Picture this: mornings spent cycling along colourful streets in Copenhagen, afternoons exploring serene lakes and forests, and weekends enjoying hygge moments with your host family.
If that sounds like your kind of adventure, then au pairing in Denmark might just be the perfect choice! Whether you’re a future au pair eager to experience Danish life firsthand, or a host family looking for flexible childcare and cultural exchange, this guide has everything you need to get started.
Au Pair Requirements: No Wienerbrød without the Basics 🥐
Dreaming of living in Denmark and immersing yourself in Scandinavian culture? Here’s what you need to qualify:
For EU / EEA Citizens:
- Be 18–29 years old
- Be unmarried and have no minor children
- Your own family cannot accompany you to Denmark
- Have adequate knowledge of Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English, or German to communicate successfully
For Non-EU Citizens:
- Be 18–29 years old
- Be unmarried and have no minor children
- Your own family cannot accompany you to Denmark
- Have adequate knowledge of Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English, or German
- Have not previously held a residence permit for Denmark
If all of the above applies to you, congratulations! Denmark is ready to welcome you. If not, don’t worry, there are many other countries where you can become an au pair and gain international experience.
Host Family Requirements
Thinking of inviting an au pair into your Danish home? Here’s what you need to qualify:
- At least one parent must be a Danish citizen or have lived in Denmark for a long time
- Have one or more minor children living permanently in your household
- Do not receive public assistance
- Employ only one au pair at a time
- Pay 17,000 DKK to the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment (this helps cover part of the state’s costs for Danish language courses for your au pair)
- Take out three types of insurance:
- Work-related injury insurance
- Leisure time accident insurance
- Serious illness / injury insurance
- Work-related injury insurance
If you tick all the boxes, amazing! You’re ready to start your search and find the perfect au pair. If you don’t meet these requirements, unfortunately, you cannot host an au pair in Denmark, but there are other ways to explore childcare and cultural exchange options.
Why Choose Denmark?
Life as an au pair in Denmark is more than helping with childcare; it is about becoming part of everyday life in a Danish host family. You can expect to assist with children and light household tasks, share meals, join family outings, and enjoy cozy hygge evenings. There are opportunities to learn Danish and improve your English skills. During your free time, you can explore Danish cities, forests, lakes, and coastal areas. From cycling to school runs to weekend trips exploring castles or the coast, every day brings something new to discover.
Denmark offers:
🇩🇰 A safe, welcoming, and family-friendly environment
🌿 Stunning landscapes and a Scandinavian way of life
📚 Language-learning opportunities in Danish, English, and other Scandinavian languages
👨👩👧 Cultural exchange and lasting connections with your host family
🚴 Fun outdoor activities and experiences, from cycling in Copenhagen to exploring nature trails
It’s the perfect combination of cultural immersion, adventure, and everyday family life.
Ready to Start Your Adventure? 🇩🇰
Whether you’re an au pair eager to experience Denmark firsthand or a host family ready to welcome someone from abroad, Denmark is waiting to offer you a unique and enriching experience.
At Nina.Care, we make it simple to find your perfect match and navigate the process safely and smoothly. Let’s make it happen!