Finding an au pair in Finland: The guide for host families (2026)
Host families in Finland can find their au pair directly or through an agency; a specific agency is not required. The rules are set by the immigration authority Migri. As of 2026, the requirements are: at least €340 pocket money per month, a maximum of 25 hours per week, a private room with meals — and a unique condition: the au pair must already have basic Finnish or Swedish skills and knowledge of Finnish culture before arrival.
This guide is for families in Finland who are hosting an au pair for the first time. All information comes from Migri (page Au pair residence permit), checked on 18 September 2026.
The rules at a glance
| Topic | Rule in Finland | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Age of the au pair | 17 to 30 years old (on AuPairMatch at least 18) | Migri |
| Language skills | Basic knowledge of Finnish or Swedish and familiarity with Finnish culture, proven before arrival | Migri |
| Pocket money | at least €340 per month (2026), adjusted annually | Migri |
| Hours | at most 25 per week | Migri |
| Leisure | At least one full day off per week and two consecutive days off at least every other week. | Migri |
| Language course | Mandatory; Migri requires proof of enrollment in a language or cultural course in Finland with the application, and the host family schedules duties so that classes can be attended. | Migri |
| Insurance | provided by the family; must cover all medical expenses and medication in Finland for the entire stay | Migri |
| Contract | written agreement | Migri |
| Duration | up to 1 year | Migri |
| Background | The au pair has never been an au pair before, in any country; no relation to the family, not even cousins. | Migri |
| Stay | Au pairs from the EU: registration with Migri after three months (€53); from outside the EU: residence permit before arrival, €530 electronically or €630 on paper | Migri |
Source: Migri, au pair residence permit (migri.fi). Checked on September 18, 2026. The pocket money is adjusted annually. This overview does not replace legal advice.
What makes Finland special: preparation before arrival?
Finland requires that the au pair already have basic knowledge of Finnish or Swedish and an understanding of Finnish culture before arrival—proven by a certificate from an educational institution or a completed online course. For you as a family this means: an au pair choosing Finland has already familiarised herself with your country. Expect a lead time if your preferred candidate still needs to take the course.
Two more rules are strict: the au pair must never have worked as an au pair in any country, and she must not be related to you, not even as a first‑ or second‑degree cousin. In addition, a medical certificate no older than three months is required. An au pair in Finland is not a domestic helper; the focus is on child care, language, and cultural exchange with your family.
What you offer as a host family?
- Allowance: at least €340 per month, i.e. at least €4,080 per year. More is allowed.
- Room and board: a private room and full meals. The au pair eats with you and is part of daily family life.
- Time for language classes: you organize tasks so the au pair can attend Finnish or Swedish lessons.
- Insurance: the stay requires insurance that covers all medical costs and medication in Finland without restriction; a simple accident policy is not enough. Migri counts the insurance as part of the host family’s benefits, alongside room, board and allowance, and demands proof with the application.
- Free time: maximum 25 hours per week, at least one full day off per week and two consecutive days off at least every second week.
- Search: on AuPairMatch during the launch phase €0; on other platforms or agencies depending on the provider.
How Finland compares is shown in our 2026 allowance country comparison. The rules from the au pair’s perspective are on our country page au pair in Finland.
Au pair from the EU or from outside the EU?
Au pairs from the EU do not need a residence permit. If they stay longer than three months, they must register their residence right with Migri; the fee is €53. Still follow the agreed pocket money, hours and days off and sign the written agreement.
Au pairs from outside the EU must apply for a residence permit as an au pair with Migri before arriving. You need your written agreement, proof of language and cultural knowledge, a medical certificate and insurance. The fee is €530 for an electronic application or €630 on paper. The permit is valid for up to one year. The au pair may only enter the country and start working once the permit is granted.
How to find your au pair: step by step
In six steps to an au pair in Finland
Clarify wishes
Period, children’s ages, care hours, languages — and whether an au pair from the EU or outside the EU is suitable. For the latter, Migri permission is required.
Create family profile
Describe your daily life honestly: children, location, room, school and daycare schedules, days off, pocket money. List the 25 hours and the course times directly in your profile.
Contact candidates and get to know them
Write to suitable au pairs and hold at least one detailed video call, preferably two. Ask about Finnish or Swedish language skills and whether they have previously been an au pair—both are decisive in Finland.
Enter into a written agreement
Tasks, hours, days off, pocket money, class times, insurance. Both sign, each keeps a copy.
Apply for permission
For au pairs from outside the EU, the au pair must apply to Migri before arrival, using your agreement, language proof, certificate, and insurance. Fee €530 electronically.
Prepare for arrival
Register for a language course, set up the room, and for EU au pairs plan the Migri registration after three months.
Typical mistakes — and how to avoid them
- Underestimating the language proof. Without a certificate or a completed online course, there is no permission. Clarify early whether your candidate already has it.
- Looking for an experienced au pair. In Finland this is not allowed: anyone who has already been an au pair in any country does not meet the requirements.
- Considering the accident insurance sufficient. Migri requires coverage for all medical expenses and medication in Finland.
- Forgetting the days off. In addition to one day off per week, the au pair is entitled to at least two consecutive days off every other week.
- Seeing the au pair as a household helper. If you need a domestic worker, you are not looking for an au pair.
Legal pitfalls in Finland
An au pair from outside the EU may enter only after Migri has granted a residence permit. Without proof of language and cultural knowledge, without a medical certificate, or with a previous au pair experience, the application will be denied. More than 25 hours per week violates the permit conditions. This overview does not replace legal advice.
Why AuPairMatch for families in Finland
Because Finland does not require an agency, you don’t need any mediation to search. On AuPairMatch you create a family profile, check the match score to see which au pairs fit your wishes, and contact them directly. Messages and profile texts are automatically translated into your language. The video‑call introduction happens right on the platform. Au pairs on AuPairMatch are at least 18 years old. During the launch phase this is free for host families, including contact.
AuPairMatch launched in 2026 and is growing; established providers have more profiles. Many families therefore search on several platforms at once – an extra free profile expands your search. You handle the paperwork (agreement, application, insurance) yourself or with an agency of your choice.
Find your au pair for Finland
Create a family profile, view au pairs with match scores and contact them directly — free during the startup phase.