit must be valid and be included in your passport before you travel to Sweden.
Different ways of applying
You can apply:
- On the Migration Board's website or
- On a Swedish embassy or consulate in the country you are living in. You must use the form Au pair, no. 131011.
Make sure your application is complete
Enclose the following documents with your application:
- Copies of the pages of your passport that show your identity, the validity period of your passport and whether you have permits to be in countries other than your native country
- Two photographs in passport format, taken from the front and that are not more than six months old
- A written invitation from your host family stating the terms and conditions of your employment as an au pair.
- A receipt of paid application fee
- A certificate from your place of study stating how many hours per week you will study.
Check the requirements of Swedish missions abroad
Note that the embassy or consulate where you submit your application may require additional documents. You will find more information and contact information on the website of the relevant embassy. Click on the link in the right column to find the appropriate embassy.
Application fee
Most people have to pay an application fee; see page on fees. If your application is refused, your money will not be returned. You must also pay a fee when you apply for an extension to your permit.
If you are granted a work and residence permit
The decision will be sent to the embassy or consulate where you applied or that you specified when you applied via the website. You need to bring your original passport with you when you pick up your permit.
Important to remember
People who stay in Sweden for a period that is shorter than one year are not entitled to the same welfare benefits as those who reside here. It is therefore important that you and your family have good insurance cover when you travel to Sweden.
Permit validity period
You can be granted a permit for the period covered by the offer of work although subject to a maximum stay in Sweden of one year.
Right to appeal
You can not appeal against the decision to reject your application for a work permit.
Page updated: 2009-12-15
Migrationsverket
