Becoming an Au Pair in Denmark
An au pair in Denmark lives with a host family, helps with childcare and light chores, and in return gets a room, meals and monthly pocket money – all framed as cultural exchange rather than a job. This guide covers who can apply, the 2026 pocket money and costs, the rules on hours, what the host family must provide, and how to apply through SIRI.
Overview
The au pair scheme lets a young person live as part of a Danish family for up to two years, sharing in family life while helping with childcare and light housework. In exchange you get your own room, all your meals, free Danish lessons and monthly pocket money. It is meant as a cultural exchange – a way to experience Denmark from the inside – not as a back door into the labour market, and the rules are written to keep it that way.
An au pair in Denmark = a young person (usually 18-29) living with a host family, helping up to 30 hours a week, for room, board and at least DKK 5,250 a month. Non-EU applicants need a permit from SIRI first.
What it is
An au pair holds a special residence permit tied to one host family and one contract. If you are from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you must apply to SIRI for the permit before you start. EU/EEA citizens can be au pairs under free-movement rules and simply register on arrival. Either way, the arrangement is governed by an official contract that both you and both parents in the family must sign – being an au pair in Denmark is a fixed, contract-based arrangement, not an open-ended work permit.
Who can be an au pair in Denmark
The scheme is aimed at young people, and a few conditions matter:
- Age: usually between 18 and 29 at the time of application.
- Language: a working knowledge of Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German, so you can manage day-to-day and benefit from the stay.
- A genuine exchange: you join family life on the same terms as the family, which is why you cannot bring your own children to live with you.
Pocket money and costs
The money side is tightly defined for 2026:
- Pocket money of at least DKK 5,250 a month, paid into your Danish bank account by the last banking day – and still paid if you are ill.
- It is taxable, so you must get a tax card from your local tax centre after arriving.
- The host family pays a one-off DKK 20,900 fee (first-time permits) towards Danish lessons, which are then free for you.
- The family must take out insurance for you, and for non-EU au pairs pay the return airfare home.
Duties and hours
Your help centres on childcare and light household chores – not heavy cleaning or care work. The limits are firm: no more than 30 hours a week, typically 3 to 5 hours a day, with at least one and a half days off each week. Agreeing the specific tasks with your family up front avoids friction later, and a schedule that breaks the limits can cost you the permit.
The host family
Host families have real obligations. They must have at least one child living at home, give you your own room and free meals, pay the pocket money and the language fee, and arrange the required insurance. The arrangement cannot be used as cheap domestic labour – SIRI checks the terms, and families with a history of problems can be turned down.
How to apply
- Find a host family and agree the contract (the AU1 form includes it).
- Submit the application to SIRI – non-EU applicants do this before travelling.
- Record biometrics at a Danish mission or visa centre.
- The family pays the language fee and documents the insurance – both are conditions of the permit.
- On arrival, register, get your CPR number and apply for a tax card.
After your stay
An au pair permit lasts up to 24 months and cannot run past the date the family’s youngest child turns 18. It is not, by itself, a route to long-term residence – when it ends you are expected to leave unless you switch to another basis, such as study or work. Many au pairs use the time to learn Danish and then apply to study or find a job.
Questions and answers
How much do au pairs get paid in Denmark?
At least DKK 5,250 a month in pocket money for 2026, paid to your Danish bank account and taxable, on top of free room and board.
How many hours does an au pair work?
No more than 30 hours a week, usually 3-5 hours a day, with at least one and a half days off each week.
Do EU citizens need a permit to be an au pair?
No. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can au pair under free-movement rules and just register on arrival. Non-EU citizens must apply to SIRI first.
How long can you stay as an au pair?
Up to 24 months in total, and never beyond the date the host family’s youngest child turns 18.