1

A Guide for Europe bound Filipino Au Pair

2017 Edition

FOREWORD, i

GETTING READY FOR TRAVEL Travel Documents, p.1Settlement Documents, p1Travel Tax, p.2Travel Funds, p.2Itinerary, Reservations and Ticketing, p.2Baggage Allowance, p.3Packing Your Luggage, p.4

YOUR DAY OF DEPARTURE Airport Procedures, p.5Security Check and Inspection, p.5Check-in, p.5Departure Card, Terminal Fee and Immigration Clearance, p.6In-Flight Tips, p.6

ARRIVAL IN EUROPE Port of Entry, p.7Immigration Clearance, p.7Claiming Your Baggage, p.7Domestic Leg of your Journey, p.8

Where to seek help, p.8

HISTORY OF AU PAIR PROGRAM, p.9

History of Au Pair in the Phils, p.10

WHAT IS AU PAIR?Definition, Purpose and Procedures, p.11Who can be an au pair?, p.11Who can be Host Family?, p.11

Who are the contracting parties?, p.11What constitutes a valid placement?, p.11What items/services are to be paid and who pays for these?, p.12Benefits between the Au pair and

the host family, p.12

Provisions of the Au pair Contract of Engagement

1. Norway, p.132. The Netherlands, p.143. Denmark, p.16

COUNTRY PROFILE Norway, p.20The Netherlands, p.28Denmark, p.34

SECURING RESIDENCEPERMIT/CARDS

Norway, p.41The Netherlands, p.43Denmark, p.44

Matrix of Au Pair Contracts, p.49

APPENDICESI. Philippine Diplomatic Posts in Europe, p.65II. Filipino Organizations in Denmark, p.69III. Filipino Organizations in Norway, p.70IV. Filipino Organizations in the Netherlands, p.71

CONTENTS

i

You are going to Europe as an Au pair, a move that will have a profound impact on your life, as well as your family’s. Your preparedness will count a lot towards the achievement of the objectives of your migration.

It is important that you comply with minimum government travel requirements to avoid unnecessary inconvenience when exiting the Philippines and entering Europe. Equally important is your awareness of regulations governing your stay in Europe, as well as your knowledge of primary settlement concerns so you may proceed with confidence in your daily activities.

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas prepared this guide to provide you with information that will ease your adjustment abroad. It is our way of wishing you a safe trip and a successful stay overseas.

Huwag po sana ninyong kalimutan na sundin ang mga batas at igalang ang kultura at tradisyon ng bansang inyong pupuntahan, patuloy na ipagmalaki at panatilihin ang pagiging Pilipino, at maging bahagi sa pag-unlad ng ating bansang Pilipinas.

Commission on Filipinos Overseas

FOREWORD

1

GETTING READY FOR TRAVEL

Travel Documents

You must have the following travel documents before entering Europe:• Passport (must be valid for at least six months before travel)• Au pair contract• Valid Au pair visa• Emigrant registration sticker issued by the Commission on Filipinos

Overseas (CFO)• Plane ticket• Other official papers that may be required.

Make sure to hand carry these documents and check them from time to time to avoid risk of loss during your travel.

Settlement Documents

Getting settled in Europe will be easier if you bring the following documents with you:

• Birth and baptismal certificate• Academic qualifications

(diploma, school report cards, Transcript of Records)• Employment certificates and references from previous employers• Health and medical records• Financial documents (e.g. bank statement)

All of these documents should be original, accordingly translated into English, and duly authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs- Manila or Philippine Embassies and Consulates with jurisdiction in the host country.

2 3

Travel Tax

You are required to pay a travel tax of P2,700 (Business or First Class passenger) or P1,620 (Economy class passenger).

Payment can be made through an airline office, travel agency, directly to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone authority (TIEZA), to the TIEZA counter at the airport, or online (thru Online Travel Tax Payment). The travel tax may also be paid abroad by a relative or person who buys the plane ticket for you.

Travel Funds

You are allowed to bring out of the country an amount in dollar bills or traveler’s cheques not exceeding $10,000.00 as well as Philippine currency not exceeding Php 50,000.00. It is safest to carry traveler’s cheques which can be replaced if lost or stolen. You should have enough cash, however, for incidental expenses. Make sure the bills are in relatively small denominations ($1, $5, $10 and $20). You may have difficulty in getting a $100 bill changed in most stores.

Itinerary, Reservations, and Ticketing

Make Early ReservationsMake your plane reservations early and purchase your tickets as soon as your travel documents are complete to ensure confirmation of your desired travel schedule and itinerary.

Canvass for Best RatesDifferent airlines have different fares. Low or peak seasons also affect the price of plane tickets. Call or check the websites of several airlines and compare their fares. You may also visit websites such as www.skyscanner.com.ph to compare fares of various airlines. Some airlines also offer Fly-Now-Pay-Later plans which you may want to inquire about. Be aware, however, of conditions and restrictions that go with discounted airfares.

Plan Your ItineraryGet the advice of friends/relatives abroad, airlines or travel agencies about your itinerary. If your final destination is a city other than Europe port of entry, ask about the most convenient domestic flight schedule and the nearest airport where friends/relatives meet you. It is a good way to visit relatives and friends, and to check out opportunities in cities other than your intended destination.

ClothesThe kind of clothes you should prepare will depend on the time of year you will travel to Europe. Generally, if you are leaving for Europe during winter, where the temperature ranges from -6 ºC (21ºF) to 2 ºC (28ºF) make sure you have several layers of clothing to protect you from the extremely cold weather, such as inner wear (heat tech inner wear helps keep you warm), gloves, bonnets and overcoats. Winter in Europe lasts roughly from December to March, but the snowfall in Lapland might start as early as October and last till mid-May. If you are leaving in autumn and spring where temperatures range from (10ºC), you may just bring sweaters and jackets. If you are arriving in summer months where temperatures range from (25ºC-30ºC), light clothing will suffice. While days can be pretty warm, evening can be cold in many parts of the country, so bring your sweaters.

You may check out www.accuweather.com for more information on the weather in your destination in Europe at the time of your travel.

Baggage Allowance

Ask your airlines about free baggage allowance, restrictions on carry- on items, and charges for overweight or excess baggage. As such, you will be able to anticipate added costs, if any, and adequately prepare for them. Generally, the following weight system for check-in baggage allowance applies for travel to Europe: First Class : 40 kilos Business : 30 kilos Economy : 20 kilos Dimension : (L+W+H) = 62 inches

4 5

Packaging Your Luggage

Do’s and Don’ts in Packing

Do’s• Prepare an inventory of all items you are packing to ensure that

nothing is left out or forgotten.• Weigh each individual bag or box before leaving the house to make

sure that you are well within limitations of the airline.• Seal and strap your luggage securely to make sure they do not

break during airport transfer or in transit.• It is advisable if all your luggage have a bag tag with your identifying

information (name, contact details, address of your destination, among others).

Don’ts• Do not pack money, jewelry, negotiable documents and other

valuables in your check-in luggage. It is safer to keep them in your carry-on bags.

• Do not carry along any package if you do not know its content. • You will be held liable for any prohibited item found therein.• Do not pack check-in items in aluminum foil. Scanning machines

will not be able to check these items. Hence, you may have to unpack these items, which may cause unnecessary inconvenience on your part.

• Do not attempt to check-in or hand-carry items prohibited by airline and the host countries’ authorities. Check the website of your airline for a list of these prohibited items.

YOUR DAY OF DEPARTURE

Airport Procedures

Time AllowanceThe earlier you arrive at the airport, the less stressful it will be for you. You must be at the airport at least three hours before your scheduled flight. Late passengers risk losing their seat reservations. Check-in counters usually close 40 minutes before boarding.

You may also explore your airline’s online check in facility. Online check in for international travelers is usually allowed 72 hours prior to departure, depending on your airlines online check in procedures. Please visit your airlines website for more information on online check in.

Security Check and Inspection

All check-in and carry-on luggage must go through the x-ray machine for security check. Customs may do a routine check on your baggage. It is therefore advisable to bring extra packing tapes or strings for re-packing your baggage.

Check-in

Present your ticket, passport and visa to the airline representative at the counter. You will be given a boarding pass indicating your seat assignment and departure gate (depending on the availability of seats, you may also choose either a window or aisle seat, depending on your preference). You will also be issued an embarkation card and claim tags for your baggage. Proceed immediately to the departure gate and wait in the transit lounge for the flight to be announced. Remember your flight number at all times. The announcement for passengers is usually preceded by flight numbers.

6 7

Departure Card, Terminal fee, and Immigration Clearance

You may ask the airline’s counter personnel for a departure card or you may get one at the immigration area. Each passenger is required to fill-up this form and present it, along with the passport (with CFO registration sticker) and visa, at the window of the immigration officer for stamping. Prior to obtaining an immigration clearance, you may also be required to pay a terminal fee of P550.00 at the terminal fee counter. However, starting 01 February 2015, the terminal fee is already included upon purchase of the airline ticket when departing from Manila. In all other international airports you still have to pay this fee at a counter in the airport.

In-Flight Tips

Meals and BeveragesMake sure that your meals and non-alcoholic beverages served on board are covered by your fare. You may request for special meals (e.g. vegetarians and those observing dietary or religious restrictions). The request should be made with your airline at least 24 hours before your scheduled flight.

Portable Electronic DevicesYou are not allowed to operate your cellular or mobile phones, transistor radios or transceivers inside the aircraft during take-off and before landing. Portable audio records, dictating machines, laptop computers, electronic calculators, watches, hearing aides, electric shavers, and heart pacemakers maybe used on board.

Cameras and BinocularsUse of these may be restricted over certain areas of you flight. Ask for guidance from your flight attendant.

ToiletriesToiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, towelettes, soap, tissue, and toilet paper are available on board. For your own convenience, you may bring your own personal toiletries in your carry-on bag. Liquefied items in your carry-on bags should not exceed 100ml. (3.4 ounces) each and should be placed in sealed clear plastic containers.

ARRIVAL IN EUROPE

Port of EntryUpon arrival at the port of entry, you must take note of the signs which will tell you where to go or look for the airport information counter where you can ask for information on where to go or proceed after disembarkation.

Immigration ClearanceHave all your travel documents ready, including the arrival card you filled up in the plane. Answer all the questions of the immigration officer honestly, clearly, briefly, and politely. Passengers who have difficulty speaking and understanding English or language in the destination country may be assisted by an immigration employee. As part of the procedure, the clearance officers will examine your travel documents and authority to enter Europe. Once your identity and authority to enter are confirmed and any other information required is provided, the clearance officer formally clears you for entry to Europe.

In some cases, a formal interview may be required to ascertain further information about your immigration status. Non-English speaking travelers may be interviewed with the help of an interpreter.

Claiming Your BaggageUpon reaching the baggage claim area, get a cart and wait for your luggage, which will come in on a designated carousel. A sign will identify the corresponding flight number of each carousel or it will be announced over the public address system.

Check if your baggage claim stubs match with the tags on the bags you are claiming. In case of lost luggage, immediately inform the airline personnel who will ask you to file a claim form. The airline will trace your luggage and contact you at your final destination. Otherwise, you will be compensated for lost luggage based on policies printed on your plane ticket.

As soon as you have retrieved your luggage, proceed to the customs clearance area where you should present your immigration arrival card.

8 9

Readily open your baggage for inspection. If you are required to pay duties for certain items, you may do so in cash or with major international credit cards. If your port of entry is also your final destination, you may then walk out of the restricted immigration and customs area and into the waiting area where relatives or friends may be waiting for you.

Domestic leg of your journeyIf your final destination is another city and you are boarding on another plane, please ask your flight attendant prior to disembarkation if you would need to check in your luggage yourself. Some airlines take care of transferring the luggage of passengers to connecting flights. Make sure to check these details with the airline representatives.

If, after getting cleared by the immigration and customs, you need to check in your luggage for the domestic leg of your flight, ask assistance from the airline representative. Airline personnel are usually on the lookout for international passengers transferring to domestic flights.

