Consequences of violations
An au pair has a residence permit, not a work permit in Denmark. According to the law, the au pair must only carry out domestic chores for the host family within fixed time limits and must not carry out paid or unpaid chores for anyone other than the host family. If this happens, both parties involved in this illegal work can be fined or imprisoned. Furthermore, the au pair loses the residence permit and will be deported.

Penalty periods for the host family
A host family which fails to meet the terms of the contract, for example concerning working hours or allowances, can be excluded from the au pair scheme for a period of two years. This is called a penalty period. The penalty period can be up to five years if an au pair is illegally employed. In the event of violence against an au pair, the host family can be given a penalty period of up to ten years.