Au pair in Denmark

Denmark has a clearly regulated au pair program with annually adjusted rates. Since January 2026 the rule is: at least 5,250 DKK per month deposited into a Danish bank account, and the host family pays a one‑time fee of 20,900 DKK to the state for Danish language courses.

The conditions for au pairs

At least 18 and not yet 30 at the time of application—anyone who has already turned 30 cannot apply. Also: not married, not in or after a permanent partnership, no own children and no expected children. No relatives in the host family and not the same nationality. Previous au pair stays in other Western countries are taken into account.

Working hours: three to five hours per day, maximum six days per week—so 18 to 30 hours. The 18 hours are a minimum. At least one and a half days off per week and the Danish public holidays. Vacation accrues at 2.5 days per month for a six‑day week.

The host family

At least one adult and one child under 18; the permission never ends later than the 18th birthday of the youngest child. At least one parent must be a Danish citizen, an EU citizen or a permanent resident.

Three insurances are mandatory and must be provided by the family: work‑accident insurance, leisure‑accident insurance and a travel‑home insurance.

Entry

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not need an au pair permit, but an EU residence document; Nordic nationals benefit from free movement. All others apply for an au pair residence permit (form AU1) with SIRI, fee 4,305 DKK, for a maximum of two years including family changes.