Where to seek help

• Philippine Embassy & Consulates (hotline numbers)• Immigration authorities• Police authorities / Telephone helpline

• 112 for Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden and Belgium• 117 for Switzerland• 110 for Germany

• Women Refuge / Migrants’ Center / Au pair groups

(i.e. Babaylan Denmark, FOA, Filcom Norway, Filipino German Assoc., Filippinske Au Pair Foreningen-Norge)

HISTORY OF AU PAIR

“Au Pair” placement is the temporary reception by families, in exchange for certain services, of young foreigners who come to improve their linguistic and possibly professional knowledge as well as their general culture by acquiring a better knowledge of the country where they are received. Such young foreigners are hereinafter persons placed “au pair”.-Article 2, European Agreement on Au Pair Placement (1969).

‘Au pair’ placement traces its history in Switzerland at the end of 19th century. It was widely known as an arrangement on a mutual and friendly basis between families acquainted with each other or by way of common family contacts.

After the Second World War, a growing number of young women regarded au pair placement as a practical opportunity of going abroad to improve their knowledge of the language and culture of another country.The Council of Europe in its effort to resolve the problem of widespread temporary migration of young Europeans as ‘au pairs’ viewed the situation as a “unique social phenomenon”. The Council took note of the increase in the number of persons involved as an international social problem of European complexion involving legal, moral, cultural and economic consequences, transcending national boundaries. Moreover, the Council has noted the high risk of trafficking and exploitation.

Given these considerations, the European Council moved to protect ‘au pairs’ and regulate their situations so they could gain better experiences for their period of placement through cultural exchange. This was followed by an acknowledgement of the urgency to draft an international regulation to guarantee protections through an agreement among European states. The Council of Europe formalized the European Agreement on ‘Au Pair’ Placement on 24 November 1969 in Strasbourg and it went into force on the 30th of May 1971. The Agreement has since been an important regulatory source for ‘au pair’ migration schemes in Western Europe and North America whereby au pairing has become a thriving arrangement for employing foreign live-in nannies and househelp.

10 11

History of Au Pair in the Philippines

The 1990’s, saw an increasing number of Filipinos going to Europe, especially to Netherlands and Scandinavia, as au pairs. This practice, however, has been abused by some unscrupulous job placement agencies that used the cultural exchange program to deploy domestic helpers and nannies to Europe. This resulted to reported cases of exploitation and abuse of Filipino au pairs, particularly in Scandinavia.

In 1997, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) temporarily stopped sending au pairs to Europe in view of some reported isolated cases of abuse, exploitation, discrimination, sexual and prostitution. In 2009, various reports were received on continuous issuance of au pair visa by some European countries despite the Philippine government’s unilateral decision.

However, sometime in 2010, the ban on au pair migration to Europe was lifted for three European countries, Switzerland, Norway and Denmark following a bilateral agreement signed by the Philippines and these countries. Departure of Filipino au pairs then was handled by POEA and OWWA.

In 2011, an ad hoc committee was formed to prepare the guidelines for the total lifting of the ban for au pairs to Europe. Towards the end of 2011, the ban was also lifted for Germany. In 2012, DFA finally lifted the ban for Filipino au pairs to Europe. The departure of Filipinos as au pairs is now handled by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.

What is Au Pair?“Au pair” means “on a par” or “equal to” in French. Participants are intended to be treated as an equal member of the family to improve their cultural knowledge, in exchange for light household chores.

What are its purposes?Au Pair Placement aims to improve the knowledge of the participants on:

• language;• general culture; and• possible professional growth.

How is it done?It is through an actual immersion of the au pair to their receiving country by living with his/her host family.

Who can be Au Pairs?Young individuals between 18-30 years old, unmarried, without children, and who are willing to be placed under cultural exchange arrangement by living temporarily with the host family.

Who can be host families?Any European families legally allowed by their respective countries to host an au pair.

Who are the contracting parties?The au pair and the host family are the contracting parties of the placement.

What constitutes a valid placement?• The contract of engagement should be notarized by the Philippine

Embassy or Philippine Consulate General that has jurisdiction over the area or country of destination of the au pair and must be signed by the au pair and the head of the host family.

• The rights and obligations of both parties shall be the subject of agreement in writing and shall be lodged in the receiving country.

• The agreement shall specify that the au pair shall share the life of the host family, participate in day-to-day family duties, and enjoys a certain degree of independence; and

• The participation prescribed in the contract shall be for a maximum

12 13

stay of two (2) years, unless otherwise allowed by host countries.

What items/services are to be paid and who pays for these?

The Host Family pays for the following:1. Attestation/Legalization of the au pair placement contract and all

applicable administrative fees;2. All visa, airfare, travel & insurance costs and Country Familiarization

Seminar fees from the Philippines and back to the Philippines related to the sponsoring of the au pair; and

3. Pocket money and language tuition fees and applicable taxes.

The au pair pays for the following:1. Passport; and2. Medical examination and other documentation costs in the

Philippines not listed in the payment responsibility of the host family.

What are the benefits of the au pair and the Host Family?

Benefits of the au pair:1. Receive board and lodging;2. Occupy a separate room;3. Attend courses on:

a. language;b. cultural; andc. professional growth.

4. One (1) full free day/week (Sunday);5. Take part in religious worship; and6. Shall be given a pocket money/monthly allowance.

Benefits of the Host Family:1. Recipient of the services being rendered by the participant.2. Learn the language and cultural norms of the host country of the

participant.

PROVISIONS OF THE CONTRACT OF ENGAGEMENT

Norway

Eligibility• Applicant does not have a child (New rule for Au pairs in Norway

as of July 1, 2012).• The applicant must be between 18 and 30 years of age at the

time of application. The application must be submitted before the applicant’s 30th birthday.

• It must be considered likely that the applicant will return to his / her country of residence after the permit expires. The situation in the applicant’s country of residence must also be considered to be of a nature that the applicant may return.

Rights and obligations of the Au Pair• The Au pair must not work more than 5 hours per day and no more

than 30 hours per week, not even for extra pay.• The Au pair shall carry out light housework and look after children

and / or animals.• The Au pair must be able to participate in leisure activities and

attend a Norwegian Language Course.• The Host Family must pay for a Norwegian Language Course for

at least NOK 8,100.• The Host Family shall pay for the return ticket to the home country.• The Au pair is entitled to NOK 5600 (before tax) per month in pocket

money.• The Au pair is entitled to 25 days holiday per year. If the Au pair’s

contract commences after 30th September, the Au pair is entitled to 6 days holiday for the remainder of the year.

• The host family will also cover the au pair’s expenses for travelling to Norwegian language classes and for the travel back home.

IllnessHost family shall continue to provide board and lodging free of charge until another arrangement has been found for the au pair.

14 15

Termination of the contract and resignation

The contract may be terminated by either of the contracting parties with at least one month’s notice:

• From the date on which the other party received notice.• Notice must be in writing.• Host family cannot dismiss the participant except on reasonable

grounds.• Upon the requests of the au pair, host family shall state the grounds

in writing, while the au pair is not required; and• In serious breach of contractual obligations, either of the party can

terminate the engagement with immediate effect.

Time Off / HolidaysAu pairs are entitled to the following:

• At least 48 continuous hours each week and never less than 24 hours (if possible during Sunday).

• Shall have one fixed afternoon off per week.• Paid 25 working days’ holiday /per calendar year.

The Netherlands

General RuleTo be an au pair in Netherlands:

• A person must be 18-30 for EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) citizens, 18-30 years old for working holiday makers and 18-25 years old for other nationalities on an au pair visa.

• Must have a valid travel document.• Must have sufficient funds.• Must be neither married nor have any dependents.• Must not constitute a risk to public order.• Must not have previously stayed in the Netherlands on a

residence permit.• Must not have worked for the same family abroad.• Must be willing to stay for between 3 and 12 months.

Host Family in Netherlands Mandatory Criteria• The family must consist of a minimum of 2 people.• They must support the au pair during their stay in the Netherlands.• The family must have sufficient income to support themselves and

you. Remember having an au pair in Netherlands means supporting another adult member in the household.

• The responsible person in the host family must sign a sponsor declaration.

• The responsible person in the host family must sign a declaration of awareness.

• The family must draw up a daily schedule.• The family must pay for medical and accident insurance for

the au pair.

Au Pair in Netherlands General InformationRights and Obligations of an Au pair:

• An au pair in Netherlands is given approximately 300-340 Euros per month pocket money.

• An au pair in Netherlands works a maximum of 30 hours per week, with a maximum of 8 hours per day, inclusive of a maximum 3 evenings of babysitting per week.

• An au pair in Netherlands gets 2 full days free time per week andat least 1 weekend off per month.

• An au pair in Netherlands gets 2 weeks holiday for a 12 month stay. Holidays for shorter stays are to be negotiated.

• An au pair in Netherlands is provided with their own room, 3 meals per day and have free access to the family home.

• Basic Dutch is desirable for an au pair in Netherlands, but not compulsory• While not essential, an au pair in Netherlands is encouraged to

attend a language course and should be given the opportunity to participate in a Dutch language course .

• An au pair in Netherlands can stay for up to 12 months.

The au pair contractYou and your host family should clarify in advance what you expect from each other and sign a contract that includes your work schedule. The au pair contract is mandatory if you want to stay in the Netherlands as an au pair. A basic contract is provided by the agency arranging the placement.

16 17

Contract terminationThe au pair contract remains valid for the entire duration of your stay as an au pair. However, you are allowed to terminate the contract before it expires if for example you and your host family do not get along. In this case, you must respect a 14-day notice period. This allows both the au pair and the host family to find a replacement and organize the return trip. However on serious grounds, the au pair contract can also be terminated immediately without any period of notice.

InsuranceIt is mandatory that you are subscribed to a medical insurance plan for the duration of your stay in the Netherlands. This obligatory health insurance is called basisverzekering. Dutch health insurance is available to all residents and provides general medical care by specialists and general practitioners (GPs), including hospital care, medication, rehabilitation, etc. The host family is responsible for the costs of your insurance. They must also take out au pair insurance in your name including accident, civil liability, medical repatriation and baggage insurance. Examples of au pair insurance plans tailored to au pairs are the Young Global Traveler health insurance from the OOM insurance company and the ISIS Au pair insurance from the JoHo insurance provider.

Denmark

General Rules:• An au pair must be between the ages of 17 and 29 years at the time

of application.• An au pair must not be currently or have ever been married.• An au pair must not currently be living in with a partner.• An au pair must not have children. • An au pair may not previously have had a residence permit in Denmark.• One of the parents in the host family must be a Danish Citizen.• Host family may not receive public assistance under the terms of

the Active Social Policy Act.• The au pair stay must have a natural connection to host family’s

life so far, including host family’s educational background and employment history.

• Host family must have completed the equivalent of nine years of schooling.

• Host family must have a working knowledge of Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German.

• Host family may not previously have had two or more au pair stays in other Western countries.

• Host family may not previously have held a Danish residence permit• Host family may not previously have stayed in Denmark as an au

pair with different host families for more than one year.• As a general rule, au pair may not have the same nationality as one

or more members of the host family. • As a general rule, au pair may not be related to one or more

members of the host family.

Conditions to be met by your host family • A host family must be comprised of at least one parent and one

child under the age of 18 who is living at home.• At least one parent must be a Danish citizen in order that your

host family can introduce you to the Danish language and culture. However, this does not apply if the parents are EU citizens residing in Denmark under the EU regulations on free movement, or if they are foreign nationals who have lived in Denmark for a long time and have a strong attachment to Denmark.

• Your host family may not receive public assistance as their primary means of support under the terms of the Active Social Policy Act. They must declare this by signing a statement in the application form.

• Your host family may not have been given a penalty period as a result of previous abuse of the au pair scheme. All adult members of your host family must declare that they have not been convicted of violence or any similar offense against an au pair in the last ten years, and that they have not been convicted of illegal employment or any similar offense of an au pair in the last five years.

Other conditions and terms • You and your host family must fill up and sign the au pair contract

developed by the Danish Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment. If the au pair is younger than 18, the contract has to be signed by their parents and the future host family.

18 19

The au pair contract is for a maximum of 12 months. The au pair contract is needed to apply for a residence permit.

• Au pair assumes the role as a member of the family. This means that you should contribute to the household by carrying out chores related to the family’s daily housekeeping, such as babysitting, cleaning and washing clothes. Consequently, you may not take on responsibilities related to personal care of adult members of the host family who is suffering from an illness.

