Au pair in Norway
Official Au Pair in Norway Program Information
There is an official au pair in Norway program for the purpose
of a cultural exchange. Young people who become an au pair in
Norway have the opportunity to improve their Norwegian language
skills and knowledge of Norway and Norwegian society by living with
a Norwegian host family. An au pair in Norway provides light
housework duties and child care in exchange for room, board and
pocket money.
Official Au Pair in Norway Contracts
Au Pair in Norway Mandatory Criteria
- An au pair in Norway must be between 18 - 30 years of age
- Au pair in Norway applicants must have arrangements in place to
return to their home country once the permit expires
- Not have dependents (as of July 1, 2012)
- Have a basic knowledge of English and childcare experience
Host Family in Norway Mandatory Criteria
- The host family may be a married couple with or without
children, partners or cohabitants with or without children, or a
single father or mother with children. Single people without
children cannot be a host family and hire an au
pair in Norway
- A permit will not be granted for work with
your own family members, i.e. siblings, cousins, brothers /
sisters-in-law, uncles or aunts. The family must convey Norwegian
language and society, and speak Norwegian on a daily basis
- As a general rule, an au pair in Norway cannot be of the same
nationality as anyone in the host family
- If one or more of the host family members are of a foreign
nationality or background, this should generally not be the same as
yours. If one of the host parents is of the same nationality as
you, they must have lived in Norway for at least 10 years
- The host family may only have one au pair employed at a
time
- The host family must spend time with you in daily life
- The host family may not employ an au pair in Norway solely as a
housekeeper or nanny
Further information and application forms can be found at: http://www.udi.no/Norwegian-Directorate-of-Immigration/Central-topics/Studies/Au-pairs/
Au Pair in Norway General Information
Pocket money
- An au pair in Norway is paid at least NOK 5000 per month (as of
July 1, 2012) pocket money
- An au pair in Norway must be registered with the tax office. Au
pairs are subject to tax and must pay tax on income in excess of
the amount on the exemption card. This also applies to board and
lodging. For further information, go to www.skatteetaten.no.
Working hours, free time and holidays
- An au pair in Norway works a maximum 5 hours per day, 30 hours
per week
- An au pair in Norway has 25 paid working days per calendar year
in holidays
- An au pair in Norway should have time off of at least 48
continuous hours each week, and generally never less than 24 hours.
At least 24 hours of the au pairs time off shall, if possible, be
related to a Sunday or holidays. In addition, the au pair shall
have at least one fixed afternoon off per week
- An au pair in Norway must not work more than 30 hours per week,
even if paid extra. No other work outside the host family is
permitted under any circumstance
Accommodation and meals
- An au pair in Norway is to be provided with their own room, 3
meals per day and also have free access to the family home
Travel costs
- The au pair is liable for all travel costs to Norway and the
host family is responsible for the return journey after a
successful stay (as of July 1, 2012)
- Please refer to our Travel
Partners for discounts on flights and travel
insurance
Language skills and course
- The host family must give the au pair the opportunity to take
part in Norwegian tuition and leisure activities, with up to NOK
7,500 per year of the language course cost being paid by the family
(as of July 1, 2012)
- The host family will also cover the au pair's expenses for
travelling to and from Norwegian language classes
- A basic knowledge of English is required
Length of stay
- An au pair in Norway can stay for a maximum of 2 years (Please
note that the residence permit will be granted for the period
stated on the employment contract)
Insurances
- The host family will pay for insurance for the au pair that
covers the au pair's return travel home in the case of death,
illness or injury. If the host family does not take out insurance
for the au pair, this is seen as a breach of the au pair contract.
The host family is then responsible for covering the cost of the au
pair's return to his or her home country.
- An au pair with a valid residence permit automatically becomes
a member of the Norwegian National Insurance scheme. The host
family must register the au pair with the National Insurance
Scheme
- For EU
citizens, plus citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland
who possess a European Health Insurance Card, you can access
healthcare services during temporary visits abroad. Please read
through the relevant sections for you to decide if this insurance
is appropriate for you. (http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559)
- We also recommend having comprehensive travel insurance for
your own peace of mind
Job Duties
- Au pair in Norway job duties include childcare, light housework
and pet care
Driving
- If you are required to drive as an au pair in Norway, you will
need a valid driver's licence
- TheBestAupair recommends obtaining an international driving
permit from your home country if your licence is not valid on its
own in Norway
- Discuss with your host family what happens if you have a car
accident, who pays, and have your agreements put in the
contract
Visa Information
EU, EEA and
EFTA nationals who want to be an au pair in Norway do not
require a residence permit, however they are required to register
within 3 months of arriving in Norway. Preliminary
registration can be made online (https://selfservice.udi.no/) and
then a visit to the local police or Service Centre for Foreign
Workers will complete the registration. They will also require a
valid identity card or passport and a document stating that you
will not be a burden to public welfare services.
For non-EU,
EEA and EFTA nationals who want to be an au pair in Norway, you
will require a work permit. Your country of residence will
determine how and where to apply. Applications for a work permit
must be made at your local Norwegian Embassy or Consulate before
going to Norway. In order to enter Norway, an au pair must have a
valid work permit, and the au pair and host family are required to
sign the UDI's standard contract which includes
information on rights and obligations for au pairs and their host
families. The embassy or consulate forwards the application to the
UDI and once approved, the au pair can then make travel
arrangements. Please be aware processing time can take up to 6
months.
Please see the Norwegian Directorate of immigration website for
how and where to apply and for further information. (http://www.udi.no/Norwegian-Directorate-of-Immigration/Central-topics/Studies/Au-pairs/#whoare)
18 -30 year old citizens from Australia, New Zealand and 18-35
year old citizens from Canada may also enter Norway on a Working
Holiday visa. Please visit the Norwegian Directorate of immigration
website for conditions and further information.
New rules for host families and au pairs have come into place as
of July 1, 2012. Please ensure you have the most up-to-date
information:
Additional Information
You can find additional information about being an au pair in
Norway in the websites listed in the Relevant links section on the
right panel of this page.
* Note the picture of the little guy is in
a a famous rock sculpture park in Oslo. If you become an au pair in
Norway and live or visit in Oslo, we would love to see some
pictures of you with him :-). There might even be a prize in it for
you!
If you have any comments regarding this page,
please Email us - we value your feedback!