DENMARK

Citizens from the Nordic countries are not required to obtain a residence permit, and may freely travel to Denmark.

Countries of other EU Countries who would like to be an au pair, should apply for a residence permit from the local authority “statsamt”

Conditions for the au pair and the host family

In order to obtain a residence permit as an au pair, it is mandatory for the applicant to meet certain mandatory language and cultural standards in order to reap full benefits from the au pair stay in Denmark.  This means that the applicant should be able to speak and understand a reasonable level of Danish, Norwegian, English or German; In addition, the following conditions must be filled:

• The au pair must be between 17 and 29 years of age.
• A written contact must be drafted by the host family and the au pair (and the au pair’s parent applicant is under 18).  The Danish Immigration Service has drafted a standard contract, which must be completed.
• The au pair must receive at least DKK 2,500 per month in pocket money from the host family.
• The au pair must receive free room and board.  The au pair’s must have his/her own room and is located in the host family’s residence.
• Au pair must not be married or be accompanied by minor children
• There must be one or more minor children living at home with the host family, and the au pair must assume the role as a member of the family
• At least one of the parents must be a Danish citizen
• The host family may not receive public funds as their primary means of support under the Active ……..Policy Act.  The host family must swear to the Immigration Service that the family does not receive …….funds as their primary means of income.  The Immigration service has drawn up a pre-printed statement to be used.
• A condition for the insurance of a residence permit is that the applicant has not previous held a residence permit.

Special information about the residence permit.

An au pair receives a residence permit but not a work permit, as the tasks undertaken by the au pair for the host family are not considered as work.  An au pair may have neither paid or unpaid work in addition to his/her duties as and au pair.

Despite the fact, the relationship between the au pair and the host family is regarded as an employee/employer relationship, and is thus subject to Danish laws regarding vacation and taxation authority in the municipality where the host family lives can answer questions regarding taxation.  Questions regarding vacation should be directed to Feriekontoret, Finsensvej 78, 2000 Frederiksbe………..38 14 84 84 (telephone consultation: Mon – Thurs 12 – 15, Fri 12 – 14)

Residence per – How long can I stay in Demark as an au pair?

An au pair is granted a residence permit for one year, but not longer than the date on the au pair’s contract.   A six-month extension can be granted.  In exceptional cases, the residence permit for the same family and under the same conditions of the original contract.  The contract between the au pair and the host family must also be extended and sent in together with the application.  The au pair may not begin with the host family until the Immigration Service has granted permission to do so.