Au pairs who want to have an au pair stay in Sweden need to have the following documents:
- A health certificate issued no more than 3 months before departure for Sweden
- Proof of interest in the Swedish language and culture any previously acquired Swedish language skills, a statement of interest in the Swedish culture – shown either through basic knowledge of the language, proof of academic work in Scandinavian studies or proof that the study of the Swedish language and culture will bring personal benefits
- Registration in a Swedish language course that fits with your au pair work schedule. Au pairs from some countries need to have this registration in order to apply for a residence permit
- A signed au pair contract specifying details of the au pair's duities, working hours, pocket money and holiday entitlement
- A passport or personal identification that will be valid for the entire length of the planned stay
For EU/EFTA citizens and citizens of Nordic countries, completing the above steps is all that is necessary to be able to enter Sweden as an au pair.
Non-EU citizens must apply for a work permit before entering Sweden (as well as for a visa, as required for some countries - see below).
Au pairs from non-EU countries need to apply for a work permit prior to entering Sweden through your local Swedish Embassy or Consulate General. The documents listed in the step-by-step guide above will be required. The application costs SEK 1,000. Certain waiting times also apply.
Please note: Young people who have already worked as an au pair in another country are less likely to be granted a work permit as an au pair in Sweden.
Au pairs staying for less than 3 months and coming from one of these countries require a visa as well as a work permit to enter Sweden. In such cases, the au pair contract functions as an invitation. The visa application costs 60 EUR.
Citizens from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Korea and Uruguay can apply for a Working Holiday visa.
Young people from the countries Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Korea and Uruguay can apply for a Working Holiday Visa, via a Swedish embassy or consulate general in your home country to enter Sweden. The application costs SEK 1,000, and all the documents mentioned above will be required, plus proof of secure income, i.e. pocket money to be received as an au pair. Be aware of the applicable waiting times.