- Startpage
- | Working in Sweden
- | For employers
- | Host family to au pair
Host family to au pair
An au pair must have a work permit. If he/she intends to work as an au pair for longer than three months he/she must also have a residence permit.
An au pair lives with a family and receives payment 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. 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.
The Philippines does not permit its citizens to travel to Europe as au pairs. Please contact the Philippine authorities for more information.
To be granted a permit requires:
An au pair must apply for a work permit in his/her country of origin or another country outside Sweden in which he/she resides.
Most people have to pay an application fee; see page on fees. If the application is refused, the money will not be returned.
The decision will be sent to the embassy or consulate where the application was made or that was specified when applying on-line.
The au pair will be in Sweden for a limited period and is therefore not entitled to the same welfare benefits as those who reside here permanently. It is therefore important to find out which insurance protection applies to an au pair.
An au pair will be granted a permit for the period covered by the offer of employment, although subject to a maximum stay in Sweden of one year.
You cannot appeal against a decision to reject an application for a work permit 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.
Philippine citizens
The Philippines does not permit its citizens to travel to Europe as au pairs. Please contact the Philippine authorities for more information.
Requirements to be granted a work permit
To be granted a permit requires:
- a valid passport
- that the au pair is between 18 and 30 years old
- that the au pair shows distinct interest in, or use for, Swedish language studies
- a certificate of admission to the course of study concerned
- a written offer from the host family in Sweden stating the terms and conditions of the employment
The host family must offer the following:
- a maximum of 25 hours of household work a week
- studies in Swedish for a large part of the remaining period 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
An au pair must apply for a work permit in his/her country of origin or another country outside Sweden in which he/she resides.
Application fee
Most people have to pay an application fee; see page on fees. If the application is refused, the money will not be returned.
Decision on work and residence permit
The decision will be sent to the embassy or consulate where the application was made or that was specified when applying on-line.
Important to remember
The au pair will be in Sweden for a limited period and is therefore not entitled to the same welfare benefits as those who reside here permanently. It is therefore important to find out which insurance protection applies to an au pair.
Permit validity period
An au pair will be granted a permit for the period covered by the offer of employment, although subject to a maximum stay in Sweden of one year.
Right to appeal
You cannot appeal against a decision to reject an application for a work permit as an au pair.
Page updated: 2012-01-11
Migrationsverket
