Au Pair Jobs in Sweden
Sweden is a country in Scandinavia that is bordered by Norway and Finland. It has a moderate climate and some of the most untouched landscapes in the world, especially in the north.
Au pairs may find themselves exploring the picturesque streets of Stockholm, drinking coffee in the charming city of Gothenburg, or hanging out in the up and coming social scene of Malmö. Sweden is also in close proximity to many other Scandinavian countries, making it a great destination for those who wish to travel to multiple destinations.
Au pairs will find Sweden a wonderful destination if they’re interested in vibrant and cultural cities, learning the Swedish language, and living in a safe and welcoming country.
Requirements
Applicants must be between 18-30 years old, and have a passport and written invitation from a host family, amongst several other requirements. Applicants can apply at a Swedish embassy. Learn more by visiting the Scandinavian au-pair center website.
Application
Au pairs can apply for work any time of the year, as applications are generally open year-round. It's often best to look for a certified agency that can assist au pairs with finding placements with appropriate families.
Visas
In order to au pair in Sweden, workers must apply for a working and residence visa no matter the duration they wish to work. Those who have a permit to work as an au pair are not permitted to work full-time as a housemaid or as a nanny.
Furthermore, keep in mind that au pairs may not be permitted to continue their work in Sweden if they have recently been a long-term au pair in another country prior to their Swedish application. This is sometimes taken as a sign of working as a full-time nanny or housemaid, which is prohibited.
Salary
Au pairs receive a minimum of $400 USD and live with a host family for the duration of their job. Some of their wages are deducted because of tax and housing. Au pairs are generally granted a one-year permit for the duration of their stay.
Housing
Au pairs will live with their host families in a separate bedroom. Housing and meals are typically deducted from their hourly pay, which is advantageous in areas where cost of living is high. By living with their host family, they will be able to learn the local language and engage in local traditions and customs, thus immersing themselves into the Swedish culture.
Au pairs should keep in mind that parts of Sweden can get very cold, especially during the winter months. Au pairs should pick a city where they will feel most comfortable living in year round.
Popular Cities
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, and considered one of the most picturesque cities in the world. It’s bike-friendly, clean with many different parks and green areas, and considered very safe.
Gothenburg is a charming, quaint city and is home to Sweden’s biggest botanical garden. There’s a large outdoor café culture, delicious food, and a wide variety of museums.
Malmö is very close to Copenhagen in Denmark. This distinctive city boasts some beautiful architecture, social cafes, and a vibrant, young energy that’s unique only to Malmö.
Skåne is a lesser-traveled city in Sweden and experiences long summer days and beautiful landscapes that stretch for miles. Nature lovers will love this city, surrounded by forests and flower fields.
Visby is a port city that also boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a wealth of medieval history. Foodies flock to Visby for some of the best restaurants in Sweden, trying the fresh and delicious food that can’t be found anywhere else.
