Au-Pair in Iceland

Iceland has a small but precisely regulated au-pair program with an official standard contract. The pocket money is at least 15,000 ISK per week, and the host family covers at least half of the travel costs.

The conditions

18 to 25 years — the birth date is decisive: an application is not possible before the 18th or after the 25th birthday. No relatives with the host family. Chronically ill children may not be cared for; the duties are child care, accompanying to school and leisure activities, and light household tasks.

The permit does not allow any other activity, paid or unpaid. Maximum 30 hours per week and five per day, one day off per week, one free weekend per month, and one week of vacation after 26 weeks.

What the host family provides

A married or cohabiting couple with children or a single parent with children; at least one adult must be an Icelandic citizen or hold a permanent residence permit. Only one au-pair at a time.

Meals and a lockable private room with a window. At least half of the travel costs to Iceland and back — and the full costs if the family terminates without reason. Additionally, health insurance for the first six months with a minimum coverage of two million ISK.

Entry

EEA and EFTA citizens do not need a permit. For all others there is a residence permit for an au-pair placement, valid for the contract duration, up to one year, extendable once for another year. The application fee is 120,000 ISK.