Au pair — Au Pair (Au pair)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

3 months

Estimated Cost

DKK kr 4,305

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Cultural exchange for ages 18–29 living with a Danish host family; household duties only, max 2 years; requires proficiency in Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English, or German.

The Au Pair scheme in Denmark is a cultural exchange visa for young adults aged 18–29 who live with a Danish host family and experience local culture. Administered under the Danish Aliens Act, applicants must secure a signed host-family contract, possess moderate proficiency in Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English, or German, and have completed nine years of schooling.

The visa allows up to two years of stay (renewable within this cap). Work is limited strictly to household duties at 18–30 hours weekly; no outside paid employment is permitted. The DKK 4,305 application fee is processed within 90 days. Au pairs receive free Danish language lessons, room, board, and monthly pocket money from their host families. Dependents are not permitted.

This visa is ideal for young people seeking cultural immersion through family-based household work while improving their Danish language skills.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

2 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be between 18 and 29 years old

Must have a signed contract with a Danish host family

Must not be married or have children

Must have a working knowledge of Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English, or German

Must have completed at least 9 years of schooling

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

2-year renewable permit extendable within the 2-year cap for extended cultural immersion
Free Danish language lessons; moderate proficiency sufficient (Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English, German)
Guaranteed housing, meals, and monthly pocket money from host family throughout stay
Defined working hours (18-30 per week) protect au pairs from excessive work demands
Age range 18-29 ideal for young adults seeking cultural exchange and personal growth
No job offer required; direct family arrangement enables faster visa approval process
Legal framework ensures binding contracts approved by authorities protect applicant rights

Worth Knowing

Work strictly confined to household duties; no paid employment outside host family permitted
Host family cannot be related to au pair or share the same nationality; limits options
Formal, binding contract required; must be reviewed and approved by Danish authorities
Dual intent not permitted; visa strictly for cultural exchange, not permanent settlement
Application fee DKK 4,305 required; 90-day processing time for standard applications
Age qualification 18-29 only; applicants outside this range automatically non-qualifying
No dependents permitted; single applicants only; unmarried and childless requirement
Strictly a cultural exchange visa; cannot be used for employment or income generation