Finland•EuropeRP-AuPair — Au Pair Residence Permit (Au pairin oleskelulupa)
At a Glance
3–8 months
EUR €240
1 year
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
One-year cultural exchange permit for young adults (17-30) to live with a Finnish family as an au pair, with mandatory language or culture course.
The Finnish Au Pair Residence Permit is a cultural exchange visa for young adults (17–30) providing childcare and household assistance to host families in exchange for room, board, and pocket money. It offers a non-traditional entry route without requiring specialized professional qualifications, emphasizing cultural and linguistic immersion.
The permit lasts a maximum of one year and is non-renewable. Processing typically takes three months, with some cases extending to eight months. The application fee is EUR 240. Applicants must have basic knowledge of Finnish or Swedish language or culture and enroll in a language course during their stay. Health insurance and a signed au pair agreement with the host family are required.
This visa is ideal for young adults between 17 and 30 seeking to experience Finnish society, improve Nordic language skills, and gain international experience through family immersion.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 1 year |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be 17–30 years of age.
Must not have worked as an au pair in Finland or another country before.
Must have basic knowledge of Finnish or Swedish language or Finnish culture.
Must be enrolled in a language or culture course in Finland.
Must have a written au pair agreement with the host family.
Must have health and accident insurance for the entire stay.
Must have a health certificate (less than 3 months old) showing no infectious diseases.
Must not be a close relative of the host family.
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Income
4,080 EUR/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Employment contract
Salary documentation
Passport photos
Transfer notification (sponsor)
Company registration (sponsor)
Parent company verification (sponsor)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Cultural immersion in a safe, family-based environment with native language exposure
- All accommodation and meals provided by host family during the stay
- Minimal prior work experience or professional qualifications required
- Modest application fee of EUR 240 with straightforward approval process
- Opportunity to learn Finnish/Swedish through mandatory language courses
- No requirement to secure formal employment contract before arrival
- Structured cultural exchange program with legal protections built in
Worth Knowing
- Processing takes 3 months typical, up to 8 months in some cases
- Limited to ages 17–30; must have never worked as au pair before
- Cannot extend beyond one year on au pair grounds; must change permit status
- Limited working hours and strictly childcare-focused duties (no other employment)
- Mandatory language/culture course enrollment; basic proficiency in Finnish, Swedish, or culture required
- Must secure host family placement before applying; no placement = no permit
Application Process
Secure an au pair placement with a host family.
Prepare all required documents, including the au pair agreement and health certificate.
Fill in the application form (online via Enter Finland or on paper).
Pay the processing fee.
Book an appointment to prove your identity at a Finnish mission (if abroad) or a Migri service point (if in Finland).
Attend the appointment to prove your identity and present original documents.
Wait for the decision.
Application Forms
Go to application portal| Residence Permit Application for Au Pair Status (OLE_AUP) | Fill online |
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