The Overseas Domestic Worker Visa UK allows domestic staff such as nannies, housekeepers, cooks, and personal carers to accompany their employer on visits to the United Kingdom for up to 6 months. This guide covers the 2026 requirements, the £682 visa fee, minimum wage entitlements, employment rights protections, and the step-by-step application process. Whether you're a domestic worker planning to travel with your employer or an employer seeking to bring household staff to the UK, understanding this visa category is essential for compliance with UK immigration and employment law.
Understanding the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa UK
The Overseas Domestic Worker Visa (also known as the Domestic Worker in a Private Household Visa) is designed for domestic staff who live and work outside the UK but need to accompany their employer on temporary visits. This visa category recognises the important role that domestic workers play in supporting families and individuals who travel internationally.
Domestic workers who qualify for this visa include nannies, housekeepers, cleaners, cooks, chauffeurs, personal carers for elderly or disabled family members, and personal assistants who perform domestic duties. The visa is granted for a maximum of 6 months and cannot be extended, though workers can change employers to another domestic worker position during their stay.
What Are the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa UK Requirements?
To qualify for the UK Domestic Worker Visa, you must be 18 or older, have worked for your current employer for at least one year, have a written employment contract, and enter the UK with your employer (or within one day of their arrival). You must be able to support yourself without public funds, and your employer must provide accommodation and pay at least the National Minimum Wage.
The eligibility requirements for the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa are strict to ensure both the legitimacy of the employment relationship and the protection of workers from exploitation.
- Age: Must be 18 years or older
- Employment duration: Worked for current employer for at least 1 year
- Written contract: Have a valid employment agreement specifying duties, hours, and pay
- Travel with employer: Enter UK with employer or within 1 day before/after
- Employer provides: Accommodation and maintenance during the stay
- No public funds: Must not rely on UK public benefits
What Documents Do You Need?
When applying for the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa, you'll need to provide comprehensive supporting documents including:
- Valid passport: With at least one blank page for the visa vignette
- Employment contract: Written agreement showing job duties, working hours, and salary
- Proof of employment: Payslips, bank statements, or letters showing 12+ months with employer
- Employer's statement: Confirming the employment relationship and travel plans
- Accommodation details: Where you will stay in the UK
- Employer's travel itinerary: Showing their planned visit to the UK
How Much Does the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa Cost?
The Overseas Domestic Worker Visa costs £682 as of 2026. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused. Optional priority services are available for faster processing: Priority costs an additional £500 for a decision within 5 working days, while Super Priority costs £1,000 for a next working day decision.
The UK visa fees for domestic workers are set by the Home Office and must be paid when submitting your application. Unlike work visas that require the Immigration Health Surcharge, domestic workers on this 6-month visa are not required to pay the IHS.
How to Apply for the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa UK
The application for the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa is submitted online through the official gov.uk portal. You can apply up to 3 months before your planned travel date to the UK.
- Step 1: Complete the online application form on gov.uk
- Step 2: Pay the £682 visa fee (plus priority if required)
- Step 3: Book a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre
- Step 4: Attend appointment with passport and supporting documents
- Step 5: Wait for decision (typically 3 weeks)
- Step 6: Receive visa vignette (valid 30 days) and enter UK with employer
After your visa is approved, you'll receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport valid for 30 days. You must enter the UK within this period. For detailed information on UK visa processing times after biometrics, see our dedicated guide. If you experience delays in your visa processing, there are steps you can take to follow up.
Can You Change Employers on This Visa?
Yes, you can change employers while on the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa. However, you can only change to another job as a domestic worker in a private household, and you must not stay longer than your original 6-month visa permits. This provision protects workers who may need to leave an employer due to exploitation or other issues.
This is an important protection for domestic workers. Unlike some other visa categories, you are not tied to a single employer. If you experience problems with your employment situation, you have the right to seek alternative domestic work within the private household sector during your permitted stay.
What is the Minimum Wage for Domestic Workers in the UK?
Domestic workers in the UK are entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. From April 2026, workers aged 21 and over must be paid at least £12.71 per hour. Workers aged 18-20 must receive £10.85 per hour, and those under 18 must be paid £8.00 per hour. These are legal minimums that employers must comply with.
