Taking a Domestic Worker to the UK

Information about the procedure to follow to take a domestic worker back to the UK for up to six months…

A domestic helper can accompany their employer to the UK to work in a private household for up to six months. A visa is required, and the employee must fulfil the following requirements:

  • Have worked for the employer for at least one year
  • Not be from the EEA or Switzerland
  • Travel with the employer
  • Intend to work for the employer in a household while in the UK
  • Plan to leave the UK with the employer or at the end of six months, whichever is sooner
  • Be able to support themselves without the need of public funds

The employer must be British or from the EEA, live outside of the UK and not remain in the UK for more than six months. Alternately, the employer can be a foreign national with a visit visa for the UK.

The domestic worker can be a nanny, cleaner, chauffeur, chef or provide personal care to the employer and family.

Documents Required

To apply for the appropriate visa the domestic worker must provide the following documents:

  • A current passport with a blank page for the visa
  • Two colour photographs
  • Details of return travel and resident address in UK
  • Proof of sufficient funds to support themselves during the stay (bank statements or payslips)
  • Letter from the employer confirming  for them for more than one year
  • A signed statement outlining the terms of employment

In addition, one of the following documents is required

  • Proof of health insurance
  • Bank statements or payslips
  • Employment contract
  • Proof of tax payment
  • Any work visa, resident permit, valid during the time of employment

Other documents may also be requested, depending on the circumstances of the applicant. Any documents not in English or Welsh, must be translated by a certified translator.

Applications must be made online, from outside the UK. The visa process is as follows:

The domestic worker must go to the Visa Application Centre in Singapore to have fingerprints and a photograph taken as part of the application.

  • Visa Application Centre
    At: 20 Cecil Street, #11-02 to 05 Equity Plaza, Singapore 049705
    Open: Without an appointment from Monday to Friday 08:00-14:00 (except during scheduled holidays). Documents can be collected Monday to Friday from 14:00-16:00.

Further Information

Picture courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board