Being an au pair in Denmark can be an enriching experience, enabling you to learn the Danish language and culture. If you are interested in becoming an au pair in this fascinating country, you should know how to apply for au pair in Denmark and a few other requirements.
Applying as an Au Pair
During au pair holiday in Denmark, you would be living with the host family and being part of the daily lives of that family. This gives you an insight into Danish culture. Before you can apply to be an au pair, you need to find a host family.
Several au pair agencies around the world cater to EU and non-EU nationals. These agencies match the au pair to a specific family based on a series of questions and specifications. That enables you to find the right-fit family, where you will be happy and get an opportunity to learn the culture and language of Denmark. You would also have to decide on the city you want to reside in. Some of the popular cities that have a bounty of au pair jobs are:
- Copenhagen is Denmark's bustling, thriving, and cosmopolitan capital. It is home to museums, music venues, and restaurants.
- Aarhus: This is a university town and is youthful and vibrant. It has charming cobblestone streets and long stretches of hiking trails. While it is more laidback than Copenhagen, it has its own attraction.
- Odense: This city gets its name from Odin, the Norse god, and is based on an island. It is where Hans Christian Anderson was born; hence, it has several museums and places dedicated to him. It also has remarkable cycling tracks and is the cycling city of Denmark.
- Roskilde: This is one city that gives you in-depth insights into Denmark’s history. It is the oldest city in the country and has a lot of Viking history that you can explore.
Au Pair in Denmark Requirements
If you wish to work as an au pair in Denmark, you would need to fulfil a few requirements, which are as follows:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 29 years
- Be unmarried
- Not have any children
- Have a reasonable knowledge of conversational Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German
- Have an international driving license if you will be driving the host family’s car
These are the au pair in Denmark requirements. It is best to note that if you have had an au pair holiday in Denmark or worked as an au pair two or more times in other EU countries, you become ineligible to stay in the country as an au pair.
Visa Requirement for Au Pair in Denmark
Requirements for au pair visa in Denmark vary for applicants from EU and non-EU countries. If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you would have to apply for a residence permit. This application has to be submitted to SIRI and can be done online.
In case you are a resident or citizen of EU or Nordic countries, you do not have to apply for work or residence permit. However, you must submit proof of residence from the local government to work as an au pair in Denmark.
For au pair visa in Denmark, you will need a valid contract with the host family. It is mandatory to have an au pair contract in Denmark that stipulates your responsibilities, time off, and other things that you agree to. This contract has to be submitted with the visa application.
An au pair visa is usually for 12 months (one year), but it is possible to extend the visa for another 12 months, totaling to a total of 24 months.
Salary of Au Pair in Denmark
As an au pair in Denmark, you will be working anywhere from 18 hours to 30 hours each week. This translates to around three to five hours a day. You will be working for six days a week and are guaranteed 1.5 days off every week.
Au pair in Denmark salary is fixed under the Danish law and you will receive a stipend of DKK4,150 each month. You will be entitled to this salary even if you are ill and during holidays for the duration of your contract with the host family. It is prudent to remember that you would have to pay taxes on the stipend you receive and hence, you should get a tax card from the local tax authorities.
Other Benefits for Au Pairs
As stated earlier, au pairs are entitled to 1.5 days off each week. Also, they get a day off on official public holidays. In case you do not utilise the days off and holidays and continue working, the host family has to pay you for those days.
Host families should also give time to the au pair to practice their faith and attend a language course. You will receive a one-off payment amounting to DKK5,275 from the host family. This payment is to cover the expenses for the language course.
Furthermore, the host family has to provide free food, lodging, and care if you fall ill during the contract period. The host family should ensure that you get health insurance for the duration of your stay in Denmark. To do this, the family should sign you up with the Citizen’s Service Centre so that you get your CPR number and health card that entitles you to treatment should the need arise.
In case you are not an EU citizen, the host family would have to pay your air ticket to and fro ticket.
You will receive free meals, lodging and boarding; in exchange, you would have to help with babysitting, laundry, and other household chores.
Cost of Living in Denmark as an Au Pair
While the cost of living in Denmark is high, as an au pair, you will not have to foot rent, bills, and food purchases. Hence, your expenses will be low, but remember that you will have to pay for personal requirements, meals outside of work, travel unrelated to work, and leisure activities.
Hence, you should budget for personal expenses from the stipend you receive from the host family. Remember that cost of living is higher in cities compared to rural areas, with Copenhagen being the most expensive city in Denmark. The good news is public transportation is affordable so if you need to use it to attend a Danish language course, it is best to opt for a frequent traveler option.
In Conclusion
This is everything you need to know if you are interested in working as an au pair in Denmark. Make sure you choose your location and host family with care to have an enlightening and memorable experience.
