Sweden - Work Skills & Ancestry - Au Pair Permit

An au pair lives with a family and receives payment of minimum SEK 3,500 before tax for light household duties/taking care of children. The aim of the visit is to acquire international experience and to have the opportunity to learn Swedish and become acquainted with Swedish culture. If you have a permit to work as an au pair you are consequently not permitted to work as a nanny or housemaid full-time.
A previous period spent as an au pair in another country immediately prior to the planned stay in Sweden could reduce the chances of you being granted a permit in Sweden. The reason is that this could be an indication that it is a question of regular work as a nanny or a similar position and not as an au pair.

Special note for citizens of the Philippines
The Philippines does not permit its citizens to travel to Europe as au pairs. There is therefore no point submitting an application for a work permit.

Requirements to be granted a work permit
In order to be granted a permit you must have:
a valid passport
be between 18 and 30 years old
be able to show that you have a distinct interest in or use for Swedish language studies
a certificate of admission to the course of study concerned
a written invitation from your host family in Sweden stating the terms and conditions of your employment as an au pair

Your host family must offer you the following
a maximum of 25 hours housework per week
studies in Swedish for a large part of the remainder of a normal 40-hour working week
board and lodging
a minimum salary of SEK 3,500 per month before tax

Applying for a work permit
You must apply for a residence permit as self-employed from your native country or other country outside Sweden where you are living. Your permit must be valid and be included in your passport before you travel to Sweden.