Au-Pair in Sweden

Sweden ties the au‑pair compensation to the basic price amount: legally ten percent of it per month before tax — 5,920 SEK per year in 2026. And it is genuine, taxable salary, not pocket money.

Learning Swedish is a requirement

The most striking rule: the au‑pair must spend the majority of the non‑working time studying Swedish. Housework and study together may not exceed 40 hours per week; housework alone is limited to 25 hours.

The conditions

At least 18 and not yet 30 at the time of the decision. The application must be submitted from outside Sweden — applying from within the country is not possible. Family members may not accompany the au‑pair. The fee is 1,500 SEK.

The host family signs a written agreement on working conditions and compensation and provides board and lodging. It must take out an accident insurance that covers work hours, commuting and work‑related illness — a pure leisure insurance is not sufficient. In addition, comprehensive health insurance must be in place or applied for.

Entry

EU and EEA citizens have residence rights: no permit required, can start working immediately, registration with Skatteverket after three months. For Nordic nationals, freedom of movement applies. All others need a residence permit as an au‑pair, for up to one year, never longer than the passport is valid, and it is not extendable.