• An au pair is entitled to a minimum monthly allowance of DKK 4,200 from your host family as well as free food and lodging. An au pair’s bank account in her/his name should be established at a Danish bank, into which the allowance can be transferred each month.

• An au pair is entitled to his/her own bedroom in the family’s home. In addition to the bedroom, the host family must also have a common living room, as well as one bedroom for every two people registered at the residence.

• The host family may not have other au pairs besides you. However, a new au pair is allowed to train with the host family prior to their predecessor’s departure for up to 14 days.

• An au pair must carry out daily chores for three to five hours per day, six days per week, i.e. 18 to 30 hours per week.

• Au pairs are entitled to one full day off every week.• Au pairs are entitled to sufficient time off to follow language

courses and pursue cultural and professional interests, including participation in religious events.

• It is the responsibility of the host family to provide the au pair with appropriate care as well as free food and lodging if the au pair is sick.

• Your host family must pay for the cost of your trip home if you are a resident of a country outside Europe. If you wish to change host family – and enters into a contract with a new host family – then the new host family assumes the responsibilities relating to the payment of your trip home.

Contract termination Both you and your host family have a right to terminate the contract with a two weeks’ notice. Furthermore, both you and your host family have a right to terminate the contract with immediate effect in the case of serious violation of the contract by the other party, or if other serious

circumstances warrant it. The Danish Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment recommends that any termination is in written form and signed by both you and your host family.

Registration of the au pair as a resident Your host family must make sure you are registered as a resident at their address with the Central Person Register and that you are covered by the Danish National Health Insurance and unregistered again when you leave the country.

Insurance coverge A host family must take out three types of insurance covering au pair:

1. For work-related injuries.2. Insurance covering leisure time and accidents; and3. Insurance covering the costs of you returning to your homeland in

case of death, or serious illness or accident.

Contract duration You may be granted a residence permit for a maximum of 24 months, but no longer than the duration of your au pair contract.

If you have been granted a residence permit as an au pair for less than 24 months, and you apply for an extension, you may continue as an au pair while your application is being processed, provided that you are with the same host family and that the conditions for your stay remain unchanged.

If you wish to begin with a new family, you may not do so before you have been granted a new residence permit. However, you are allowed to move in with the new family and live there as their guest.

IMPORTANT REMINDERUntil a residence permit has been received, an au pair may not assume duties. Doing so, can subject the au pair to deportation and the host family will be penalized under Aliens Act.

20 21

NORWAY: COUNTRY PROFILE

GeographyNorway is a long and narrow country, and is characterized by great distances. The country extends 1,750 km from north to south. At its widest the country covers 420 km from east to west while just 6 km at its narrowest. Norway is located at the northern part of Europe bordering Sweden, Finland and Russia. It has exceptional long coastline which is dotted with approximately 50,000 islands of which just 20,000 are inhabited. With a total area of 387,000 square meters (including Svalbard and Jan Mayen islands), Norway is the seventh largest country in Europe.

Norway has five major regions; Northern Norway, Central Norway, Western Norway (West coast), Southern Norway and Eastern Norway, which is composed of counties and municipalities. In Northern Norway, you will find the city of Tromso, Lofoten islands and the county of Finnmark, which is the home of Sami – indigenous people of Norway. The midnight sun, northern light and the North Cape are the famous attractions in this region. Central Norway played a key role in Norway’s history. Nidaros, the original name for Trondheim, was the political, religious and commercial centre of the country and a destination for pilgrims for more than four centuries during the Middle Ages. The Nidaros Cathedral, which is the largest medieval structure in Scandinavia, also can be found in Trondheim.

Western Norway is characterized by steep mountains, fjords and deep valleys while the Southern Norway is known for a rocky coastline and white wooden houses. Kristiansand is the largest city in the southern region. Eastern Norway is the most populated region in Norway. In this region you will find the capital, Oslo, as well as the oldest town in Norway, Tønsberg, the largest lake, Lake Mjøsa, and the highest mountain, Galdhøpiggen. Large parts of the region are covered in forest and a myriad of lakes and rivers offer excellent fishing prospects.

ClimateNorway has four distinct seasons; summer, autumn, winter and spring. The weather and temperatures in each season can change quickly, especially in the mountains.

You should always be prepared by the sudden change of temperature.

• Summer. The weather is warmest and the days are long and bright from late June to early August. The daytime temperatures during July and August can rise up to 30°C. The warmest and most stable weather usually occurs on the eastern side of the southern mountains, including the south coast between Mandal and Oslo. However, the summer weather can be wet and changeable, especially in Western, Central and Northern Norway.

• Autumn. During (September, October and November) autumn the landscape is painted in vibrant colors and nature is full of berries and mushrooms specially in Eastern Norway. In September, the temperature drops slowly and at the same time days become shorter. The land loses more heat than the sea and the warmest areas usually found on the coast.

• Winter. The mountain region in the Eastern Norway usually gets the first snow in November. The temperature in the inner areas of Finnmark, Troms, Eastern and Central Norway can reach below -40°C. The coastal areas comparatively have mild winters, however, gales, rain, clouds can be frequent and heavy. Winter typically lasts until April.

• Spring. In most parts of the country, spring begins from May to middle of June while in the Southern Norway it usually arrives in April. Spring is the season when trees and flowers waking to life and the days gets little warmer and lighter day by day. It is also the season when temperature between daytime and night time differs the most. The weather in spring can also be varied. There may be days when it is cold enough to snow and days when it is very windy.

Facts and figures

Head of State: His Majesty King Harald VHead of Government: Prime Minister Erna StoltenbergArea: 385 199 km²Population 5,147,792 (July 2014 est.)

22 23

Capital city: OsloLanguage: Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk) In some districts, Sámi is also an official languageState Church: Church of Norway (Evangelical Lutheran) Currency: Norwegian kroner (NOK) (1 krone is divided into 100 ore)Constitution Day: 17 MayAverage life expectancy: Female: 83 years, Male: 78 years

LanguageNorwegian is the official language in Norway, a northern Germanic language closely related to Danish and Swedish. There are two official written versions of Norwegian: Bokmål (“Book Norwegian”) and Nynorsk (“New Norwegian”). Bokmål and Nynorsk have been accorded equal status officially, although Bokmål is somewhat more widely used in Oslo and the larger towns. Nynorsk is utilized by some 10-15% of the population, mostly on the Western coast, as well as in government texts, literature, dramatic art, public broadcasting and church services.

In the North-Norwegian districts of Kárášjohka-Karasjok, Guovdageaidnu-Kautokeino, Unjárga-Nesseby, Porsanger, Deatnu- Tana and Gáivuotna-Kåfjord, Sámi has been established as an official language on a par with Norwegian. Sami is a minority language which is spoken by some 20,000 individuals in Norway.

At present, English is the most important foreign language for international use in Norway, followed by German and French. English is spoken at an excellent level by most of the population under 60 years old.

Norwegians and natureNorwegian adoration of nature is a vital ingredient in the country’s national identity. Most Norwegians live in single-family homes and large apartments, equipped with every available electric appliance. Nevertheless, great value is attached to closeness to nature and a simple lifestyle. Thousands of Norwegians spend weekends and holidays at the family cabin. The typical Norwegian cabin is built of logs and consists of a living room, one or more bedrooms, an outdoor lavatory, woodshed and small kitchen.

Heating is preferably by wood, although kerosene is permissible, just barely. Oil lamps and candlelight provide light on dark winter nights. This simplicity is not due to a desire to save money. In fact a mountain cabin in an attractive location is a costly investment, no matter how simply they are furnished. The absence of modern comforts is founded on ideological and moral, rather than economic reasons. HistoryTen thousand years ago, the first to men to appear in what is now Norway were hunters who settled in small groups. Their existence is revealed in the flint tools, clay vessels, and perhaps most spectacularly, the rock carvings they left behind. Approximately 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, the transition started in Norway initially in the area around the Oslo Fjord. Archaeological finds from the Bronze Age (1500 - 500 B.C.) are dominated by the cultural relics of farmers, particularly in southern Norway.

In 800 A.D, the Viking era marks the termination of the prehistoric period in Norway. In parts of west and southwest Europe, the Vikings are known as cruel brigands who wrought havoc on their victims with fire and swords. However, the Vikings also came on peaceful errands, to trade and to colonize. In this era, also, the regions were united into one kingdom and Christianity was adopted in Norway.

The late Middle Ages were a period of marked economic decline in Norway. The population had been decimated by the plague and other epidemics during the fourteenth century. The economic depression had political ramifications. Denmark gained increasing importance as the major Nordic land. To ensure the power of the Norwegian Council of the Realm when a monarch was being selected, from 1450, the union with Denmark was established by treaty. The treaty also served as a guarantee of the equality of the two realms. In 1536, Norway ceased to be an independent kingdom. This came about at a national assembly in Copenhagen, where King Christian III pledged to the Danish noblemen that Norway was henceforth to be subservient to the Danish Crown, like any other Danish possession.

After 400 years, the union between Norway and Denmark ended when Danish King Fredrik VI surrendered, cut his ties with Napoleon, and handed

24 25

Norway over to his Swedish rivals in 1814. The agreement between Denmark and its opponents contained political elements that were of major importance to Norway. The terms firmly established that Norway was again to take its place among the independent states, in union with Sweden. The Norwegian Constitution was signed at Eidsvoll on 17 May 1814, where Christian Frederik was chosen to be the Norwegian king. To this day, May 17 is celebrated as the official national day of Norway, despite full independence having had to wait until 1905 when Haakon VII was crowned as King of Norway.

ReligionNorway is an official Protestant State Church based on the Evangelical-Lutheran religion, the Church of Norway. Although there is no separation of Church and State, all inhabitants have the right to exercise their religion freely in accordance with a 1964 amendment to the Constitution.

While roughly 80% of the population are members of the Church of Norway, some 5.9% of the population are members of other religious communities, while 6.2% do not belong to any religious community at all. The largest religious and life-stance communities outside the Church of Norway are the Humanist Movement, represented by the Norwegian Humanist Association (63 000), Islam (60 000), the Pentecostal Movement (45 000), the Roman Catholic Church (40 000 or more), the Evangelical-Lutheran free church (20 000), Methodists (13 000) and several lesser free churches.

GovernmentNorway is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democratic system of governance. The government, which is headed by a Prime Minister, serves as the executive power, while the King fills an important symbolic function as Head of State and official representative of the Norwegian society.

State power is formally distributed between three institutions: the Storting (the legislative power), the Government (the executive power) and the courts (the judicial power). The Storting has served as the highest political body in Norway. It maintains formal control over the two most important tools of government: the enactment of legislation and approval of national

budgets. The government’s most important functions are to submit bills and budget proposals to the Storting and implement decisions through the Ministries. The Judiciary comprises a relatively independent branch of government. There are two components to its political role: first, its activities serve to implement the legislation adopted by the Storting, and second, it monitors the legislative and executive powers to ensure that they themselves comply with the acts of legislation that have been previously adopted. In addition, the public administration, which was designed to serve the needs of the political bodies, is sometimes viewed as a fourth state power, as it now takes independent action and can exert influence on the shaping of policies.

There is also a geographical distribution of political power into state, county and municipal levels. The State is directly represented at a local level through the County Governors’ offices. The municipalities are the most important units of local government administration. They are responsible for primary and lower secondary education, social services, municipal roads, water and sewerage and zoning regulation. Upper secondary schools and a number of technical services are administered at the county level. The counties and municipalities are governed by elected councils.

EconomyNorway is a highly developed, industrial country with an open, export- oriented economy. Listed as one of the richest countries in the world, it has also achieved top-rankings with regard to standard of living, life expectancy, health and housing standards. Since the 1970s, the offshore oil industry has played a dominant role in the Norwegian economy. Natural resources industries like oil refining and oil marketing, petro- chemical, forestry, agriculture and fisheries, also contributed to the growth of the economy of Norway.

The Norwegian economy is generally characterized as a mixed economy- a capitalist market economy with a clear component of state influence. State ownership and the regulation of the private sector serve to classify Norway as a mixture of market and planned economy. Economic policy is designed to stabilize, counteract unemployment, and inflation, to stimulate growth in the industries and distribution of income. Credit institutions have been established to provide support to the regional industrial sector as

26 27

well as agriculture, fisheries and other industries. Also, regions with little industry are subject to more lenient taxation than other areas to prevent the disappearance of local industry.

