Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa
For domestic workers accompanying their employer to the UK for a short visit.
The Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa is a UK work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£637 application; IHS ~£1,035/year) and processing time (~3 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa is for
For domestic workers accompanying their employer to the UK for a short visit.
Does not lead to settlement; tied to the visiting employer.
Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa - eligibility criteria
- Aged 18 to 65
- Worked for the employer for at least one year
- Will travel with the employer who is visiting the UK
- Will do domestic work in the employer's private home
- Enough money to support yourself without public funds
Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa (United Kingdom) is ~£637 application; IHS ~£1,035/year, with an indicative processing time of ~3 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside the UK |
| Length of stay | Up to 6 months |
| Work rights | Domestic work in the employer's private household only |
| Study rights | No study |
| Government fee | ~£637 application; IHS ~£1,035/year |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks |
| Route to PR | Does not lead to settlement; tied to the visiting employer. |
Pathway & next steps
Does not lead to settlement; tied to the visiting employer.
Many applicants also compare Standard Visitor · Standard Visitor visa, Seasonal Worker · Seasonal Worker visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which UK route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa pitfalls we fix
Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa cost?
The Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa government fee is ~£637 application; IHS ~£1,035/year. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.
How long does the Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~3 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa lead to permanent residence?
Does not lead to settlement; tied to the visiting employer.
Can I work on the Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa?
Work rights: Domestic work in the employer's private household only.
Who can apply for the Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa?
For domestic workers accompanying their employer to the UK for a short visit.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority