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.
Arrangement | till toppen
An estimated time of 2-3 months is usually required to process the au pairs'
application for a work permit. It has to be arranged before going to Sweden.
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.
Length of stay | till toppen
A work permit can be granted for a period of 12 months maximum. It cannot be renewed.
Requirements to be granted a work permit
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In order to be granted a permit you must have:
- a valid passport
- age between 18 and 30 (both years included)
- 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/an acceptance letter from the school
- a written invitation from your host family in Sweden stating the terms and conditions of your employment as an au pair (Employment offer)
Your host family must offer you the following
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- a maximum of 25 hours housework per week
- a maximum of 25 hours housework per week
- board and lodging
- a minimum salary of SEK 3,500 per month before taxes
Travel costs
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The Au Pair must bear the travel costs to Sweden herself/himself. If the host
family is willing to share the expenses, it is advisable to do this after a
successful staying of the au pair in the host-family. The host family is
not required to pay for the au pair’s return ticket.
General requirements
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An au pair lives with a family and receives payment 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 allowed to work in any other place.
Working hours
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The Au Pair will have to work 25 hours a week maximum. In any case the au pair
should not work more than 5 hours a day. The host family can request the au pair
to do occasional baby-sitting once or twice a week in addition.
Language courses
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The main purpose of the au pairs' stay in Sweden is to study the Swedish
language and to broaden his/her knowledge of Swedish culture. The host family
therefore is obliged to guarantee that the au pair will have enough spare time
to follow a Swedish language course. The au pair is required to attend a language
courses, she/he must be given the time for this purpose. The au pair must bear the
costs herself/himself or the host family could bear these expenses by itself,
it’s a decision between the host family and the au pair. There is no concrete
cost of the Swedish language courses as it depends of different regions of
the country.
Pocket money
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About at least 3,500 SEK per month before taxes.
Taxes
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Should be paid from the amount of the au pairs' pocket money. The tax
percentage is estimated by the au pairs' monthly salary and the value of
food and lodge the au pair receives. The au pair has to be registered with
the Swedish Tax Office (Skatteverket) after arrival to Sweden to get her/his
personal number. Au pair is the one who is reasponbile for paying her/his
taxes
Holidays for the au pair
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According to Swedish law the au pairs are not entitled to clear number of
calendar days off on vacation. Period of holidays is supposed to be agreed
between the au pair and the host family, as it’s a decision of both of them.
Insurance
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Au pairs who will stay in Sweden for a limited time are not entitled to the
same social benefits as permanent residents. However, Swedish social insurance
covers everyone that lives or works in Sweden.
The Au Pair has to be registered with Swedish Tax Office (Skatteverket) after arrival to Sweden in purpose to get her/his personal number and Health Insurance card. The au pair will be covered by the Swedish Health Service during her/his stay. The host family shall ensure that the au pair is registered with Skatterverket.
Work Permit
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The average processing time for the au pair is 2-3 months. Au Pair may be
granted a work permit no longer than for one year (maximum 12 months) and
it cannot be renewed. If the au-pair wishes to change host family, she/he
must apply for a new work permit. Au-pair may not start as an au pair for
a new family until she/he has received a new permit.
Before going back home
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If you are leaving Sweden you should notify the Tax Office at least one week before departure. You can do this by filling out the following form:
http://www.skatteverket.se
You might want to close your bank account while you’re still in the country.
You may also need to contact the Social Insurance Office: international.gotland@forsakringskassan.se