Norway’s official monetary currency is Krone. The Norwegian Krone (NOK) is the basic unit of money in Norway. The most common bank notes are the 50 kroner, 100 kroner, 200 kroner, 500 kroner and 1000 kroner. Currently the coins used in Norway are the 50 ore, 1 krone, 5 kroner, 10 kroner and 20 kroner (the Krone is divided into 100 ore).

Basic Culture and NormsNorwegian Family Values

• Many families consist mainly of the nuclear family.• Marriage is not a prerequisite to starting a family.• Many couples live together without legalizing the arrangement with

marriage. Therefore, it is best not to make presumptions about people’s marital status.

Women in Norway• Women are highly respected in business and generally receive

equal pay and have access to senior positions.• Norwegian women expect to be treated with respect in the office.• Businesswomen are direct and can be skilled negotiators.• Women may take up to one year’s maternity leave at 80% pay or

10 months at 100% pay.• If a woman decides to stay home with pre-school children she

receives a monthly stipend from the government.

Meeting Etiquette• Greetings are casual, with a firm handshake, direct eye contact,

and a smile.• Norwegians are egalitarian and casual; they often introduce

themselves with their first name only.• In some circumstances people may use the honorific title “Herr”

(Mr.) or “Fru” (Mrs.) and their surname.• You can wait to be invited before moving to first names although

most people will start with this.• Shake hands and say hello or good-bye individually when arriving

or departing.

• Shake hands with people on a first come first served basis.

Dining Etiquette• Do not discuss business. Norwegians separate their business and

personal lives.• Reciprocate any invitation.• Table manners are more formal than one might expect of a culture

that is informal and egalitarian.• Hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.• Do not begin eating until the hostess starts.• Most food, including sandwiches, is eaten with utensils.• When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your

plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right.• The male guest of honour, generally seated to the left of the

hostess, thanks the hostess on behalf of the other guests with the phrase “takk for maten” (thanks for the meal).

• The host makes a small speech and offers the first toast.• Toast the host/hostess during the meal.• Women may offer toasts.• Toasts are made with alcoholic beverages, but not beer.• When someone is being toasted, raise your glass, look at the

person, take a sip, look at the person again, and then return the glass to the table.

• Women must put down their glasses first after a toast.

Gift Giving Etiquette• If invited to a Norwegian’s home, bring flowers, chocolates, pastries,

wine, or imported spirits to the hostess.• Flowers may be sent the morning of a dinner party so they may be

displayed that evening.• Do not give carnations, lilies or white flowers as they are used at funerals.• Do not give wreaths, even at Christmas.• Do not give even numbers of flowers.• A houseplant is well received in the winter months.• A bouquet of freshly picked wildflowers is always appreciated.• Gifts are opened when received.

http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/norway-guide

28 29

THE NETHERLANDS: COUNTRY PROFILE

GeographyThe Netherlands is located in Western Europe bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany. Its total area is 41,543 sq km composed of 33,893 sq km land area and 7,650 sq km water area. The country’s lowest point, at 6.7 metres below sea level, is near Rotterdam. The highest point, the Vaalserberg, is 321 metres high, and lies in the southeast, where the borders of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany meet. Being close to the sea, the Netherlands has a moderate climate. The mean temperature is 17 degrees Celsius in the summer and 2 degrees Celsius in winter. Its average annual rainfall is 750mm, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

ClimateThe Netherlands have a temperate maritime climate influenced by the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean, with cool summers and moderate winters. Daytime temperatures varies from 2°C-6°C in the winter and 17°C-20°C in the summer. On average, frost occurs 60 days per year. July temperatures average about 63 °F (17 °C), and those of January average 35 °F (2 °C). Annual rainfall averages about 31 inches (790 mm), with only about 25 clear days per year. The average rainfall is highest in summer (August) and autumn and lowest in springtime. The country is known—not least through the magnificent landscapes of Dutch painters—for its heavy clouds, and on an average day three-fifths of the sky is clouded.

Facts and figures Head of State: His Majesty King Willem Alexander (since 30 April 2013)Prime Minister: Mark RutteForeign Minister: Bert KoendersGovernment: Constitutional monarchyPopulation: 16,877,351 (July 2014 est.)Capital City: Amsterdam (population: 764,000) The Hague is seat of the Court, Government and Parliament.Language: DutchReligions: Roman Catholic 28%, Protestant 19%, Muslim

5.8%, other 4.2%, Unaffiliated 43%. (latest figures 2009)Currency: EuroMajor political parties: VVD (conservative Liberal Party), PvdA (Labour Party), PVV (Party for Freedom), CDA (Christian Democrats), SP (Socialist Party), D66 (Liberal Democrat Party), Groen Links ( left-wing Ecologist Party), CU (Christian Union),Membership ofinternational groups/organisations: Benelux, World Customs Organisation (WCO), Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC), European Union (EU), Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), United Nations (UN), United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNCHR).

EconomyIn 2017, the Netherlands economy will likely slow down, mainly due to slower investment growth followed by the post-crisis recovery. The main downside threats to the outlook are the following: 1) The uncertain outcome of the elections in March; 2) a possible tightening in financing conditions, and 3) the uncertainties surrounding Brexit negotiations. On the positive side, the economy will still grow for the private consumption and could benefit from a further recovery of the property market and improved labor conditions. Compared to previous forecasts, the economy is expanding by 1.8% in 2017, which is up by 0.1% points. In 2018, the GDP is expected to grow by 1.7%. Despite the current difficulties, the Netherlands enjoys relatively stable industrial relations, low inflation and a current account surplus. It has a significant role as a European transportation hub centred around Rotterdam Port and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Industrial activity is mainly in food processing, chemicals, the refining of petroleum, and electrical machinery. The services sector represents 70% of the economy. The agricultural sector is highly mechanised and employs no more than 4% of the labour force but it provides large surpluses for exports and the food processing industry. When it comes to the value of agricultural exports, the Dutch rank third worldwide. The Netherlands was among the first 11 EU countries to adopt the Euro currency on 1 January 1999.

30 31

HistoryDuring the First World War (1914-1918), the Netherlands remained neutral. It continued to pursue a policy of strict neutrality until the Second World War, but was invaded by Germany in May 1940 and occupied for five years. Queen Wilhelmina spent the war years in England, playing a vital role as the symbol of resistance against the occupying forces. She abdicated in 1948, after a reign of 50 years, in favour of her daughter Juliana. Queen Juliana abdicated in turn on 30 April 1980 to be succeeded by her eldest daughter, the present Queen Beatrix.

The Netherlands was a major colonial power until the Second World War, but after 1945 its two largest colonies, Indonesia and Suriname, gained independence. Today, the Kingdom of the Netherlands includes six islands in the Caribbean, formerly known as the Netherlands Antilles.

Until the early 5th century, the area south of the Rhine was part of the Roman Empire. Throughout the Middle Ages, the Netherlands consisted of many separate feudal entities, which were eventually united, under Emperor Charles V (1500-1558), with the rest of the ‘Low Countries’ (present-day Belgium and Luxembourg) as part of the Holy Roman Empire. But Charles V’s son, King Philip II of Spain, caused widespread resentment by restricting religious freedom and aspiring to absolute power. In 1568, some of the northern Dutch provinces revolted under Prince William of Orange, starting what the Dutch call the Eighty Years’ War. This ended in 1648 with the Treaty of Münster, which recognised the Republic of the United Provinces (the seven sovereign provinces of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Friesland, Groningen, Overijssel and Gelderland) as an independent state.

During the 17th century, the Netherlands’ ‘Golden Age’, the Republic became very prosperous thanks largely to the Dutch East Indies Company, which could be described as the world’s first multinational. This company had interests along the coasts of Africa and Asia, with bases in present-day Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Around the same time, the Dutch West Indies Company (WIC) was trading with West Africa and the Americas, and from 1625 to 1664 it administered New Amsterdam, which later became New York.

Conflicting trading interests led to several wars with England, but the ties with that country were close. The Stadtholders, William II and his son William III both married English princesses, and in 1689, William III was asked by the English Parliament to share the English crown with his wife, Mary II.

The French Revolution signaled the end of the Republic of the United Provinces, which was invaded and occupied by French revolutionary forces in 1795. In 1813, the French Empire collapsed and the Low Countries regained their independence. In the northern Netherlands, there was a power struggle between republicans and monarchists, which was won by the latter. Willem Frederik, Prince of Orange-Nassau, returned from exile in England. The Government moved to The Hague, although Amsterdam remained the official capital. In 1815, the northern and southern Netherlands - today’s Netherlands and Belgium - were combined to form the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with Willem Frederik as King William I. This marked the introduction of the Dutch hereditary monarchy.

The constitution was radically revised in 1848, making ministers accountable to an elected Parliament rather than the monarch. The new constitution was the basis for a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. In 1830, the southern Netherlands seceded from the Kingdom to form the independent state of Belgium.

Government The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy with a Parliament (the States-General) consisting of two chambers. The upper or First Chamber consists of 75 members elected by members of the Provincial States. The lower or Second Chamber consists of 150 members directly elected by proportional representation, for a four year term. Dutch Government ministers give up their seat in Parliament on taking ministerial office. The Government can also appoint as ministers individuals who have not stood for election.

ReligionThe largest religious congregation in the Netherlands is Catholic (28 percent of the population), followed by Reformed Protestant (19 percent),

32 33

Dutch Reformed (4.2 percent) and Muslim (5.8 percent). More striking, however, is the fact that 43 percent of the population are not religious or connected to a denomination. The extremely rapid secularization of the Netherlands after the 1960s has meant that religion plays a decreasing role in ordering people’s social and cultural lives, with the notable exception of the small rural communities in the Dutch Bible Belt, which runs along the towns Zierikzee, Dordrecht, Utrecht, Zwolle, and Assen. Among the 60 percent who profess to being religious, an ever-increasing group either does not actively participate in religious ceremonies or is involved in New Age religions.

Basic Culture and Norms• Appearances are important to the Dutch.• They are disciplined, conservative, and pay attention to the smallest details.• They see themselves as thrifty, hardworking, practical and

well organized.• They place high value on cleanliness and neatness.• At the same time, the Dutch are very private people.• They do not draw attention to themselves and do not value the

accoutrements of success highly prized by other western societies.• They dislike displays of wealth, as they run counter to their

egalitarian beliefs.• They do not boast about their accomplishments or their material

possessions. Family ValuesThe Dutch see the family as the foundation of the social structure.

• Families tend to be small, often with only one or two children.• Relatively few women work outside the house full-time as compared

to many other cultures.• This allows mothers to be more available to their children throughout

the entire day.

Meeting Etiquette• The handshake is the common form of greeting.• It is firm and swift, accompanied by a smile, and repetition of your name.• Shake hands with everyone individually including children.• Very close friends may greet each other by air kissing near the

cheek three times, starting with the left cheek.• Most Dutch only use first names with family and close friends.• Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis.

Dining Etiquette• Dining is fairly formal in the Netherlands.• Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand

and the knife in the right while eating.• Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a

particular seat.• Men generally remain standing until all the women have taken their seats.• If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork in the

middle of the plate with the fork over the knife.• Do not begin eating until the hostess starts.• Most food is eaten with utensils, including sandwiches.• The host gives the first toast. An honoured guest should return the

toast later in the meal.• Salad is not cut; fold the lettuce on your fork.• Always start with small amounts so you may accept second helpings.• Finish everything on your plate. It is offensive to waste food in

the Netherlands.• Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork

parallel across the right side of your plate.

Business Meeting Etiquette• Punctuality for meetings is taken extremely seriously.• Being late may mark you as untrustworthy and someone who may

not meet other deadlines.• Maintain direct eye contact while speaking.

http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/netherlands-guide

34 35

DENMARK: COUNTRY PROFILE

Geography and Climate Denmark is the smallest Scandinavian country, consisting of the Jutland peninsula, north of Germany, and over 400 islands of various sizes, some inhabited and linked to the mainland by ferry or bridge. The landscape consists mainly of low-lying, fertile countryside broken by beech woods, small lakes and fjords. Greenland and the Faroe Islands are also under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark, although both have home rule. The Faroe Islands is a group of 18 islands in the North Atlantic inhabited by a population of 49,709 (2013), whose history dates back to the Viking period. Fishing and sheep farming are the two most important occupations. Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroes, is served by direct flights from Copenhagen. During the summer months, there are direct flights from Aberdeen and Glasgow.

