There is a consistent and growing demand for domestic workers in Ireland, including cleaners, carers, nannies, and housekeepers. This demand provides job security and a wide range of employment opportunities.
Many roles offer flexible schedules, which can be ideal for workers balancing other responsibilities such as education or family care.
Many families and employers seek long-term domestic support, creating opportunities for stable, ongoing employment.
Ireland has made efforts to improve working conditions and protect the rights of domestic workers, including provisions under employment law for fair wages, rest breaks, and protection against exploitation.
Working in domestic roles can help individuals develop valuable skills such as time management, caregiving, cooking, cleaning, and interpersonal communication.
The sector is often accessible to migrant workers, offering a pathway to integration and potential future opportunities in Ireland's broader workforce.
Providing care and assistance in someone’s home can be deeply rewarding, especially when supporting children, the elderly, or individuals with special needs.
International workers with creative skills can find roles that go beyond traditional domestic tasks. These may include organizing themed children's activities, planning healthy meal routines, designing household schedules, or helping create aesthetically pleasing living spaces.
Households in Ireland often appreciate international candidates who bring diverse cultural backgrounds. This exchange can enrich family life—whether through international cuisine, language exposure, or global perspectives in child-rearing and home management.
For international candidates, domestic work can serve as a gateway to broader career opportunities and potential residency in Ireland. With proper work permits and employer sponsorship, domestic workers can build long-term lives in the country.
Roles in this field often involve a high level of trust and autonomy. International candidates with strong integrity and communication skills can thrive in positions that require independent problem-solving and personal responsibility.
From organizing children's arts and crafts sessions to meal prepping with international flair or improving home organization, domestic workers with a creative touch are highly valued. Families often seek individuals who can bring both function and inspiration into their
homes.
Some households may support additional training or qualifications, such as early childhood education, elderly care certifications, or language courses—allowing workers to enhance their credentials while on the job.
Ireland is known for its friendly and inclusive culture. Many families strive to create welcoming and respectful environments for international employees, recognizing their contribution to home life and well-being.
Responsible for caring for children in a private household. Duties often include preparing meals, organizing activities, helping with homework, and maintaining a safe environment.
Focuses on maintaining cleanliness and order in a home. Tasks typically include cleaning, laundry, ironing, dusting, and sometimes meal preparation.
Resides in the employer’s home and performs a combination of duties such as cleaning, cooking, childcare, or eldercare. This role often includes accommodation and meals as part of the compensation.
Provides support for elderly individuals, including assistance with personal hygiene, medication reminders, companionship, mobility help, and light housekeeping.
Specializes in routine cleaning tasks such as vacuuming, mopping, disinfecting surfaces, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. Often works on a part-time or hourly basis for multiple clients.
Prepares meals according to the dietary needs and preferences of the household. May be responsible for meal planning, grocery shopping, and maintaining a clean kitchen.
Typically a young international candidate who lives with a host family and assists with childcare and light housework in exchange for room, board, and a cultural experience.
Maintains outdoor spaces, including lawns, gardens, and driveways. Tasks may include planting, trimming, mowing, and basic landscape maintenance.
Oversees the smooth running of the household. Responsibilities may include supervising staff, managing schedules, organizing events, and ensuring home maintenance tasks are completed.
A team (usually partners) employed to manage various aspects of household work. One may handle maintenance and gardening, while the other takes care of cooking, cleaning, or caregiving.
Job Profile |
Salary (€) |
Salary (USD) |
Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Nanny |
€28,000 |
$30,500 |
₹25,50,000 |
|
Housekeeper |
€26,000 |
$28,300 |
₹23,70,000 |
|
Live-in Nanny |
€22,000 |
$24,000 |
₹20,00,000 |
|
Elderly Carer |
€30,000 |
$32,700 |
₹27,30,000 |
|
Personal Carer |
€28,000 |
$30,500 |
₹25,50,000 |
|
Domestic Cleaner |
€24,000 |
$26,200 |
₹21,80,000 |
|
Cook / Household Chef |
€32,000 |
$34,900 |
₹29,10,000 |
|
Au Pair |
€14,000 |
$15,300 |
₹12,70,000 |
|
Gardener |
€25,000 |
$27,200 |
₹22,70,000 |
|
House Manager |
€35,000 |
$38,100 |
₹31,90,000 |
|
Domestic Couple (each) |
€27,000 |
$29,400 |
₹24,60,000 |
|
Chauffeur / Driver |
€28,000 |
$30,500 |
₹25,50,000 |
|
Childminder (Part-Time) |
€18,000 |
$19,600 |
₹16,30,000 |
|
Live-in Housekeeper |
€23,000 |
$25,100 |
₹20,90,000 |
|
Pet Carer / Dog Walker |
€20,000 |
$21,800 |
₹18,20,000 |
|
Maternity Nurse |
€36,000 |
$39,200 |
₹32,80,000 |
|
Household Assistant |
€22,000 |
$24,000 |
₹20,00,000 |
|
Part-Time Cleaner |
€12,000 |
$13,100 |
₹10,90,000 |
|
Live-in Carer |
€26,000 |
$28,300 |
₹23,70,000 |
|
Maintenance / Handyman |
€29,000 |
$31,600 |
₹26,40,000 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Legal Work Permit / Visa |
Required for non-EEA (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) nationals. Eligible permits include the General Employment Permit. |
|
Job Offer from Employer |
A valid job offer is required before applying for a work permit. Must meet salary and job criteria. |
|
Minimum Annual Salary |
Generally €30,000 or more per year is required for most permits. Exceptions may apply to carers under specific schemes. |
|
Labour Market Needs Test |
Employer must prove that no suitable Irish/EU candidate is available (for some permits). |
|
English Language Skills |
Basic proficiency in English is often required, especially for caregiving or childcare roles. |
|
Relevant Work Experience |
1–2 years of experience in domestic work, elderly care, or childcare is often preferred. |
|
Qualifications / Training |
Formal training in caregiving, childcare, or housekeeping is beneficial but not always mandatory. |
|
Clean Background / Police Clearance |
Required to ensure safety when working in private homes or with vulnerable individuals. |
|
Medical Fitness Certificate |
May be required for health-related roles such as carers or elderly assistants. |
|
Age Requirement |
Must be at least 18 years old to legally work in Ireland. |
|
Employment Contract |
A signed contract detailing duties, salary, hours, and leave entitlements is mandatory. |
|
Live-in/Live-out Options |
Applicants must be clear about their preference or flexibility; live-in roles may include accommodation and meals. |
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
1. Nanny |
Childcare, preparing meals, school drop-off/pick-up, organizing activities, light housekeeping. |
|
2. Housekeeper |
Cleaning, laundry, ironing, grocery shopping, managing household supplies. |
|
3. Live-in Nanny |
Full-time childcare, including overnight care, preparing meals, tidying children's rooms, school tasks. |
|
4. Elderly Carer |
Personal hygiene assistance, medication reminders, mobility support, companionship, light cooking. |
|
5. Personal Carer |
Daily care routines, bathing, dressing, feeding, reporting health changes, emotional support. |
|
6. Domestic Cleaner |
Vacuuming, mopping, dusting, disinfecting, kitchen and bathroom cleaning, waste disposal. |
|
7. Cook / Household Chef |
Meal planning and preparation, grocery shopping, kitchen hygiene, dietary compliance. |
|
8. Au Pair |
Childcare, light housework, cultural exchange, assisting with homework, engaging children in activities. |
|
9. Gardener |
Lawn mowing, trimming, planting, weeding, watering, basic landscaping and outdoor maintenance. |
|
10. House Manager |
Supervising household staff, budgeting, scheduling maintenance, event planning, inventory control. |
|
11. Domestic Couple |
Joint duties like maintenance, housekeeping, childcare, driving, gardening, cooking. |
|
12. Chauffeur / Driver |
Driving family members, vehicle maintenance, school runs, shopping trips, airport pickups. |
|
13. Childminder |
Looking after children at home (own or employer’s), feeding, napping, indoor/outdoor play. |
|
14. Live-in Housekeeper |
Daily cleaning, laundry, errands, sometimes basic cooking, managing deliveries, overnight availability. |
|
15. Pet Carer / Dog Walker |
Feeding, walking, grooming, vet visits, pet-sitting during owner's absence. |
|
16. Maternity Nurse |
Newborn care, feeding support, hygiene, sleep training, supporting new mothers. |
|
17. Household Assistant |
General assistance with errands, cleaning, childcare, cooking, organizing. |
|
18. Part-Time Cleaner |
Scheduled home cleaning (usually weekly or bi-weekly), deep cleans, specific areas like kitchen/bathroom. |
|
19. Live-in Carer |
24/7 care for elderly or disabled, includes personal care, meal prep, medication support, companionship. |
|
20. Maintenance / Handyman |
General repairs, painting, plumbing, electrical fixes, home safety checks, upkeep of property. |
Job Profile |
Work Permit Required |
Experience Needed |
Relevant Qualifications / Training |
English Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Nanny |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
1–2 years |
Childcare training/certification preferred |
Basic to good |
|
2. Housekeeper |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
1+ years |
Not mandatory, but experience is valued |
Basic |
|
3. Live-in Nanny |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
1–2 years |
Childcare or first aid training preferred |
Good |
|
4. Elderly Carer |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
1–3 years |
Elder care or health care assistant training |
Good |
|
5. Personal Carer |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
1–2 years |
QQI Level 5 or equivalent care course |
Good |
|
6. Domestic Cleaner |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
6 months – 1 year |
Not mandatory |
Basic |
|
7. Cook / Household Chef |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
2+ years |
Culinary training/certification preferred |
Basic to good |
|
8. Au Pair |
No (EU/EEA), Visa for Non-EEA |
Some babysitting experience |
Not required, cultural exchange role |
Intermediate |
|
9. Gardener |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
1+ years |
Horticulture experience preferred |
Basic |
|
10. House Manager |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
2–3 years |
Management or hospitality background preferred |
Good to fluent |
|
11. Domestic Couple |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
1–2 years (both) |
Varied based on duties (cleaning, gardening, etc.) |
Basic to good |
|
12. Chauffeur / Driver |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
2+ years |
Valid driving license (Irish or convertible) |
Basic to good |
|
13. Childminder |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
1+ years |
Childcare certification helpful |
Basic |
|
14. Live-in Housekeeper |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
1–2 years |
Housekeeping experience preferred |
Basic to good |
|
15. Pet Carer / Dog Walker |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
Some experience |
Not required |
Basic |
|
16. Maternity Nurse |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
2+ years |
Nursing/midwifery background preferred |
Good to fluent |
|
17. Household Assistant |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
1+ years |
Mixed skills – childcare, cooking, cleaning |
Basic |
|
18. Part-Time Cleaner |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
6+ months |
Not required |
Basic |
|
19. Live-in Carer |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
1–3 years |
QQI Level 5 or equivalent |
Good |
|
20. Maintenance / Handyman |
Yes (Non-EEA) |
2+ years |
Technical skills or vocational training |
Basic |
Job Profile |
Experience Required |
Comments |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Nanny |
1–2 years |
Experience with children of varying ages is preferred. |
|
2. Housekeeper |
1–2 years |
Prior experience in private homes or hotels is beneficial. |
|
3. Live-in Nanny |
2 years |
Must be comfortable with extended and flexible hours. |
|
4. Elderly Carer |
2–3 years |
Experience with personal care, mobility, and elderly support is required. |
|
5. Personal Carer |
1–3 years |
Ideally with certification and hands-on care experience. |
|
6. Domestic Cleaner |
6 months – 1 year |
Basic home or commercial cleaning experience preferred. |
|
7. Cook / Household Chef |
2–3 years |
Experience in private homes or professional kitchens is desirable. |
|
8. Au Pair |
Some babysitting experience |
Informal childcare experience is often enough. |
|
9. Gardener |
