A Guide to UK Domestic Worker Visa

The UK Domestic Worker Visa allows private domestic workers to accompany their employer to the United Kingdom for a short stay. This visa is designed to ensure that domestic staff—such as cleaners, chauffeurs, cooks, nannies, and those providing personal care for the employer and their family—can legally enter and work in the UK temporarily. The visa is subject to strict eligibility requirements and is non-renewable beyond a six-month period.

Who Can Apply for the UK Domestic Work Visa?

To be eligible for the UK Domestic Worker Visa, applicants must meet specific conditions:

Eligible Job Roles with a UK Domestic Visa

The visa applies to domestic workers who are employed in roles such as:

• Housekeepers and cleaners
• Chauffeurs
• Cooks
• Nannies and childminders
• Private carers for elderly or disabled household members

Note: The worker must be employed in a private household, not in a business or commercial setting.

UK Domestic Visa Employer Requirements

The employer must meet one of the following conditions:

• Be a British citizen who normally lives outside the UK and does not intend to remain in the UK for more than 6 months, or
• Be a foreign national visiting the UK and not staying longer than 6 months.
• Provide written confirmation of the employment relationship, including the duration of employment and responsibilities.
• Agree to pay at least the National Minimum Wage and respect UK employment laws.
• Be able to financially support the domestic worker and provide suitable accommodation.

Duration and Conditions of Stay with the UK Domestic Visa

Length of Stay: Up to 6 months. You are allowed to stay and work in the UK for a maximum of six months from the date of entry; this is a temporary visa intended for short visits only.

Extension: The visa cannot be extended beyond 6 months. Once your visa expires, you must leave the UK; no extensions or renewals are permitted under this category.

Switching visas: You cannot switch to another type of visa while in the UK on a Domestic Worker Visa You must leave the UK and apply for any other type of visa from outside the country, as internal switching is not allowed.

Family members: Dependants are not permitted to accompany the domestic worker. You cannot bring your spouse, children, or other dependants with you on this visa—they must apply for their own visas separately, if eligible.

UK Domestic Visa Rights and Restrictions for Applicants

While holding a UK Domestic Worker Visa, there are specific rights you are entitled to and restrictions you must follow. Understanding these helps ensure compliance with immigration rules and protects you from potential legal or employment issues.

✔ What You Can Do with the UK Domestic Visa:

• Work for your employer in the UK as a domestic worker.
• Leave and re-enter the UK during the visa validity (multiple-entry allowed).
• Take legal action against your employer in UK courts if necessary (e.g., for exploitation or unfair treatment).
• Change employer while in the UK.

✘ What You Cannot Do:

• Stay longer than 6 months.
• Access public funds or use NHS services without paying the surcharge.
• Bring family members
• Take any employment in the UK other than as a domestic worker in the private household of their sponsoring employer.

Required Documents for UK Domestic Visa Application

When applying, you will need to provide the following:

1. A valid passport or travel document: This confirms your identity and nationality and must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK.
2. Proof of employment for the past 12 months (e.g., contract, payslips): This demonstrates that you have been continuously employed by your current employer, meeting the 12-month requirement.
3. A letter from your employer confirming:
   • Their travel dates: To show when and how long they will be staying in the UK.
   • That you’ve been employed for at least 1 year: To verify the length and continuity of your employment.
   • That you will be working in their private household: To confirm that your role will remain as a domestic worker in a non-commercial setting.
4. Proof of your ability to support yourself during your stay: This ensures you won’t rely on public funds and can cover your living expenses in the UK.
5. Details of where you will stay in the UK: To show you have arranged accommodation during your visit with your employer.
6. Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if you're from a listed country): This is required for applicants from certain countries to confirm they are free of TB before entering the UK.

Application Process for the UK Domestic Visa

The application for the UK Domestic Worker visa must be made from outside the UK. The general steps involved are:

1. Apply Online: The applicant must complete the online application form available on the UK official website. All questions must be answered in English.
2. Pay the Visa Fee: The visa application fee and the healthcare surcharge (if applicable) must be paid online during the application process.
3. Book an Appointment: You must attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre in your country.
4. Wait for a Decision: Visa decisions are usually made within 3 weeks of your appointment.

Protection Against Exploitation for the UK Foreign Domestic Workers

The government provides protections to domestic workers, including:

• The right to a written contract.
• Protection under UK employment law, including minimum wage and working hours.
• Access to legal recourse in cases of abuse, forced labour, or trafficking.

Alternatives to the Domestic Worker Visa

If you plan to stay longer or work in other roles, consider these alternatives:

• Skilled Worker Visa (for eligible jobs)
• Health and Care Worker Visa
• Temporary Worker Visas (for seasonal or short-term employment)

Summary for the UK Domestic Visa

This quick-reference table highlights the key features and limitations of the UK Domestic Worker Visa. Use it to get a clear overview of eligibility and restrictions at a glance.

Final Thoughts

The UK Domestic Worker Visa serves a narrow but important function, allowing domestic staff to accompany their employers for short visits. It's not a path to settlement or long-term employment in the UK, but it does offer vital protections to ensure workers are treated fairly during their temporary stay. Applicants must prepare thoroughly, ensure compliance with all criteria, and be aware of their legal rights while in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in May 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.