Summer extends from June to August, which are also the best months to visit. Winter is from December to March, and tends to be wet with long periods of frost and dark days. Spring and autumn are generally mild. The Faroe Islands are under the influence of the warm current of the Gulf Stream, and they enjoy a very mild climate for the latitude. Winters are warm, but the islands are cloudy, windy and wet throughout the year. Summers are cool, but with little sunshine.

GovernmentThe political system of Denmark is that of a multi-party structure, where several parties can be represented in Parliament at any one time. Danish governments are often characterized by minority administrations, aided with the help of one or more supporting parties. This means that Danish politics is based on consensus politics. Since 1909, no single party has had the majority in Parliament. It is a constitutional monarchy.

Danish Society and CultureAccording to 2012 figures from Statistics Denmark, 89.6% of Denmark’s population of over 5,580,516 are of Danish descent, defined as having at least one parent who was born in Denmark and has Danish citizenship. Many of the remaining 10.4% are immigrants—or descendants of recent

immigrants (defined as people born in Denmark from migrant parents, or parents without Danish citizenship) —less than a third of whom are from the neighboring Scandinavian countries and Germany. Over two-thirds include people from Turkey, Iraq, Somalia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, South Asia, and from Western Asia. More than 590,000 individuals (10.4%) are migrants and their descendants 142,000 second generation migrants born in Denmark.

Egalitarianism in Danish SocietyDenmark is an egalitarian society. Interestingly this is reflected in their language, which employs gender-neutral words. Most Danes are modest about their own accomplishments and are more concerned about the group than their own individual needs.

Maternity and paternity leave provisions are particularly generous in Denmark. Men are more actively involved in child-rearing activities than in many countries, although the division of domestic chores is similar to other developed countries.

Women in Danish SocietyWomen are highly respected in business and generally receive equal pay and have access to senior positions. Working mothers can easily arrange flexible hours so that they can maintain both a career and a family. Danish women expect to be treated with respect in the office.

Facts and FiguresHead of State: Queen Margrethe II (since 14 January 1972) Head of Government: Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt (since 3 October 2011) Area: 43,094 sq kmPopulation 5,569,077 (July 2014 est.) Capital city: CopenhagenLanguage: Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority), and English is the predominant second languageState Church: Evangelical Lutheran Currency: Danish krone (DKK) Constitution Day: 5 JuneAverage life expectancy: Female: 82 years, Male: 77 years

36 37

HistoryThe Danes, a homogenous Gothic-Germanic people, have inhabited Denmark since prehistoric times. Danish is the principal language. A small German-speaking minority lives in southern Jutland; a mostly Inuit population inhabits Greenland; and the Faroe Islands have a Nordic population with its own language. Education is compulsory from ages seven to 16 and is free through the university level.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church is state supported and accounts for about 97% of Denmark’s religious affiliation. Denmark has religious freedom, however, and several other Protestant denominations and other religions exist.

During the Viking period (9th-11th centuries), Denmark was a great power based on the Jutland Peninsula, the Island of Zealand, and the southern part of what is now Sweden. In the early 11th century, King Canute united Denmark and England for almost 30 years.

Viking raids brought Denmark into contact with Christianity, and in the 12th century, crown and church influence increased. By the late 13th century, royal power had waned, and the nobility forced the king to grant a charter, considered Denmark’s first constitution. Although the strugglebetween crown and nobility continued into the 14th century,Queen Margrethe I succeeded in uniting Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Greenland under the Danish crown. Sweden and Finland left the union in 1520; however, Norway remained until 1814. Iceland, in a “personal union” under the king of Denmark after 1918, became independent in 1944.

The Reformation was introduced in Denmark in 1536. Denmark’s provinces in today’s southwestern Sweden were lost in 1658, and Norway was transferred from the Danish to the Swedish crown in 1814, following the defeat of Napoleon, with whom Denmark was allied. The Danish liberal movement gained momentum in the 1830s, and in 1849 Denmark became a constitutional monarchy. After the war with Prussia and Austria in 1864, Denmark was forced to cede Schleswig- Holstein to Prussia and adopt a policy of neutrality. Toward the end of the 19th century, Denmark

inaugurated important social and labor market reforms, laying the basis for the present welfare state.

Denmark remained neutral during World War I. Despite its declaration of neutrality at the beginning of World War II, it was invaded by the Germans in 1940 and occupied until it was liberated by the Allied forces in May 1945. Denmark became a charter member of the United Nations and was one of the original signers of the North Atlantic Treaty.

ReligionCompared with most other countries in the world, Denmark’s societal institutions and popular mentality have been shaped by Christianity to an exceptional degree. It can be asserted that religion is more firmly entrenched in Danish society than in many other countries.

In practice, Christianity today comes to the fore, primarily during solemnizations surrounding birth and death. Like the other Nordic countries, particularly Sweden, Denmark is also among the world’s most secularised countries, in which religion and Christianity play only a minor, often indirect, role in public life.

A programmatic expression of the relationship between nation building and Denmark’s Christianisation is present on “Denmark’s birth certificate”, the Jelling Stone, which dates back to around 965 A.D. On this rune stone, King Harald Bluetooth describes his two great interrelated achievements: “Harald King had these stones made after Gorm his father and after Thyra his mother – that Harald who won all Denmark and Norway and made the Danes Christian”.

This trend continued with the Reformation in 1536, when the Danish church became Evangelical Lutheran and was integrated into the state, as well as in the religious revivals of the 1800s, the energy of which was to a large extent channelled into the cultural, social, and business developments that came to form the foundations of the 20th-Century Danish welfare state.

Christianity’s unique history in Denmark explains why the mutual interdependence of the people, the state, and the church has remained

38 39

in place longer and more strongly in Denmark than in any other country. There has, quite simply, never been a break in this interdependence, as has occurred as a result of revolution, civil war, military occupation, cultural struggle, religious revival, and immigration in virtually all other European countries. This is not to suggest an absence of debate concerning this relationship, yet there is general popular support for Article 4 of the Constitution of Denmark, which sets forth that the Evangelical Lutheran church is Denmark’s People’s Church and is thus supported by the state. The new government of 2011 is striving for the Church of Denmark to become more independent, with a looser association to the state.

EconomyOnce essentially an agricultural country and still possessing a visibly rural landscape, Denmark after 1945 greatly expanded its industrial base so that by 2006 industry contributed about 25% of the gross domestic product and agriculture less than 2% (Denmark’s other traditional industries of fishing and shipbuilding have also declined). Financial and other services, trade, transportation, and communications are also important.

The main commodities raised are livestock (pigs, cattle, and poultry), root crops (potatoes and sugar beets), and cereals (barley, wheat, and oats). There is a large fishing industry, and Denmark possesses a commercial shipping fleet of considerable size. The leading industries include food processing (especially meat and dairy goods) and shipbuilding and the manufacture of iron and steel, nonferrous metals, chemicals, machinery and transportation equipment, textiles and clothing, electronics, furniture and other wood products, windmills, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment. Metal products are made almost entirely from imported raw materials, as Denmark has scant mineral resources. Tourism is also a substantial industry.

Denmark’s main exports are processed foods, agricultural and industrial machinery, pharmaceuticals, furniture, and windmills; the chief imports are machinery and equipment, raw materials, chemicals, grain and foodstuffs, and consumer goods. The country’s leading trade partners are Germany, Sweden, Great Britain, and other countries in the European Union countries.

Danish Traits and Social PracticesWhen you arrive in Denmark you will probably notice the relaxed atmosphere, a lot of people on bikes, and that things generally run smoothly. A blend of stately old buildings and modern sustainable architecture speaks of cities that treasure the old but love experimenting with the new.

You may also find that that living in Denmark is not exactly cheap. However, if you are sensible and follow local habits and are a little economical – such as cycling to university and eating at home – then living costs in Denmark should not blow your budget.

Basic Culture and NormsDanish Family Values

• Most families are small.• The nuclear family is the centre of the social structure.• Children are raised to be independent from an early age.

Meeting Etiquette• Greetings are casual, with a firm handshake, direct eye contact,

and a smile.• Shake hands and say hello or good-bye individually when arriving

or departing.• Shake hands with women first.• Danes tend to introduce themselves with their first names.

Dining Etiquette• Arrive on time. Danes are punctual in both business and

social situations.• Check to see if you should remove your shoes before entering

the house.• Contact the hostess ahead of time to see if she would like you to

bring a dish.• Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a

meal is served.• Danes enjoy showing off their homes since they have usually done

the decorating themselves and are proud of their accomplishments. Therefore, they are happy when you ask for a tour of their house.

• Do not discuss business.

40 41

Table manners• Table manners are Continental.• Wait to be told where to sit. There may be a seating plan.• Hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.• Always keep your hands visible when eating. Keep your wrists

resting on the edge of the table.• Try everything.• Expect to be offered second helpings. You may refuse without

offending your hosts.• Finish everything on your plate. Danes do not like wasting food.• When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your

plate with the tines facing up and the handles turned to the right.• The man seated to the left of the hostess generally offers a toast of

thanks during the dessert course.• Do not begin eating until the host toasts with ‘Skol’.• When toasting, raise your glass about eye level and make eye

contact with the people seated closest to you.

SECURING RESIDENCE CARDS

Norway

Apply for a residence or work permitYou need a residence permit to become an au pair in Norway. You can apply for both residence and work permit at the same time using the corresponding application form. You need the following documents for your application:

• A valid passport.• The standard contract for au pairs signed by both you and your

host family.• Proof of your host family’s nationality (for instance, copies of

their passports).• A copy of your own passport (should you already be in Norway,

you need to ensure that your passport or equivalent contains your entry date).

• A Norwegian or English translation of all documents.• A passport photo which complies with certain criteria.• In addition, you need to pay a fee.

In addition to the above mentioned documents, you may be required to hand in further documents:• in a situation where you apply for your residence permit from

outside your home country, you must be able to prove that you have been a legal resident of this country for the past six months.

• in a situation where your host family is a single parent family, you need a document which proves to what extent (how much time) the parent is responsible for his or her child.

• if your host family applies on your behalf, they need your written authorisation.

Should you add copies of the above mentioned documents to your application, you need to present the originals when handing in your application.

How to hand in your application for your residence permit:You can hand in your application to a Norwegian embassy or consulate

42 43

in your home country or the country for which you have a valid residence permit (for the past six months). In some countries, you have the opportunity to hand in your application to the Swedish or Danish embassy, as well.

If you hand in your application in Norway or to a Norwegian embassy, you should do so online. During your online registration, you schedule an appointment with the police or an embassy to hand in your passport and other documents.

If you apply for your residence permit through a Swedish or Danish embassy, you need to use the written application form. You also need to contact the embassy to arrange an appointment for handing in your passport and other necessary documents.

Au pairs in Norway may reside in the country for a maximum of two years. However, the residence permit is only issued for the duration of employment. During this period of time, you may leave and enter Norway as often as you wish.

Get your residence cardAfter your application for the residence permit has been approved, you will receive a letter asking you to take care of the so-called residence card. It proves that you are a legal resident in Norway. As soon as you have received this letter, you must go to the Norwegian police, who will take your finger prints and photo. Approximately 10 days later, you will receive your residence card.

Take a tuberculosis testAccording to Norwegian law, au pairs from outside the EU, EFTA or EEA need to take a tuberculosis test. Your host family should arrange an appointment within the first two days upon your arrival as the test should be done before you start looking after their children.

The Netherlands

How to apply for an au pair residence permitThe au pair agency will submit your application to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) on your behalf.

DocumentsThe sponsor will tell you which documents they need to send to the IND but they will definitely require copies of your passport/travel ID. Foreign documents will need to be authenticated or ‘legalised’ by the appropriate authorities in the originating country and be in Dutch, English, French or German.

FeesThe agency will have to pay a fee to process your application, which is non-refundable if your application is rejected. The current fee is EUR 614.

