The term au pair means 'on equal terms'. The idea of an au pair stay is for a young person to stay with a host family with children under the age of 18 'on equal terms' with the other members of the family. The purpose is for the au pair to improve language and/or professional skills as well as broaden his/her cultural horizon by becoming more acquainted with Denmark. In return, the au pair participates in the host family's domestic chores (e.g. cleaning, washing clothes, cooking, babysitting)

It is a condition for getting a residence permit that he or she already has the necessary linguistic and cultural foundation to receive the full benefit of staying in Denmark.

In order to be granted a working holiday residence permit, an au pair must meet the following conditions: 

• must be a New Zealand citizen primarily residing in New Zealand, who is not in Denmark at the time of application.
• The main purpose of the au pair's stay must be holiday.
• must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years at the time of application (both years included).
• may not have already held a Danish residence permit under the working holiday program.
• may not be accompanied by children.
• must have a valid passport.
• must have a return ticket or sufficient funds to buy one.
• must have sufficient funds to pay for food and lodging during your stay in Denmark, equal to DKK 24,000.
• must have health insurance which includes coverage for hospital stays, and which is valid during the entire stay.
  Read more about how to apply.