Rules for domestic chores with the host family
The au pair and the host family sign a joint au pair contract. The contract states inter alia that the au pair is considered to be an equal member of the family and that the au pair's daily chores relate to general housekeeping - e.g. taking care of the children, cleaning and washing clothes. The au pair lives with the host family and eats for free, and is entitled to a minimum monthly allowance of DKK 3,000. From 1 January 2011, the minimum allowance will be raised to DKK 3,050 per month. The new minimum allowance applies to all applications for a residence permit as an au pair which are submitted after 1 January 2011. A host family can only have one au pair at a time.

Conditions regarding working hours
The au pair is required to work at least three hours and a maximum of five hours a day - i.e. between 18 and 30 hours a week. A residence permit will not be provided if for example it is intended that the au pair must work six hours a day from Monday to Friday and then have the weekend off. The au pair must not carry out duties other than domestic chores and must not carry out chores for anyone other than the host family. Failure to meet these conditions means that the au pair is working in Denmark illegally. Read more about abuse of the scheme.

Time off, illness and journey home
The au pair is entitled to at least one whole day off every week and must also have sufficient time off for language courses, to pursue professional and cultural interests and to practice his/her religion. If the au pair becomes ill during the stay, the host family must provide free room and board and appropriate care until the situation improves. When the au pair's residence permit expires, the host family must pay for the au pair's journey home if the au pair comes from a country outside Europe.

Duration of stay and extending the stay
A residence permit for au pairs is given for a maximum period of 24 months. If the au pair has previously stayed with another family in Denmark, the au pair can only stay with the new host family for what remains of that 24-month period. However, normally, an au pair may not previously have stayed in Denmark as an au pair with different host families for more than one year.

Terminating the contract
Both the au pair and the host family can terminate the contract at two weeks' notice. The contract can be terminated with immediate effect if the other party seriously fails to observe the contract or if there are other compelling circumstances. The au pair's contractual conditions cannot be changed downwards without consent from the Danish Immigration Service in writing.