How to become an Au Pair in Finland?

Requirements
  • Age: 17 - 30 years old
  • Language skills: basic knowledge of Finnish or Swedish
  • You are not related to your Host Family
  • You are not a Finnish citizen
  • You haven’t been an Au Pair in Finland or in any other country before
Have you ever dreamt to see the northern lights? Finland is a great destination for that, since the Aurora Borealis can appear on 200 nights a year in Finnish Lapland. If you would like to discover the Finnish culture, the untouched beauty of wild nature and learn the local language, check out the Au Pair requirements in Finland and join the Au Pair program.

Au Pair in Finland: requirements for EU citizens

In this section we have gathered the key participation criteria for European Union citizens:
  •  Age: 17 - 30 years old
  • Language skills: basic knowledge of Finnish or Swedish
  • You are not related to your Host Family
  • You are not a Finnish citizen
  • You haven’t been an Au Pair in Finland or in any other country before
If you meet the criteria mentioned above, register at AuPair.com and find your Host Family here!

Free Registration as Candidate

Step by step application in Finland!

As you already know the participation requirements, let us look into the steps you need to follow to become an Au Pair in Finland:
 
1
Find a Host Family at AuPair.com
Register at AuPair.com for free, create your own profile and start searching for a Host Family from Finland. 
 
2
Sign the agreement 
Mention all the important details of the cooperation in the contract and sign it with your Host Family.
 
3
Get a health certificate and insurance
You will need to have a clear health certificate obtained during the last 3 months and insurance. If you already have your EHIC, consider taking some additional insurance in Finland.
 
4
Organize your trip to Finland!
You don't need any visa to enter Finland, but check out our packing list to help you with the preparations. Don’t forget to take some proof of your Finnish or Swedish language knowledge with you and book the ticket. 
 
5
Further documentation
After the arrival in Finland, you don’t need to apply for a residence permit; however you need to register your stay at the local police departments within 3 months after your arrival. If you are a citizen of a Nordic country, you will need to fill out a Nordic migration form at the local office.

 

Au Pair in Finland: requirements for Non-EU citizens

If you belong to a Non-EU country, the application requirements will be slightly different. For example:  
  • Age: 18 - 30 years old
  • Have a basic command in Finnish or Swedish
  • You have or can receive a health certificate not older than 3 months at the time of crossing Finnish customs
  • Have a valid passport for the entire duration of the stay
  • You can cover your travel and other expenses
Before coming to Finland, a Non-EU citizen has to apply for a Residence Permit Card in the Finnish Embassy of the Au Pair’s homeland. The nationals of Australia and New Zealand can apply for a Working Holiday Residence Permit instead.

 
Free Registration as Candidate
 

Au pairing in Finland - step by step:

To make the application process easier for you, we have put up a step by step guide to become an Au Pair in Finland:
 
1
Search a Host Family at AuPair.com
After the free registration, create your profile and start getting in touch with the families matching your search criteria! Look through our Au Pair Wiki to learn everything you need to know about the program.
 
2
Check the passport
You need to ensure that your passport is valid for the whole duration of your Au Pair stay in Finland.
 
3
Sign the Au Pair contract
Talk with your future Host Family about the details of the cooperation (e.g. working hours, like holidays and pocket money). After you have discussed all the terms, have the family send you the original contract and sign it too. You will need it for your visa application.
 
4
Get a health certificate and insurance
You will need to get a health certificate that proves that you are medically fit. It should be taken not later than 3 months before crossing the Finnish border. The insurance in Finland has to cover the whole length of your Au Pair program. Discuss this matter with your Host Family.
 
5
Visa application
If you are a citizen of Australia and New Zealand you will need to apply for a Working Holiday residence permit. All other Non-EU citizens will need a Residence Permit Card from the Finnish consulate. 
 
6
Prepare for your journey
Ensure your suitcase is packed and that you are set for the trip. Besides all other documents, don’t forget to take a proof of studying the Finnish or Swedish language with you. 
 
7
Legal formalities after arrival
After your arrival in Finland, you need to register at the Population Information System at the local office (Maistraatti). You will need to do this to get an ID number. With the ID you will be able to open a bank account, apply for a Finnish tax card and have many other benefits. 
 
Remember, if you plan to stay less than 6 months, you will need a Finnish tax-at-source card. In case of a longer stay, you will need to apply for a proper tax card at your local registry office (Maistraatti).


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Authentic experience reports from Host Families from all over the world

Adam's family
❱ United Kingdom     ❱ Italian Au Pair

Adam's family

Excellent. Good Italian Aupair, eventually got to meet her whole family and we remain family friends


Marina, French
Au Pair in Italy

Marina, French

lang="fr" Mon expérience en tant que jeune fille au pair à Colegno, en Italie, a été une aventure exceptionnelle, à la fois enrichissante ❱❱


Alicia's family
❱ United Kingdom     ❱ Spanish Au Pair

Alicia's family

Easy to use website, so far I find Silvia to be very friendly and approachable. I think the kids will enjoy having her around.


Mathieu's family
❱ Spain     ❱ Dutch Au Pair

Mathieu's family

Sanne shared our life for nearly 6 months. It has been a very great experience for all of us and we have been quite sad when she had to ❱❱


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