The changes are:

• Changes to the rules about who can be an au pair. As a general rule no permits will be granted  to au pairs who have children of their own.
• The pocket money rate for au pairs has been increased to NOK 5 000 per month.
• The rate for Norwegian language courses has been increased to at least NOK 7500 per year.
• The host family must cover the travel expenses when the au pair returns to his or her home country
• The Norwegian Tax Administration has made clearer tax rules, see Au pair in Norway and the Au pair in the house (only in Norwegian).

New Contract

Previously, the au pair and host family had to submit a signed standard contract and a signed information sheet. This has now been combined into one contract, Contract for cultural exchange between au pair and host family.

It has also been included in the contract that the host family must ensure that the au pair will not be subjected to harassment or other improper conduct.

The new contract, Contract for cultural exchange between au pair and host family is available here.

The changes apply to first time applications submitted after 1 July 2012.

Faster change of host family

An au pair can now start living with the new host family and performing their tasks as described in their new contract as soon as a new application for a residence permit with the new host family has been submitted to the police. 
 
Previously you had to wait for a new decision from the UDI before you could start permforing your tasks with the new host family. This change applies to applications for renewal submitted after 1 July 2012. 
 
In order to start your stay and permform the tasks described in your contract with the new host family, you must submit the application together with a new contract signed by the au pair and the new host family.

Your stay with the new host family will be included in the total residence time which is still two years.

The purpose of the au pair scheme

The purpose of the au pair scheme is cultural exchange. Young adults have the opportunity to travel to another country to get to know a different language and culture by being included in a family in the host country. An au pair in return provide services such as light housework and child care.