All domestic workers on this visa are protected by UK employment law, which includes the right to the National Minimum Wage. Your employer is legally required to pay you at least these rates, regardless of any private arrangements that may have existed in your home country.
What Rights Do Domestic Workers Have in the UK?
Overseas domestic workers are protected by comprehensive UK employment law. These protections apply regardless of your immigration status and are designed to prevent exploitation and ensure fair treatment in the workplace.
Key Employment Rights
- National Minimum Wage: Legal right to at least £12.71/hour (aged 21+)
- Working hours limit: Maximum 48-hour average working week (unless you opt out in writing)
- Rest periods: 11 consecutive hours rest in every 24-hour period
- Rest breaks: 20-minute break if working more than 6 hours
- Weekly rest: At least one full day off per week
- Safe working environment: Protection under Health and Safety at Work Act
- Anti-discrimination: Protection from discrimination under Equality Act 2010
- Change employer: Right to change to another domestic worker job
Protection for Victims of Exploitation
If you are a victim of modern slavery, human trafficking, or workplace exploitation, special provisions exist to protect you. The Modern Slavery Act provides specific protections, and you may be eligible to extend your visa while your case is being investigated. Organisations such as Kalayaan and the Anti-Slavery Commissioner can provide support and advice.
- Visa costs £682 and allows a stay of up to 6 months (no extension)
- Must have worked for employer for at least 1 year before applying
- You CAN change employers to another domestic worker position
- Minimum wage of £12.71/hour (21+) is legally enforceable
- Full UK employment rights apply including rest breaks and safe conditions
For the full official guidance on this visa category, visit the gov.uk Overseas Domestic Worker Visa page or the detailed Immigration Rules Appendix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa UK?
Domestic workers including cleaners, nannies, cooks, chauffeurs, personal carers, and housekeepers who have been employed by their current employer for at least one year. Applicants must be 18 or older, have a written employment contract, and plan to enter the UK with their employer or within one day of their arrival.
How much does the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa cost?
The Overseas Domestic Worker Visa costs £682 as of 2026. This fee is non-refundable. Optional priority services are available: Priority costs an additional £500 for a 5 working day decision, and Super Priority costs £1,000 for a next working day decision. There is no Immigration Health Surcharge for this 6-month visa.
Can I change employers on the Domestic Worker Visa UK?
Yes, you can change employers while on this visa. However, you can only change to another domestic worker position in a private household, and you must not stay longer than your original 6-month visa period. This right exists to protect workers from exploitation and allows you to leave a problematic employment situation.
What is the minimum wage for domestic workers in the UK?
From April 2026, domestic workers aged 21 and over must receive at least £12.71 per hour (National Living Wage). Workers aged 18-20 are entitled to £10.85 per hour, and those under 18 must be paid £8.00 per hour. These are legal minimums that your employer must comply with, regardless of any private agreements.
Can I extend the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa?
No, the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa cannot be extended beyond the initial 6-month period. You must return home at the end of your visa. The only exception is for workers who are recognised as victims of modern slavery or human trafficking, who may be eligible for an extension while their case is investigated.
Can I bring family members on this visa?
No, dependants and family members cannot accompany you to the UK or join you under this visa category. The Overseas Domestic Worker Visa is for the individual worker only. If family members wish to visit the UK, they would need to apply separately for their own visa, such as a Standard Visitor visa.
What rights do domestic workers have while in the UK?
Domestic workers have full UK employment rights including the National Minimum Wage, a maximum 48-hour working week (unless opted out), 11 consecutive hours of rest daily, a 20-minute break when working over 6 hours, at least one day off per week, a safe working environment, and protection from discrimination. You also have the right to change employers.
What should I do if I am a victim of exploitation?
If you are being exploited, underpaid, or are a victim of modern slavery, you can seek help without fear of deportation. Contact the Modern Slavery Helpline (08000 121 700), the charity Kalayaan, or the police. Victims of modern slavery may be eligible for special visa provisions while their case is investigated. You have the right to change employers and report abuse to UK authorities.