Where to Work as an Au Pair in Denmark

Do you like taking care of children and feel like you have a natural talent for handling kids and their various tantrums? Would you be willing to make a living out of it and trade your services in return for learning the Danish culture and language? If yes then becoming an au pair in Denmark may just be the thing for you. If you believe that you have it in you to become an au pair and are wondering how to go about this process, here are the essentials you need to know about and the different places in Denmark you can do this.

Why become an au pair in Denmark?

An au pair in Denmark is given free lodging, food, and care by the family who has hired them. They also make certain you obtain health insurance throughout your stay. Denmark in itself is a wonderful blend of modern, eco-friendly development and old-world charm. It links mainland Europe and the Scandinavian region and, in the process, offers you a glimpse at the old-school Viking culture and pristine beauty.

Amidst all of this is the charisma and cheerfulness of locals. You also get a chance to be a part of Scandinavian culture in its truest form as well as obtaining free housing, meals, and other benefits. It serves as a one-of-a-kind place to spend your time and energy working as an au pair while you simultaneously learn from free Danish language classes. To know more, read on.

Cities that have that extra edge for Au Pairing

While Denmark is a force to be reckoned with, there are a few cities that have a greater edge when you look at them from the perspective of au pairing. These are some of the cities you can head to.

Aarhus

If you are looking for a city that falls in tandem with your young and trendy self then you can consider Aarhus. It is the most jovial and the second largest urban center in Denmark. If you like to take part in hiking adventures and prefer a relaxed lifestyle, this university town is the place for you. It is trendy, young, crisscrossed by cobblestone streets, and is downright charming. 

Copenhagen

The cosmopolitan city of Denmark and also the capital of the place, Copenhagen is a hub for all things artistic, international, and imaginative. It is for those who prefer things more tasteful and colorful which can be seen in the city’s music venues, museums, and restaurants. It is also a train ride away from Berlin, Malmo, and other European destinations.

Odense

Odense is Denmark’s third-largest city. For those with a penchant for history and architecture, Odense is your best bet to find a variety of sites and museums especially in honor of Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish author and prolific writer, whose birthplace is this city. If you are a bicycle enthusiast, Odense is the place to be. A fun fact about this city is that got named after Odin, who is a Norse God. It is situated in a center of Denmark and hence, offers easy access to the rest of the country.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a city that is situated on the border of the northern peninsula, that is Jutland. This city faces the water and offers an impeccable view of its rugged and rocky regions. This region is also rich in Viking history. You can also witness golden eagles, fjords, and vivid traditional cottages. Aalborg is also the host of the hugest carnival celebration in Scandinavia and possesses the largest forest in the country.

Roskilde

One of the oldest cities in Denmark, Roskilde is infamous for its heritage and rich history. You can take a brief view of this at the Viking Ship Museum that shows you a brief look into rich Viking history. It is around 20 miles west of Copenhagen. For a more in-depth understanding of its culture and heritage, you can take a look at the Roskilde Cathedral, which is a Gothic-style cathedral. It is the place that keeps the remains of many Danish queens and kings. For a more laid back and relaxed vibe, the region plays host to the Roskilde Music Festival. This festival takes place in the summer and is one of the biggest music festivals in Europe.

In this way, au pairing in Denmark can give you a glimpse to catch up on these events, attractions, and ambiance in your free time while you learn the language and culture of the place.

What do you need to become an au pair

To become an au pair, you need to fulfill the following requirements.

• You cannot have children
• You need to speak and be able to comprehend at least one of these languages to an extent such as English, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, and German
• You must be no less than 18 years old and no more than 29 years old
• You should be unmarried
• You may need to have an international driver’s license of your own if the family has a car and it is mentioned that you drive around in the job description

If you already have a residence permit for Denmark and lived here as an au pair before, you are not eligible for a residence permit. This also holds if you have worked two times or more as an au pair in other countries in the European Union.

Obtaining a Visa

A visa for an au pair in Denmark usually lasts about one year. You can obtain a possible extension of up to 24 total months. This is true if the au pair and host family prolong the work duration of the existing au pair. Individuals who are not from EU countries have to possess a valid residence permit. This permit needs to be granted by the Danish government.

The au pair and host family need to compulsorily sign an au pair contract. This already comes included in the official residence permit application. Those who are from Nordic countries like the EU, Sweden, Norway, and Finland do not require a residence or work permit to au pair in Denmark. However, they do require residence proof from their local government.

When packing, remember, that the climate is all about cool summers and mild winters. You do not need Arctic gear. However, it does come with distinct seasons so it is wise to pack layering options.