Au Pair DestinationsNorway

Au Pair in Norway: Information for Au Pairs and Host Families

Find out more about the requirements and different aspects of the Au Pair program in Norway. Norway is a stunningly beautiful country, with a great economy and one of the highest life standards in the world.

J.R.R. Tolkien created his legendary world astonished by Scandinavian culture and languages. If you’ve ever read his books and dreamed about meeting the elves, here is a tip for you: become an Au Pair in Norway!

 
Important: Discontinuation of the Au Pair scheme in Norway The Au Pair scheme in Norway is discontinued, with effect from 15 March 2024.
 
You are entitled to an Au Pair first stay permit only if:
  • You are an EU/EEA citizen
If you are not an EU/EEA citizen, you can participate only if:
  1. You have registered your application on udi.no by no later than March 15, 2024, and
  2. You have scheduled an appointment to submit your application.
If you are currently an Au Pair in Norway and want to extend your stay:
  • You may apply to renew your permit until the end of your two-year Au Pair period.
If you are currently an Au Pair in Norway and want to change Host Family:
  • You must apply to renew your permit until the end of your two-year Au Pair period.
For official and up-to-date information visit the UDI website.
For questions and support, get in contact with the Caritas Au Pair Centre.
 

Program Requirements

Everything you need to know to join our Au Pair program in Norway

For Au Pairs

For Au Pairs

The Norwegian government officially discontinued the first-time Au Pair residence permit scheme on March 15, 2024.

For eligible candidates (primarily EU/EEA citizens) who want to participate in the program under standard cultural exchange terms, the requirements are:


  • Age: between 18 and 30 years.
  • You are not married and do not have children.
  • You have a good command of English or Norwegian.
  • You should have experience in childcare.
  • You must be interested in staying in Norway, learning Norwegian, and immersing yourself in Scandinavian culture.

If you meet the requirements, start searching for a Host Family; otherwise, consider other countries where the Au Pair experience is available.

Free Registration as Candidate

 
For Host Families

For Host Families

  • Should be able to provide the Au Pair with a private room, food, and lodging.
  • Must ensure the Au Pair has time to attend a Norwegian language course.
  • Must pay the Au Pair pocket money of no less than 5900 NOK per month.
  • Must pay income tax on behalf of the Au Pair.
  • Should limit the Au Pair's duties to a maximum of 30 hours per week and no more than 5 hours per day.

If you meet the requirements, proceed and search for suitable Au Pairs; if not, consider other available programs.

Free Registration as Family

 

Working Conditions

Fair and balanced arrangements for everyone

Working Hours Working Hours
  • Maximum 30 hours per week
  • Maximum 5 hours per day
Time Off and Holidays Time Off and Holidays
  • At least one day off weekly, plus at least one afternoon off (totaling 1.5 days off a week).
  • At least one Sunday monthly.
  • 5 weeks of holidays per year.
Language Course Language Course
  • The Au Pair must have the possibility to attend a Norwegian language course.
  • The Host Family pays a minimum of NOK 8,850 for the Norwegian course and study materials.
Au Pair Responsibilities Au Pair Responsibilities
  • Childcare, including bringing children to/from school or kindergarten, supervising afternoon activities, and preparing light snacks.
  • Light housework related to the children, such as helping them clean their room.
Au Pair Insurance Au Pair Insurance
  • The Host Family is legally obligated to purchase and pay for an insurance policy that explicitly covers repatriation
Driving Licence Driving Licence
  • If your driving license was issued by an EU or EEA member state, it is fully valid in Norway for as long as it remains valid in your home country.

Host Families provide Au Pairs with:

Accommodation

The family must provide a free, private room inside the family home. The room must feature a window, a bed, a wardrobe, and a desk, and must meet standard Norwegian building codes for living spaces.

Meals

Daily meals at home as part of the food and lodging provision.

Pocket Money

No less than 5900 NOK monthly. This amount is subject to income tax.

Language Course

Support for finding a course and a financial contribution of a minimum of NOK 8,850 for the Norwegian language course and materials.

Health Insurance

The Host Family is legally obligated to purchase and pay for an insurance policy that explicitly covers repatriation (the return journey home) in the event of serious illness, injury, or death. 

Transportation

The Host Family may give access to the family vehicle or buy a public transport pass for the Au Pair.

Legal Support

The Host Family must pay income tax on behalf of the Au Pair, based on the monthly salary and the value of food and lodging.

Everything You Need to Know

Explore our comprehensive guides to make your au pair journey smooth and successful

  • Information on visas, requirements, and the steps to follow to become an Au Pair in Norway. 

 

Au Pair in Norway: Guided tour Au Pair in Norway: Guided tour There is so much to do in Norway, especially if you are Au Pairing. Find out more about the wonderful cities and the beautiful countryside of this country!
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Reasons to learn Norwegian Reasons to learn Norwegian Norwegian is not a very popular language to learn. This article explains why you should pick up this amazing language and learn a skill that not many other people have.
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What our customers have to say about us and our service:

Meghan's family, Canada Member since 5 years

Meghan's family, Canada

 Great! We were able to communicate well together and we matched really well!
Excelle, Malagasy

Excelle, Malagasy

Au Pair in France
My experience as an Au Pair in Belgium was both rewarding and memorable. From the moment I arrived at my host family's home, I was warmly welcomed by my hosts, a loving Belgian family consisting of ❱❱
Alessandra's family, Italy Member since 4 years

Alessandra's family, Italy

 It was a good experience. Very easy to use, I found the au pair perfect for our needs
Johanna's family, Germany Member since 2 years

Johanna's family, Germany

 We quickly found what we were looking for. We found all the important questions in the FAQ!

Contract Information

Understanding your agreement

Written Agreement Written Agreement The Au Pair and the Host Family must sign the official standard contract provided by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
Contract Duration Contract Duration The stay may last up to 2 years.
Contract Must Include Contract Must Include
  • Detailed work schedule, including a maximum of 30 hours per week and 5 hours per day.
  • Pocket money amount (minimum 5900 NOK monthly) and payment schedule.
  • Vacation days (5 weeks yearly), days off, and sick leave policy.
  • Details on the Host Family’s payment of income tax on the Au Pair's behalf.

Au Pair program costs in Norway

For the Host Family and Au Pair

Host Family Covers

Host Family Covers

  • Pocket money: minimum 5900 NOK per month.
  • Accommodation: private room (no rent paid by the Au Pair).
  • Food: 3 daily meals at home.
  • Language course fees: minimum of NOK 8,850 for the course and materials.
  • Income Tax: The Host Family must pay income tax on the Au Pair's behalf.
  • Insurance: While the public system handles standard hospital stays, the responsibility for paying for a private insurance falls on the Host Family. 
Au Pair Covers

Au Pair Covers

  • Travel costs: Flights to and from Norway.
  • Personal expenses: phone plan, transport, leisure, personal items.

What else?

  • Language classes should ideally be taken through official municipal adult education centers (Voksenopplæring) or accredited private language schools recognized by the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir).


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