There may be additional costs for legalizing or translating documents or administration costs incurred by the embassy or consulate in processing the application.

TimescaleThe IND aims to take two weeks to assess your application.

Once you have your residence permit

WorkingYou can only work for your host family, carrying out the daily tasks previously agreed. You cannot undertake any other type of work.

How long is the permit valid for?It’s valid for one year only and cannot be extended. If you want to stay in the Netherlands when the permit ends, you have to make an application for a new residence permit with a new purpose of stay, and the IND will assess you to see if you meet the conditions. You should make the application before your initial residence permit runs out.

44 45

Additionally, within three months after the au pair’s arrival in the Netherlands, the au pair will have to undergo an examination for tubercolosis.

Denmark

How to applyIf you wish to apply for a residence permit as an au pair, both you and your host family in Denmark must supply information for the processing of your application.

It is your host family in Denmark who begins the application process by completing their part of the application form and attaching the required documents. They send or give the form and attached documents to you. Then you complete your part of the form, attach the required documents, and submit the entire application.

Fee for submitting an applicationA processing fee will normally have to be paid in order for your application to be processed by the Danish Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment. The fee can either be paid by you (the applicant) or by another person, such as a person in Denmark.

If you submit your application to a diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate general) you will normally also have to pay a fee. The fee can vary in price. It is a good idea to check the fee on the website of the diplomatic mission before submitting your application.

Where to submit your applicationNormally, you must have obtained a residence permit before entering Denmark. You can submit your application in your country of origin (or in the country where you have resided legally for the past three months). In certain cases, it is possible to submit an application in Denmark, but this depends on your grounds for being in the country.

Generally, you cannot submit an application for a residence permit after entering Denmark. This applies to people with procedural residence, that

is, those with the right to reside in Denmark even though they have not been granted a residence permit, such as asylum seekers.

Normally, it is a precondition for your residence permit as an au pair that you have not previously held a Danish residence permit.

If you submit your application in your country of originIf you apply in your country of origin, you can submit your application at the Danish diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate general). The individual diplomatic mission can make further demands such as extra passport photos or duplicate copies of the application. It is a good idea to check the requirements on the website of the diplomatic mission before submitting your application. When you have completed and submitted the application form, the diplomatic mission will forward it to the Danish Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment, where it will be processed.

If you have resided legally in another country for the past three months, you can also submit your application at the Danish diplomatic mission in that country.

If there is no Danish diplomatic mission in your country of origin or country of residence, you may submit your application in another country. You can find additional information about Danish diplomatic missions on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you are a Philippine citizen, you can submit your application at the Norwegian embassy in Manila.

If you submit your application in DenmarkNormally, you must have obtained a Danish residence permit before entering Denmark.

If you are staying legally in Denmark on the grounds of another residence permit, a valid visa, visa free stay, or under EU regulations, you can submit your application - and have it processed - in Denmark, unless particular reasons say otherwise.

The Danish Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment decides whether an application submitted in Denmark will be processed.

46 47

If the agency accepts your application for processing, you may stay in the country during the processing.

If the agency choses to refuse your application, it will not be processed. This means that you will have to return to your country of origin or residence and submit a new application to the Danish diplomatic mission there.

If your application is refused, you can appeal the decision to the Ministry of Employment.

Processing your applicationWhen the Danish Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment has received your application for a residence permit, it will evaluate it along with the attached documentation. In many cases, the agency will need to obtain additional information from you and/or the host family. In addition, the agency will check to see if you have been reported to the Schengen Information System (SIS).

If the agency receives information that does not correspond with the information you have provided, you will be asked to explain any discrepancies before a decision is made.

Once the agency has received all necessary information relating to your application, it will choose whether or not to grant you a residence permit.

How do you receive the ruling?If you submit your application from your country of origin (or country of residence), the decision will be sent to the diplomatic mission where you submitted your application. The diplomatic mission will then forward it to your home address, or request that you pick it up in person.

If you submit your application in Denmark, the decision will be sent to your address in Denmark, or to your attorney. The agency may also ask the police to inform you of the decision, or ask you to pick it up in person at the Service Centre.

Processing your applicationWhen the Danish Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment has received your application for a residence permit, it will evaluate it along with the attached documentation. In many cases, the agency will need to obtain additional information from e.g. you and/or the host family. In addition, the agency will check to see if you have been reported to the Schengen Information System (SIS).

If the agency receives information that does not correspond with the information you have provided, you will be asked to explain any discrepancies before a decision is made.

Once the agency has received all necessary information relating to your application, it will choose whether or not to grant you a residence permit.

How do you receive the ruling?If you submit your application from your country of origin (or country of residence), the decision will be sent to the diplomatic mission where you submitted your application. The diplomatic mission will then forward it to your home address, or request that you pick it up in person.

If you submit your application in Denmark, the decision will be sent to your address in Denmark, or to your attorney. The agency may also ask the police to inform you of the decision, or ask you to pick it up in person at the Service Centre.

48 49

MATRIX OFAU PAIR

CONTRACTS

COUNTRY A U S T R I AAGE 18-28

CIVIL STATUS AND OTHER

QUALIFICATIONS

Not married and have no children.Must not have been an au pair in Austria during the last 5 years.Must have learned German for at least 6 months.

LANGUAGE SKILLS At least basic German language skills and has to provide evidence of it. It can be a school certificate or a confirmation from universities in English or German.

DURATION OF ENGAGEMENT

12 months (a confirmation of notification will be initially issued for 6 months and then it can be extended for the next 6 months). The au pair will only get a confirmation of notification, if he/she didn’t work in Austria for longer than a year in the last five years.

NUMBER OF HOURS TO BE SPENT FOR THE LIGHT DUTIES

Maximum 20 hours a week.

POCKET MONEY 374, 02 Euros (495.044 USD) per month (This applies to contracts that are concluded after 1 January 2011). 15 payments of pocket money per year (12 months’ pocket money + 2 holiday allowances + a Christmas bonus).

FREE TIME/HOLIDAYS At least 1 day off per week and 30 days off a year.

LANGUAGE COURSE An au pair needs to have the opportunity to attend a language course. The costs of the language course will be divided between the au pair and the host family.

BOARD AND LODGING Au pairs need their own, furnished room that can be locked.

INSURANCE The au pair has to be registered with the social insurance institution. The host family will pay these contributions. The host family can take out a health insurance for the au pair with a private health insurance company.

TAX OBLIGATION

CONDITIONS FOR A HOST FAMILY

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Au pairs from other countries need to apply for a “special paid work” (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Sonderfälle unselbstständiger Erwerbstätigkeit) residence permit to become an au pair in Austria.

50 51

COUNTRY B E L G I U MAGE 18-25

CIVIL STATUS AND OTHER

QUALIFICATIONS

LANGUAGE SKILLS Needs to have basic knowledge of the language whichis spoken within the host family or she/he has to commit himself to get this basic knowledge by attending an intensive language course directly after his/her arrival.

DURATION OF ENGAGEMENT

Must exceed the duration of one year.

NUMBER OF HOURS TO BE SPENT FOR THE LIGHT DUTIES

Not more than 4 hours per day and 20 hours per week.

POCKET MONEY At least 450 euro (594.380 USD) per month (which necessarily must be paid by means of bank transfer).

FREE TIME/HOLIDAYS The Au pair is entitled to one day off per week.LANGUAGE COURSE The Au pair is obliged to participate in a course of the language

spoken in the region where the host family lives with a recognized institution.

BOARD AND LODGING

INSURANCE The host family has to conclude a health insurance for the au pair. It is also advisable to conclude an additional insurance which covers liability and accident and an insurance to cover potential expulsion costs.

TAX OBLIGATION

CONDITIONS FOR A HOST FAMILY

Needs to have at least one child younger than 13 years old at the beginning of the au pair stay.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

An au pair in Belgium may not have had a work permit for Belgium before.

COUNTRY D E N M A R KAGE 17 - 30

CIVIL STATUS AND OTHER

QUALIFICATIONS

• He/she must not have minor children to care for.• May not be married.• Have been married in the past, or currently be living with a partner.• Must have completed the equivalent of nine years of schooling.• Must not have been an au pair in other countries.

LANGUAGE SKILLS The au pair must be able to speak and understand a reasonable level of Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German.

DURATION OF ENGAGEMENT

An au pair is granted a residence permit for one year, but no longer than the duration of the au pair contract. A six-month extension can be granted so that in exceptional cases, the au pair may stay with the family for a maximum of 18 months.

NUMBER OF HOURS TO BE SPENT FOR THE LIGHT DUTIES

18-30 hours a week, not more than 3-5 hours per day.

POCKET MONEY • At least 4,200 DKK per month.

FREE TIME /HOLIDAYS

The au pair has one day off per week. Also, the au pair must be given the opportunity to participate in religious worship.

The host family and the au pair have to decide if the au pair will be covered by the Holidays Act or the Act on Certain Employment Relationships in Agriculture.

LANGUAGE COURSE The domestic chores and child care should be scheduled in a way that allows the au pair to follow language courses.

BOARD AND LODGING

The au pair receives free room and board. He/she has to be provided with free meals and an adequate room on his/her own in the house of the host family.

INSURANCE Should the au pair fall ill during his or her stay, it is the responsibility of the host family to provide free food, lodging and sufficient care until the necessary further arrangements have been made. It is furthermore the responsibility of the host family to sign the au pair up for health insurance. They can do it at the local Citizen’s Service Centre (Borgerservice). The au pair will get there a so-called CPR number and ‘health card’.

TAX OBLIGATION

CONDITIONS FOR A HOST FAMILY

• At least one of the parents in the host family must be a Danish Citizen.• The family has to have one or more minor children.• The host family must not receive public funds.• The host family has to declare to the Danish Immigration Service that they don’t receive any public funds according to the law on Active Social Policy. This declaration is included in the application form for residence permit.• The host family is not allowed to employ more than one au pair at the same time.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

52 53

COUNTRY F I N L A N DAGE 17-30

CIVIL STATUS AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

The au pair may not be a relative of the host family.The au pair may not take his/her own children with him/her to Finland.

LANGUAGE SKILLS Basic knowledge of the Finnish or Swedish language need to be demonstrated or the applicant needs to read Scandinavian Studies with reference to Finnish history, politics and culture and he/she needs to be able to prove this.

DURATION OF ENGAGEMENT

12 months

NUMBER OF HOURS TO BE SPENT FOR THE

LIGHT DUTIES

30 hours per week at most, not more than 5 hours per day.

POCKET MONEY Amount to at least €252 net per month (as of 03/2010).

FREE TIME /HOLIDAYS Two days of vacation per month in accordance with the Finnish labor legislation.

LANGUAGE COURSE The au pair is obliged to take part in a Finish or Swedish language course during his/her stay to be able to apply for a residence permit. The family has to give the au pair the opportunity to attend a language course. But it is the family’s decision whether they pay for it.

BOARD AND LODGING The family has to offer board and lodging.

INSURANCE Au pairs from non-EU and non-EFTA countries need their own health insurance. The family has to make sure beforehand that the au pair has a valid health insurance. The cost for health insurance has to be paid for by the host family.

TAX OBLIGATION An au pair in Finland is subject to taxation. As a general rule, an au pair must have a tax card and has to complete a tax return. The tax card needs to be applied for at the Finnish revenue board VERO.

Au pairs who stay in Finland for longer than 6 months need a Finnish Personal Identity Number (henkilötunnus or sosiaaliturvatunnus, personbetecking). This can be applied for at the Local Registration Office (Maistraatti). This number is necessary e.g. for the revenue board.

CONDITIONS FOR A HOST FAMILY

There are no restrictions concerning the number of the family’s children or concerning the family members’ nationality. Singles, too, may employ an au pair.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

COUNTRY F R A N C EAGE 18-30

CIVIL STATUS AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Unmarried• Have no children • A student or have a school leaving certificate equivalent to the French baccalauréat

LANGUAGE SKILLS Have a basic knowledge of French.DURATION OF

ENGAGEMENT

NUMBER OF HOURS TO BE SPENT FOR THE

LIGHT DUTIES

Up to 5 hours a day and 30 hours per week.

POCKET MONEY €258 to €309.60 per month.FREE TIME /HOLIDAYS • One day off per week.

