United Kingdom•Europe

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Overseas Domestic Worker Visa

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

5–21 days

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

GBP £726

Stay Duration

6 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,000

Quality of Life

174/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

For domestic workers employed by visitors or diplomats coming to the UK.

The UK Overseas Domestic Worker visa lets private household staff accompany their employer for visits of up to 6 months. Applicants must be 19 or older and have worked in the same household for at least 12 months. Roles include housekeepers, cooks, chauffeurs, carers, and nannies.

The stay is capped at 6 months with no extensions. There is no path to settlement and no dependent visa; the worker may change employer within the UK without notifying Home Office, but can only work as a domestic worker. No English test is required and there is no annual quota. The application fee is £726.

This visa is ideal for established household staff — housekeepers, carers, cooks, or chauffeurs — who need a lawful route to accompany a private employer during a temporary UK stay.

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Processing Time

Standard	2–3 weeks
Priority	5–10 days

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

6 months

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be aged 19 or older

Must have worked for the same employer for at least 1 year before applying

Must work in the same household as employer (or one they use regularly)

Must travel to the UK with employer, their partner, or their children

Must intend to work as a full-time domestic worker in a UK household

Must plan to leave the UK after 6 months

Must be able to support yourself without public funds

Employer must be visiting the UK for no more than 6 months (British citizen normally living abroad, or foreign national visiting)

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

1+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Current passport or valid travel document.

Completed 'Appendix domestic worker statement' signed by both you and your employer.

Letter from your employer confirming job title, duration of employment, and that you are a permanent employee.

Evidence of 12 months' employment (e.g., payslips, bank statements, tax records, or health insurance contributions).

Copy of current employment contract.

Evidence of employer's temporary stay in the UK (e.g., visa or residence status).

Evidence of previous travel with the employer (if applicable).

Certified translations for any documents not in English or Welsh.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows established domestic workers to accompany employers on UK visits
No English language test required
No annual quota or cap
Employer must pay at least National Minimum Wage

Worth Knowing

Maximum stay is 6 months with no extensions permitted
Work restricted to domestic worker role in a private household only
No pathway to settlement or permanent residence
Must have worked for the same employer for at least 1 year prior
Must travel to and from the UK with employer
Legacy rules (pre 5 April 2012 applicants) allow settlement after 5 years — not available to new applicants