Who needs a visa to come to Finland as an au pair? Which documents have to be submitted? All the important information for au pairs and host families on how to organise an au pair stay in Finland with the authorities.
Visa and entry requirements for au pairs in Finland
The requirements for EU citizens and non-EU citizens are different.
EU: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
EFTA: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland
Non-EU : Citizens of all other countries
Au pairs from EU/EFTA countries
Before departing for Finland
The following documents are necessary to enter Finland as an au pair:
- A health certificate issued not more than 3 months prior to departure
- Documentation of interest in the Finnish or Swedish language and culture: either a certificate showing acquired Finnish or Swedish language skills or any previously acquired Finnish/Swedish language skills or certificates from any relevant studies in Finnish history or culture)
- Confirmed enrolment in a Finnish or Swedish language course that fits with the schedule of au pair duties. Au pairs from some countries need to have this enrolment confirmation to apply for a residence permit
- A copy of the written contract between the au pair and the host family, specifying the duties, working hours, pocket money and holiday entitlements
- A passport or ID that allows for entry into Finland and is valid for the entire length of the planned au pair stay
For au pairs who are EU/EFTA citizens or citizens of Nordic countries, completing the above steps is all that is required to be able to enter Finland as an au pair.
After arrival in Finland
For citizens of EU/EFTA countries or the Nordic countries:
It is not necessary to apply for a residence permit in connection with the au pair stay. The passport/identity care are all that is required to enter Finland.
Please note the following:
- EU & EFTA citizens must register with the local police within three months after arriving in Finland.
- Citizens from one of the Nordic countries need to fill in a form for "Inter-Nordic migration" at thelocal registry office (Maistraatti) if they will be staying longer than 6 months
All au pairs must register in the Population Information System
On arriving in Finland all au pairs all must register in the Population Information System at their local register office (Maistraatti) to get an ID number which is required for a variety of situations such as registering at the tax office, the doctors and opening a bank account.
For au pairs staying 6 months or less
Obtain a Finnish tax-at-source card via a paper application or online.
For au pairs staying in Finland longer than 6 months
Apply for a Finnish tax card at the Local Registry Office (Maistraatti).
Au pairs from non-EU states
Before departing for Finland
The following documents are necessary to enter Finland as an au pair:
- A health certificate issued not more than 3 months prior to departure
- Documentation of interest in the Finnish or Swedish language and culture: either a certificate showing acquired Finnish or Swedish language skills or any previously acquired Finnish/Swedish language skills or certificates from any relevant studies in Finnish history or culture)
- Confirmed enrolment in a Finnish or Swedish language course that fits with the schedule of au pair duties. Au pairs from some countries need to have this enrolment confirmation to apply for a residence permit
- A copy of the written contract between the au pair and the host family, specifying the duties, working hours, pocket money and holiday entitlements
- A passport or ID that allows for entry into Finland and is valid for the entire length of the planned au pair stay
Apply for a Residence Permit Card before entering Finland
Before entering Finland, a Residence Permit Card (the equivalent of a visa to enter Finland) must be applied for and received through the Finnish Embassy or Consulate in the au pair's country of origin. All the documents listed above will be required when applying, plus proof of a secure income (i.e., confirmation that as an au pair you will receive 280 Euros monthly pocket money).
A hard copy application for the Residence Permit Card costs 550 EUR; the electronic applications costs 350 EUR. Au pairs and host families should discuss together how these costs will be covered. The residence permit is granted for a maximum of one year and cannot be extended.
After entering Finland
All au pairs - Register in the Population Information System
Upon arrival in Finland all au pairs must register in the Population Information System at their local registery office (Maistraatti) to get an ID number which is required for a variety of situations, such as registering at the tax office, the doctors and opening a bank account.
For au pairs staying 6 months or less
Obtain a Finnish tax-at-source card via a paper application or online.
For au pairs staying in Finland longer than 6 months
Apply for a Finnish tax card at the Local Registry Office (Maistraatti).
Au pairs from Australia or New Zealand
Before departing for Finland
Application for a residence permit in connection with the Working Holiday Maker Programme:
Under the Working Holiday Maker Programme, au pairs from Australia and New Zealand can apply for a Working Holiday Residence Permit, provided they haven't been granted one before. Au pairs must apply for this before entering Finland. If their application is accepted, it entitles them to stay in Finland for 12-18 months. The application costs 470 Euros (paper), or 400 Euros if done electronically. All the documents listed above will be required, plus proof of secure income (i.e., confirmation that you will receive 280 Euros monthly pocket money as an au pair).
After entering Finland
All au pairs - Register in the Population Information System
Upon arrival in Finland all au pairs must register in the Population Information System at their local registery office (Maistraatti) to get an ID number which is required for a variety of situations, such as registering at the tax office, the doctors and opening a bank account.
For au pairs staying 6 months or less
Obtain a Finnish tax-at-source card via a paper application or online.
For au pairs staying in Finland longer than 6 months
Apply for a Finnish tax card at the Local Registry Office (Maistraatti).
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Further information on the au pair stay in Finland
We are continually researching and updating our host country information, but cannot guarantee that all material provided is complete and correct. If you notice gaps or inaccuracies, we would like to hear from you.