Residence permit to work as an au pair
Young people who will live with a Swedish family doing light housework and childcare while studying Swedish.
The Residence permit to work as an au pair is a Swedish work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~1,500 kr) and processing time (~1-3 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Residence permit to work as an au pair is for
Young people who will live with a Swedish family doing light housework and childcare while studying Swedish.
No pathway to permanent residence; the permit cannot be extended.
Residence permit to work as an au pair - eligibility criteria
- Written agreement with a Swedish host family
- Max 25 hours/week work; total work + study under 40 hours
- Enrolment in a Swedish language course
- Insurance covering health and accidents
- Hold a valid passport for the period
Residence permit to work as an au pair cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Residence permit to work as an au pair (Sweden) is ~1,500 kr, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Migrationsverket (Sweden).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside Sweden (online), before travelling |
| Length of stay | Up to 1 year (non-renewable) |
| Work rights | Up to 25 hours/week of light housework and childcare |
| Study rights | Must study Swedish during the stay |
| Government fee | ~1,500 kr |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months |
| Route to PR | No pathway to permanent residence; the permit cannot be extended. |
Pathway & next steps
No pathway to permanent residence; the permit cannot be extended.
Many applicants also compare Working Holiday · Working holiday permit for young people, Other Studies · Residence permit for other studies and exchange at upper secondary school. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Swedish route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Residence permit to work as an au pair pitfalls we fix
Residence permit to work as an au pair - frequently asked questions
How much does the Residence permit to work as an au pair cost?
The Residence permit to work as an au pair government fee is ~1,500 kr. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Migrationsverket (Sweden) before applying.
How long does the Residence permit to work as an au pair take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Residence permit to work as an au pair lead to permanent residence?
No pathway to permanent residence; the permit cannot be extended.
Can I work on the Residence permit to work as an au pair?
Work rights: Up to 25 hours/week of light housework and childcare.
Who can apply for the Residence permit to work as an au pair?
Young people who will live with a Swedish family doing light housework and childcare while studying Swedish.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Sweden government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Migrationsverket (Sweden) - official Sweden immigration authority