• Once every month this day should fall on a Sunday.LANGUAGE COURSE It is compulsory for au pairs to take a French course. Au pair will

have to bear the cost. The host family must book the former’s language course.

BOARD AND LODGING Will receive free board and lodging.INSURANCE Au pairs are covered by the Assurance Maladie Maternité and

the Assurance Accidents du Travail. For this purpose, an au pair needs to be registered with the social insurance institution at the host family’s domicile, i.e. at the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM).

Host family pays the contributions. Social insurance benefits will be given to an au pair should there be an illness or accident or get pregnant.

TAX OBLIGATION

CONDITIONS FOR A HOST FAMILY

Have one or several children under the age of 18.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS Within the first eight days after your arrival, your host family must register you with the local URSSAF (Union de Recouvrement des cotisations de Sécurité Sociale et d’Allocations Familiales).

54 55

COUNTRY G E R M A N YAGE 18-24

CIVIL STATUS AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Not married.• Do not have any children.• Have not already been an au pair in Germany.

LANGUAGE SKILLS Basic knowledge of the German language (level A1 at least).DURATION OF

ENGAGEMENT12 months.

NUMBER OF HOURS TO BE SPENT FOR THE

LIGHT DUTIES

Not more than 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week.

POCKET MONEY Monthly pocket money of €260.FREE TIME /HOLIDAYS • At least one day off per week and should be a Sunday. The

host family should make sure that an au pair gets at least 4 free evenings per week.• An au pair is entitled to a 4 week paid holiday, provided that the au pair stays with his/her host family for a whole year.

LANGUAGE COURSE Host family should offer the opportunity to attend a German language course during free time. The same applies to cultural activities. It is common that the au pair pays the language course fee by himself/herself.

BOARD AND LODGING Host family must offer free board and lodging to the au pair. An au pair must always be given an individual room at the family’s home. This room must have a window and be 8 square meteres large. It should also have a lock and with heating.

INSURANCE Insurance for the au pair for the following cases: illness, pregnancy, childbirth and accident should be covered by a medical and liability insurance taken out by the host family.

Insurance cost range between 20 and 50 euros per month depending on the provider, extent of coverage and performance.

TAX OBLIGATION

CONDITIONS FOR A HOST FAMILY

• One child under 18 years lives with you at home.• One of the parents is a German or EU national.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

COUNTRY I C E L A N DAGE 18-25

CIVIL STATUS AND OTHER

QUALIFICATIONS

LANGUAGE SKILLS If the au pair does not speak Icelandic, she should have a good knowledge of English.

DURATION OF ENGAGEMENT

12 months maximum. It cannot be renewed.

NUMBER OF HOURS TO BE SPENT FOR THE LIGHT DUTIES

30 hours per week.

POCKET MONEY 10.000 IKR per week.FREE TIME /

HOLIDAYSAt least two full days off per week, not less than one weekend of each month shall be free.

LANGUAGE COURSE The au pair shall be given adequate time to attend a language course. Working hours shall be arranged in order to make this possible.

The language course has to be paid by the au pair him-/herself.BOARD AND

LODGING

INSURANCE Au pairs from non-EEA countries need to conclude a medical insurance covering at least 2.000.000 IKR. The insurance has to be issued by an insurance company which is authorized to provide services in Iceland.

TAX OBLIGATION

CONDITIONS FOR A HOST FAMILY

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Upon arrival in Iceland the au pair has to register at the National Registry and deliver a Medical Certificate to the Directorate of Immigration Afterwards, he/she needs to go to the Directorate’s Office, or to the nearest District Commissioner office to be photographed for a residence permit card.

56 57

COUNTRY I R E L A N DAGE 18-27

CIVIL STATUS AND OTHER

QUALIFICATIONS

Have a school-leaving qualification. It is an advantage if you have a driver’s license.

LANGUAGE SKILLS At least have basic knowledge of English.DURATION OF

ENGAGEMENT6 to 12 months in Ireland.

NUMBER OF HOURS TO BE SPENT FOR THE LIGHT DUTIES

25 to 35 hours per week.

The host family can ask the au pair to do some baby sitting up to 3 evenings per week.

POCKET MONEY App. €75 to €100 per week.FREE TIME /

HOLIDAYSTwo days off per week and to one week of paid holidays per six months.

LANGUAGE COURSE An au pair should have the opportunity to attend a language course. The costs for the language course need to be paid by the au pair her/himself.

BOARD AND LODGING

INSURANCE

TAX OBLIGATION

CONDITIONS FOR A HOST FAMILY

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

COUNTRY I T A L YAGE 18-30

CIVIL STATUS AND OTHER

QUALIFICATIONS

Unmarried and do not have any children.

LANGUAGE SKILLS Have a basic knowledge of the Italian language.DURATION OF

ENGAGEMENT

NUMBER OF HOURS TO BE SPENT FOR THE LIGHT DUTIES

30 hours per week.

POCKET MONEY €240 monthly.FREE TIME /

HOLIDAYS1 full day off, 2-3 free afternoons and 3-4 free evenings per week.

LANGUAGE COURSE Have enough spare time and the opportunity to participate in a language course. Au pair will bear the costs for the language course. The host family should help an au pair find a course.

BOARD AND LODGING

You will be granted free board and lodging by the family. You are also entitled to free board and lodging in case of illness.

INSURANCE If you wish to stay longer, your host family can insure you at the public Italian health insurance (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale). Your host family will bear the costs for this purpose. As a prerequisite, you should have a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) and an Italian tax number.

TAX OBLIGATION

CONDITIONS FOR A HOST FAMILY

One or more children under the age of 18 live in the household.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

58 59

COUNTRY L I E C H T E N S T E I NAGE from 17

CIVIL STATUS AND OTHER

QUALIFICATIONS

LANGUAGE SKILLS

DURATION OF ENGAGEMENT

A residence permit can be issued for maximum 12 months. It is not possible to extend it.

NUMBER OF HOURS TO BE SPENT FOR THE LIGHT DUTIES

30 hours weekly.

POCKET MONEY Au pairs younger than 18 years: 985 CHF monthly (1705 CHF but au pairs need to pay 720 CHF for board and lodging).

Au pairs older than 18 years: 1115 CHF monthly (1835 CHF but au pairs need to pay 720 CHF for board and lodging).

FREE TIME /HOLIDAYS

LANGUAGE COURSE Au pairs are obliged to attend a German language course. The confirmation of such a course needs to be submitted to the Immigration Office (Ausländer- und Passamt) to issue a residence permit. A host family needs to pay for the language course.

BOARD AND LODGING

The costs of board and lodging are also considered as au pairs’ earnings. So 720 CHF will be deducted from au pairs’ pocket money.

INSURANCE Host families need to take out an accident insurance for an au pair.

TAX OBLIGATION

CONDITIONS FOR A HOST FAMILY

A host family cannot have the same mother tongue as an au pair. There must always be one parent at home. The only exception is single parent families.

Host families are obliged to pay social contributions.IMPORTANT REMINDERS

COUNTRY N E T H E R L A N D SAGE 18-25

CIVIL STATUS AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Not married and have no children. Never previously resided in the Netherlands on a residence permit.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

DURATION OF ENGAGEMENT

A residence permit to stay as an au pair can be issued for up to one year.

NUMBER OF HOURS TO BE SPENT FOR THE

LIGHT DUTIES

Not allowed to work more than 8 hours a day (babysitting hours included) and 30 hours per week, spread out over a maximum of 5 days a week. Moreover, babysitting is restricted to 3 evenings a week.

POCKET MONEY Between 300 and 340 euros per month.FREE TIME /HOLIDAYS Minimum of two evenings and two days off per week, and at least one

whole weekend a month.

2 weeks of holiday minimum per 12 months.LANGUAGE COURSE The cost of the language course depends on the discussion between

the contracting parties. The cost is not automatically charged to the host family.

BOARD AND LODGING You receive free board and lodging. You are entitled to food and accommodation in cases of illness and during your holiday as well.

INSURANCE The host family has to conclude a health and accident insurance for their au pair. It is also compulsory to insure the au pair for repatriation.

TAX OBLIGATION

CONDITIONS FOR A HOST FAMILY

At least one child under 18 years.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS Au pairs should apply for a re-entry visa if they leave temporarily The Netherlands.

Medical Examinations for au pairs are not necessarily required except when an accredited agency requires it.

Participants must register at the community centers upon their arrival and apply their residence permits at Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Former au pairs to other European countries are allowed to participate.

60 61

COUNTRY N O R W A YAGE 18 and 30

CIVIL STATUS AND OTHER

QUALIFICATIONS

Au pair may not be a relative of the host family.

Until the Norwegian government has not finalized its rule on the civil status of au pairs, those who are married and with children are still allowed to participate.

LANGUAGE SKILLS Basic knowledge of English.

DURATION OF ENGAGEMENT

A maximum period of two years. The duration of the permit will not exceed the period the applicant applied for or the validity of the contract.

NUMBER OF HOURS TO BE SPENT FOR THE LIGHT DUTIES

Approximately 30 hours a week. In any case the au pair should not work more than 5 hours a day.

POCKET MONEY At least NOK 5,600 (before tax) per month.

FREE TIME /HOLIDAYS

48 hours free time every week of which 24 hours must be uninterrupted. Every second week one free day shall be a Sunday, and public holidays are also off. The au pair shall have one regular free afternoon per week.

Entitled to 25 weekdays of holiday per calendar year.

LANGUAGE COURSE

An opportunity to learn Norwegian language, where the course fees should be shouldered by the host family (NOK 6,000/year).

BOARD AND LODGING

Free board and lodging.

INSURANCE Host family to cover the cost of insurance in case of illness or injury, death and repatriation of remains and personal belongings.

TAX OBLIGATION Must be paid from the amount of the au pairs’ pocket money.

The au pair has to be registered with the Tax Office.

CONDITIONS FOR A HOST FAMILY

If a family has the same nationality as an au pair, it is required that they have been living in Norway for at least 10 years.

A married couple with children, cohabitants regardless of gender with children or a single father or single mother with a child or children. Single persons without any children do not come under the definition of host family.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

The au pair has to be registered with the local police office within 2 weeks after the arrival in order to receive a final residence permit.The host family shall ensure that the au pair is registered with the National Health Service.The au pair has to be registered with the Social Registration Office in order to obtain a social security number.The Au-Pair may change host family if desirable.An au pair cannot start working for the new family until your new application for a residence permit has been granted.Former au pairs to other European countries are allowed to participate.

COUNTRY S P A I NAGE 18-30

CIVIL STATUS AND OTHER

QUALIFICATIONS

18-30 years old.Citizens of the EU as well as of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.From Canada or New Zealand.Not married and have no children.Never had a residence permit in Spain.

LANGUAGE SKILLS Speak Spanish.DURATION OF

ENGAGEMENTAt least 6 months.

NUMBER OF HOURS TO BE SPENT FOR THE LIGHT DUTIES

Work 30 hours per week.

POCKET MONEY Receive 50-70 euros per week.FREE TIME /

HOLIDAYSHas one day off per week. This day should fall on a Sunday at least once a month.

LANGUAGE COURSE You should have the possibility to take part in a Spanish language course. Normally, you bear the course cost yourself. It is better if you ask your host family to assist you in finding proper offers within their area.

BOARD AND LODGING

Board and lodging are free.

INSURANCE A host family does not necessarily need to conclude a health and accident insurance for an au pair.

TAX OBLIGATION

CONDITIONS FOR A HOST FAMILY

One child under 18 years living with you.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

62 63

COUNTRY S W E D E NAGE 18-30

CIVIL STATUS AND OTHER

QUALIFICATIONS

LANGUAGE SKILLS

DURATION OF ENGAGEMENT

A work permit can be granted for a period of 12 months maximum. It cannot be renewed.

NUMBER OF HOURS TO BE SPENT FOR THE LIGHT DUTIES

25 hours a week maximum.

POCKET MONEY At least 3,500 SEK per month before tax.FREE TIME /

HOLIDAYS

LANGUAGE COURSE The host family is obliged to guarantee that the au pair will have enough spare time to follow a Swedish language course. A certificate of enrollment in a Swedish language course has to be enclosed with the au pairs’ application for a work permit.

