For many families in Denmark, welcoming an au pair into their home is a meaningful decision because it brings about not only childcare support but also the culture anew to their children.
Yet, the latest adjustments of Denmark’s au pair new rules make the entire process even more complicated. Sarah and Mark, who have three small children, came to learn.
They wanted Clara to make their experience with a new au pair seamless, but by the midpoint of her residency in their home. It was obvious that a set of new rules had changed her work hours, her responsibilities, and even made new demands for financial commitments from their family.
For Sarah and Mark, lives were busy, and trying to make sense of changes while trying to continue to provide Clara with the sense of welcome and support was overwhelming.
For a family like that of Sarah and Mark, the new rules come with some advantages while changing some things with which the host families must familiarize themselves.
Therefore, whether you would like to invite an au pair into your family or you may already have an au pair staying in your home, this guide will help you understand what the new regulations are in Denmark so that you are able to prepare better for continued positive and enriching experiences for both your children and your au pair alike.
Understanding New Au Pair Rules in Denmark, 2024-25
Why New Rules?
Denmark has revised its rules related to au pairs in order to provide a better cultural experience and fair treatment for an au pair. With this new development, both parties can have more clear-cut guidelines and protection in general.
Key Changes:
Increased Monthly Allowance: The minimum allowance payable to an au pair per month for the period starting from January 1, 2024, shall be DKK 4,850. This change indicates that Denmark is working its way to paying decent compensation.
Language Course Contribution: From January 1, 2024, the contribution of the host families toward the Danish language courses taken up by their au pairs shall be DKK 19,305. With this scheme, it is contemplated that more au pairs will be integrated into Danish society.
Work Hour Regulations: It provides the facilities for the au pairs to work 18 to 30 hours per week or a maximum of 6 hours per day. This is to ensure equal exchange in the aspect of not overworking the au pair.
Eligibility Criteria for Aupairs in New Rules
The following is the criteria intended for the au pairs coming to participation in the au pair program in Denmark:
Age Requirement: In order to obtain an au pair visa, age must fall in the range between 18 and 30 years.
Marital Status: An applicant for being an au pair must be unmarried as well as childless.
Language Competencies: The candidate must be familiar with at least Danish, English, German, Norwegian, or Swedish to communicate with the host family.
Previous Stay: An applicant should not have previously received a residence permit in Denmark.
How to Apply for Denmark Au-Pair Visa?
The overall procedure is given below:
Selection of Host Family: Find a Danish host family that could accept an au pair contract.
Sign an Au Pair Contract: Both parties should sign a standard contract containing information about duties, working hours, au pair rules, and salary.
Application: Submit the application for a residence permit online at the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). This submission is normally done by the agency or the host family. Given that the processing time can take from 4 to 8 weeks, we recommend submitting the application as early as possible.
Visa: Once the application for a residence permit is completed, the au pair must submit the visa application at the nearest visa application center, such as an embassy, consulate, or VFS Global.
Language Courses: We recommend that an au pair arriving in Denmark takes part in Danish language courses, which may positively influence their cultural experience in the country. We strongly recommend taking these courses because they can help you find new friends and learn about the new culture.
New Responsibilities for Host Families
Under the new rules, host families also have to meet the following requirements:
Financial Arrangements: pay a fixed monthly allowance plus a contribution towards language course fees
Work Conditions: not employ the au pair for more than 30 hours in a week and give at least one full day off per week
Board and Lodging: provide the au pair with a private room, as well as board, free of charge.
How the New Rules for Au Pairs Can Benefit Au Pairs and Families Alike
The new regulations are in place to help create a better balance and more enriching experience for all concerned:
Au Pair: Greater financial support and access to language education contribute to the personal and professional development of the au pair.
Host Family: More defined rules, as explained in the regulations, promote a more harmonic cohabitation and cultural exchange.
Some Considerations and Challenges to Ponder with the New Rules
While the updates bring a host of benefits for both parties, the following are some points to consider, nonetheless:
Financial Burden: With the rise in stipend amount and contribution toward language courses, the financial burden has gone up for the hosting families.
Application Process: It may take a long time for the application of the visa, so one has to start early in preparation.
How Au Pair Wave Helps You Through Denmark’s New Rules
Au Pair Wave provides support to both the au pair and the host families in relation to the new rules of Denmark. This is achieved by:
Matching: We match the most suitable au pairs with potential host families.
Counselling: Informing about the legal requirements and procedures for applications.
Support: Assistance throughout the duration of the au pair experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the new rules provide for an extension of the au pairs’ stays?
Yes, au pairs may extend their stay; however, this requires a new application and meanwhile retaining full eligibility in the current program.
How will the new rule provide for language courses?
The host family will cover part of the cost of the language course, since it would be in their interest to make au pairs learn Danish more quickly and facilitate their integration into society.
What happens if the host family requirements are not maintained?
Failure to adhere to the foregoing requirements may result in the nullity of the agreement between the au pair and the host family, or it may even be punishable by law, depending on certain circumstances.
Conclusion
Denmark has made new au pair rules for 2024-2025 that focus on excellent cultural exchange, offer better pay, and provide very clear guidelines. Understanding and conformity to this new set of rules and regulations by both the guest and host could bring up a pleasing and harmonious coexistence of both parties with ease.
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