Au Pair Residence Permit
Denmark
Last updated: December 23, 2025
1 year (renewable)
$577
2-3 months
Medium
About this Visa
Denmark's au pair permit lets you live with a Danish family and care for their children. You get free housing, meals, and pocket money. In return, you work 18-30 hours per week doing household chores and childcare. This is a cultural exchange program, not a regular job—the goal is to learn Danish language and experience Danish family life. You must be 18-29 years old (or 30 if switching families). You need basic knowledge of Danish, English, German, Swedish, or Norwegian. The program is open to people from almost all countries worldwide. Key difference: This is temporary (max 2 years) and you live WITH the family, not independently. It's affordable because housing and food are covered.
Key Benefits
- Free bedroom in the family home
- All meals provided
- $785/month pocket money (minimum)
- Free Danish language classes
- Free healthcare
- At least 1.5 days off per week
- Paid vacation (2-2.5 days per month)
- Can travel in Europe (90 days per 6 months)
- Time counts toward permanent residency
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Age 18-29 (or 30 if switching families)
- Not married and no children
- Able to speak basic English, Danish, German, Swedish, or Norwegian
- Not related to your host family
- Usually a different nationality from your host family
- Without serious criminal record
- Genuinely interested in cultural exchange (not just a job)
- Completed at least 9 years of school
- Have a signed contract with a real host family
- Cannot have lived in Denmark before on residence permit
- Cannot have had 2+ au pair stays in other EU countries
Financial Requirement
You don't need to show savings or income. The host family must prove they earn enough to pay you DKK 5,000/month and cover language classes. They cannot receive government welfare benefits.
Documents
- Valid passportMust be valid 3+ months after you leave Denmark
- Birth certificateOriginal, translated to English
- School/education documentsOriginals, translated to English
- Police clearance/criminal record checkIf your country requires visas
- Signed au pair contractWith the family
- Proof of fee paymentApplication fee receipt
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.