Studies in Swedish for a large part of the remainder of a normal 40-hour working week.

BOARD AND LODGING

Room and board are free.

INSURANCE

TAX OBLIGATION

CONDITIONS FOR A HOST FAMILY

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

A previous period spent as an au pair in another country immediately prior to the planned stay in Sweden could reduce the chances of you being granted a permit in Sweden.If you wish to work as an au pair in Sweden you must have a work permit. If you intend to work for longer than three months you must also have a residence permit.The Au Pair must bear the travel costs to Sweden herself/himself.

COUNTRY S W I T Z E R L A N DAGE 18-25

CIVIL STATUS AND OTHER

QUALIFICATIONS

LANGUAGE SKILLS The native language of the au pair may not be the language mainly spoken in the part of Switzerland where he/she is an au pair.

DURATION OF ENGAGEMENT

A maximum of 12 months.

NUMBER OF HOURS TO BE SPENT FOR THE LIGHT DUTIES

May not exceed 30 hours per week and 5 hours per day.

POCKET MONEY 600 to 780 CHF depending on the respective Canton.FREE TIME /

HOLIDAYSThe au pair is entitled to at least 1.5 days off per week. The au pair should have his/her day off at least on 1 Sunday per month. At least one parent must be present during half of the au pair’s working hours.

At least 4 weeks of holidays (up to the age of 20 years inclusively, the au pair is entitled to 5 weeks of holidays).

LANGUAGE COURSE The au pair must attend a language course of at least 4 hours per week. The host family has to pay the language course fees.

BOARD AND LODGING

INSURANCE The employer has to conclude a health insurance with an accredited insurance company for the au pair. This insurance shall cover the consequences of illness (including sickness benefit) and accidents.

TAX OBLIGATION Au pairs are subject to taxation and must be informed about this by the host family which can be deducted from the au pair’s salary.

CONDITIONS FOR A HOST FAMILY

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

The host family has to register the au pair with the Swiss Compensation Office.

64 65

COUNTRY U N I T E D K I N G D O MAGE 18-30

CIVIL STATUS AND OTHER

QUALIFICATIONS

Citizens of the EU as well as nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Monaco, or you are British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen or British national (overseas).

LANGUAGE SKILLS Have good English knowledge.DURATION OF

ENGAGEMENTAt least 6 months.

NUMBER OF HOURS TO BE SPENT FOR THE LIGHT DUTIES

25 hours per week.

POCKET MONEY 40 to 60 GBP.FREE TIME /

HOLIDAYS1 day off per week. This day should be on a Sunday at least once every month.

LANGUAGE COURSE Should be given the possibility to attend an English language course. Usually, you bear the cost for it yourself.

BOARD AND LODGING

Board and lodging are free.

INSURANCE

TAX OBLIGATION

CONDITIONS FOR A HOST FAMILY

At least one child under 18 years living with you.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

As an au pair, you do not have to pay any national insurance contributions.

APPENDICES

Appendix I: Philippine Diplomatic Posts In Europe

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES, BRUSSELS Hon. (Mr.) Alan L. DeniegaChargé d’ Affaires, a.i. 297 Avenue Moliere, Brussels, 1050 BELGIUM Tel No. (+322) 3403-377 to 78Duty Officer: (32-4)88609177 Car Phone: (32-4) 86509217Fax No. (+322) 345-6425Email: brusselspe@gmail.comWebsite: brusselspe.dfa.gov.ph

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES, PRAGUE Hon. (Mr.) Juan E. Dayang, Jr.Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i. Senovazne Namesti 8, Prague 1, 110 00, CZECH REPUBLICTel. Nos. (+420) 224-216397; 224-216400; 224-216385Fax No. (+420) 224-216390Duty Officer: (+420) 607-850-764Website: praguepe.dfa.gov.ph

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES, PARIS H.E. (Ms.) Ma. Theresa P. LazaroAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary4 Hameau de Boulainvilliers, 45 rue du Ranelagh75016 Paris, FRANCE Trunkline: (+33-1) 4414-5700; 4414-5701/12 (Consular)Fax No. (+33-1) 464-75600Emergency No.: (+33-6) 205-92515Website: parispe.dfa.gov.ph

66 67

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES, BERLIN H.E. (Ms.) Melita S. Sta. Maria-Thomeczek Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Haus Cumberland, Kurfürstendamm 19410707 Berlin, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANYTel. No. (+49-30) 864-9500 (TRUNKLINE) Fax No.: (+49-30) 873-2551Duty Phone: (+49) 173-521-5703Email: info@philippine-embassy.deWebsite: berlinpe.dfa.gov.ph / www.philippine-embassy.de

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES, ATHENS Hon. (Ms.) Rosario P. LemqueChargé d’ Affaires, a.i.26 Antheon Street, Paleo Psychico 154-52Athens, GREECETel. Nos. (+30-210) 672-1883; 672-1837Fax No. (+30-210) 672-1872Duty Officer: (+30-697) 697-4319-539Email: athenspe@otenet.grWebsite: athenspe.dfa.gov.ph

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES, BUDAPEST H.E. (Ms.) Maria Fe T. PangilinanAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary1026 Budapest , Gabor Aron utca 58Budapest, HUNGARYTel. No. (+36-1) 391-4300Fax No. (+36-1) 200-5528Duty Officer: (+36-30) 202-1760Website: budapestpe.dfa.gov.ph EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES, ROME H.E. (Mr.) Domingo P. NolascoAmbassador Extraordinary and PlenipotentiaryViale delle Medaglied’Oro 112-114,00136 Rome, ITALYTel. No. (+39) 06- 3974-6621

Fax No. (+39) 06-3974-0872Duty Officer: (+39) 328-690-7613Website: romepe.dfa.gov.ph / www.romepe.dfa.gov.ph

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL, MILAN Hon. (Ms.) Marichu B. MauroConsul GeneralVia Stromboli No. 1 20144 Milan, ITALYTel. No. (+39) 02-4398-0383Fax No. (+39) 02-4391-1229Hotline: (+39) 388-0933-822Email: philcongenmilan@gmail.comWebsite: milanpcg.dfa.gov.ph / www.philcongenmilan.net

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES, THE HAGUE H.E. (Mr.) Jaime Victor B. LeddaAmbassador Extraordinary and PlenipotentiaryLaan Copes Van Cattenburch 1252585 EZ, The Hague, THE NETHERLANDS Tel. No. (+31-70) 36-04820Fax No. (+31-70) 35-60030Duty Officer: (+31 0) 65261-1079Website: thehaguepe.dfa.gov.ph

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES, OSLO Hon. (Ms.) Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i.4th Floor, Nedre Vollgate 4, 0158 Oslo, NORWAYTel. No. (+47) 224-00900Duty Officer: (+47) 9500-1072Website: oslope.dfa.gov.ph / www.philembassy.no

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES, WARSAW H.E. (Ms.) Patricia Ann V. PaezAmbassador Extraordinary and PlenipotentiaryUl. Lentza 11, 02-956 Warsaw, POLANDTel. No. (+48) 22-490-2025Fax No. (+48) 60-254 -1012

68 69

Duty Officer: (+48) 694-736-488Website: warsawpe.dfa.gov.ph

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES, LISBON Hon. (Mr.) Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i.Rua Barata Salgueiro 30 – 3 andarr1250-044 Lisbon, PORTUGALTel Nos. (+351) 216-083-274; 216-083-276; 216-088-277Fax No. (+351) 216-083-282Duty Officer: (+351) 925-410-257Hotline: (+351) 913-890-981Website: lisbonpe.dfa.gov.ph

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES, MADRID Hon. (Mr.) Emmanuel R. FernandezChargé d’ Affaires, a.i.Calle Eresma 2, 28002 Madrid, SPAIN (Chancery)Calle Guadalquivir 6, 28002 Madrid, SPAIN (Consular Section) Tel. Nos. (+34) 917-823-830Fax No. (+34) 914-116-606Duty Phone: (+34) 616-491-861Email: fsp.madrid@dfa.intWebsite: madripe.dfa.gov.ph

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES, BERNE H.E. (Mr.) Joselito A. JimenoAmbassador Extraordinary and PlenipotentiaryKirchenfeldstrasse 73-753005 Berne, SWITZERLANDTel. Nos. (+41-31) 350-1717Fax No. (+41-31) 352-2602Duty Officer: (+41-79) 542-1992Website: bernepe.dfa.gov.ph

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES, LONDON H.E. (Mr.) Antonio Manuel R. LagdameoAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

6-11 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAINTel. No. (+44) 20-7451-1780Fax No. (+44) 20-7930-9787Emergency No. (+44) 78-0279-0695Website: londonpe.dfa.gov.ph / www.philembassy-uk.org

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES, VATICAN Hon. (Mr.) Charlie P. MananganChargé d’ Affaires, a.i.Via Paolo VI, 29, 00193 Rome, ITALYTel. No. (+39-06) 6830-8020Fax No. (+39-06) 683-4076ATN No. (+39-06) 688-9219Website: vaticanpe.dfa.gov.ph

Appendix II: Filipino Organizations in Denmark

BABAYLAN IN DENMARK Contact person: Ana LindenhannTelephone Nos.: +45 9144 2637; +45 5350 0574Website: www.babaylan.dk

BAYANIHAN DENMARKContact person: Brendalyn Jørgensen Contact No.: +45 5363 1926 bayanihan.denmark@yahoo.com Website: www.bayanihan-denmark.dk

BUKLOD DENMARK Contact person: Rosemarie ChristiansenTelephone No.: +45 7169 9007Email: bukloddenmark@yahoo.com

70 71

THE FILIPINO ASSOCIATION OF DENMARK Contact person: Katrina PaladTelephone No.: +45 2713 0781Email: katrina@fad4u.dk

FILIPINO DANISH CENTER Contact person: Tom MeyerTelephone No.: +45 2855 5180; +45 3171 8869Email: filipinodanishcenter@gmail.comWebsite: www.filipinodanishcenter.com

PINAY EXCLUSIVE, ÀRHUS Contact person: Jojo Jensen Contact No.: +45 5034 1245Email: pinay_exclusive@yahoo.comWebsite: www.pinayexclusive.com

Appendix III: Filipino Organizations in Norway

AU PAIR CENTER NORWAYContact person: Regina Deana PascualTelephone No.: +47 454 02 021; +47 9026 3263Website: http://www.folkehjelp.no/aupair/

FILCOM NORWAYEmail: council@filcom.noWebsite: www.filcom.no

FILIPINO CHRISTIAN CHURCH NORWAY Contact Person: Pastor John Arnold P. Angeles Email: jpa4569@yahoo.com

Appendix IV: Filipino Organizations in The Netherlands

PHILIPPINE HONORARY CONSUL GENERAL AMSTERDAM Mr. Eppo H. HorlingsConsul General, ad honoremCrown Building South Hullen Bergweg 365A1101CP AMSTERDAMTel: +31(0) 2.07.14.71.00Fax: +31(0) 2.07.14.71.01Email: ehhorlings@assurance.nl

EUROPEAN NETWORK OF FILIPINO DIASPORA (ENFiD) Contact Person: Diane Mondragon HalmansWebsite: enfid.org

ROTTERDAM Mr. Albert BosConsul General, ad honoremLloydstraat 3003024 EA, RotterdamTel: +31(0) 1.04.48.60.24Fax: +31(0) 1.04.48.60.20Email: bos@stc-r.nl

72

Sources

www.aupair-world.netwww.conventions.coe.intwww.denmark.dk/en/society/religion/www.emigreglobal.com.phwww.eurowrc.orgwww.expatica.comwww.indexmundi.com/denmark/ www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/world/denmark-economy.htmlwww.justlanded.comwww.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette /denmark-country-profile.htmlwww.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette /norway-country-profile.html.www.nav.nowww.nokut.nowww.norway.phwww.norway.phwww.nyidanmark.dkwww.nyidanmark.dk/en-us/coming_to_dk/au_pairs/how_to_apply.htmwww.nyinorge.nowww.odin.dep.nowww.regieringen.nowww.skatteetaten.nowww.stavangerexpats.comwww.thebestaupair.comwww.udi.nowww.uktradeinvest.gov.ukwww.vegvesen.nowww.visitnorway.com