Are you considering hiring a nanny or housekeeper from overseas to work in your UK home? If so, you’ll need to understand the UK Domestic Worker Visa and how it applies to your situation. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to navigate the process, from understanding what a domestic worker is, to the costs involved, and the steps you need to take to bring a nanny or housekeeper from overseas to the UK.
Understanding the Domestic Worker Visa
The Domestic Worker Visa UK is a type of visa that allows individuals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to work in a private household in the UK. This visa is often referred to as the nanny visa UK, but it also applies to other types of domestic work, including housekeepers.
Domestic work, by definition, refers to work done in or for a household or households. This can include tasks such as cleaning, cooking, home maintenance, shopping, laundry and taking care of children or elderly family members. Domestic servants, nannies, and housekeepers all fall under this category.
Eligibility for the Domestic Worker Visa
To be eligible for a domestic worker visa, the worker must be from outside the EEA and Switzerland and must have worked for the employer for at least one year prior to the application. They must also meet the following criteria:
- They must be between 18 and 65 years old.
- They must intend to travel to the UK with an employer who is a British citizen, an EEA citizen, or a foreign national who is coming to the UK on a visit.
- They must plan to work as a full-time domestic worker in a UK household their employer will live in.
- They must be able to support themselves without needing public funds.
How to Apply for a Domestic Worker Visa
If you’re wondering how to bring a nanny from overseas or how to hire a foreign live-in housekeeper, the first step is to apply for a Domestic Worker Visa. Here’s how:
- The worker must apply online for the visa.
- They’ll need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application center (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of their application.
- They’ll have to collect their biometric residence permit within 10 days of when they said they’d arrive in the UK (even if they actually arrive at a later date).
Cost of Hiring a Domestic Worker from Overseas
When considering the question, “how much does a maid cost UK?”, it’s important to factor in not only the salary you’ll pay the worker, but also the cost of the visa. The current fee for a Domestic Worker Visa is £516. The worker may also need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of their application.
Can I Bring My Domestic Helper to Australia?
If you’re planning to move to Australia and are wondering, “can I bring my domestic helper to Australia?”, the answer is yes, but the process is different. Australia has its own set of rules and regulations for hiring domestic workers from overseas, including a different type of visa. It’s important to research these requirements thoroughly before making any plans.
Can You Hire a Foreign Housekeeper?
Yes, you can hire a foreign housekeeper to work in your UK home. The process is the same as hiring a nanny from overseas. The worker will need to apply for a Domestic Worker Visa and meet all the eligibility requirements. It’s important to note that the visa is tied to the employer, not the job, so the worker cannot change employers once they are in the UK.
Conclusion
Hiring a nanny or housekeeper from overseas can be a great solution for many families. However, it’s important to understand the process and requirements involved. By following the guidelines for the Domestic Worker Visa UK, you can ensure a smooth transition for your new employee and your household.