1–2 years |
Practical gardening or landscaping experience preferred. |
|
10. House Manager |
3+ years |
Previous household management or hospitality experience is essential. |
|
11. Domestic Couple |
1–2 years (each partner) |
Experience in combined roles (housekeeping, gardening, cooking, etc.) |
|
12. Chauffeur / Driver |
2+ years |
Safe driving record and knowledge of local routes required. |
|
13. Childminder |
1+ years |
Experience caring for children in a home setting is often required. |
|
14. Live-in Housekeeper |
1–2 years |
Must be able to handle housekeeping tasks independently. |
|
15. Pet Carer / Dog Walker |
Some experience |
Informal or volunteer experience with animals is usually sufficient. |
|
16. Maternity Nurse |
3+ years |
Requires specialised experience with newborns and new mothers. |
|
17. Household Assistant |
1–2 years |
Varied experience in domestic work is valuable. |
|
18. Part-Time Cleaner |
6 months – 1 year |
Entry-level with basic cleaning experience. |
|
19. Live-in Carer |
2–3 years |
Hands-on care experience with vulnerable individuals is essential. |
|
20. Maintenance / Handyman |
2–3 years |
Experience with home repairs, electrical, or plumbing tasks is necessary. |
Company / Agency Name |
Type |
Roles Commonly Hired |
Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Caremark Ireland |
Home Care Agency |
Carers, Personal Assistants, Live-in Carers |
Nationwide |
|
Comfort Keepers |
Home Care Provider |
Elderly Carers, Personal Support Workers |
Nationwide |
|
Private HomeCare |
Home Care Agency |
Carers, Live-in Carers, Companions |
Dublin & surrounding |
|
The Nanny Line |
Domestic Staffing Agency |
Nannies, Housekeepers, Maternity Nurses |
Dublin |
|
The Care Team |
Health & Home Care Provider |
Carers, Nurses, Personal Assistants |
Dublin |
|
Servisource Healthcare |
Healthcare Staffing Agency |
Elderly Carers, Home Support Workers |
Nationwide |
|
Hynes Agency |
Domestic Staff Agency |
Nannies, Housekeepers, Cooks |
Dublin & Galway |
|
Access Nursing |
Nursing & Care Staffing |
Live-in Carers, Healthcare Assistants |
Dublin |
|
Irish HomeCare |
Care Agency |
Caregivers, Support Workers |
Nationwide |
|
Diamond Personnel |
Nanny & Household Staffing |
Nannies, Governesses, Housekeepers |
Dublin |
|
FRS Recruitment (Healthcare Div.) |
Recruitment Agency |
Care Assistants, Domestic Support Staff |
Nationwide |
|
Heritage Homecare |
Homecare Service Provider |
Elderly Carers, Home Support Staff |
South Dublin |
|
Nanny Options |
Domestic Staffing Agency |
Nannies, Maternity Nurses, Housekeepers |
Dublin |
|
Bluebird Care Ireland |
Health & Social Care Provider |
Carers, Personal Assistants, Live-in Support |
Nationwide |
|
Right at Home Ireland |
Homecare Services |
Caregivers, Companions, Domestic Support Staff |
Nationwide |
|
MindMe.ie |
Online Platform (Job Matching) |
Babysitters, Carers, Cleaners |
Nationwide (user-based) |
|
Happy Nest |
Nanny & Cleaner Agency |
Nannies, Housekeepers, Childminders |
Nationwide |
|
Ali’s Home Care |
Elderly Care Services |
Carers, Companions |
Dublin & Leinster |
|
Irish Nanny Agency |
Nanny Placement Agency |
Live-in/Live-out Nannies, Au Pairs |
Dublin |
|
Myhomecare.ie |
Healthcare & Homecare Agency |
Home Support Workers, Carers |
Nationwide |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (EUR/year) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nanny |
€28,000 |
1–2 years childcare experience, English skills, childcare cert preferred |
Nanny Options, The Nanny Line, Irish Nanny Agency |
Childcare, meal prep, school runs, activities, homework help |
|
Housekeeper |
€26,000 |
1+ year cleaning experience, attention to detail, English basics |
Hynes Agency, Happy Nest |
Cleaning, laundry, ironing, dusting, household organization |
|
Live-in Nanny |
€22,000–€25,000 |
1–2 years experience, flexible availability, childcare or first aid cert |
The Nanny Line, Irish Nanny Agency |
Full childcare, overnight care, routines, playtime, hygiene |
|
Elderly Carer |
€30,000 |
2–3 years care experience, QQI Level 5 or equivalent, English proficiency |
Comfort Keepers, Caremark, Bluebird Care |
Personal care, mobility help, companionship, medication reminders |
|
Personal Carer |
€28,000 |
1–3 years experience, care qualifications, English skills |
Private HomeCare, Right at Home |
Hygiene support, dressing, feeding, emotional support |
|
Domestic Cleaner |
€24,000 |
6–12 months experience, reliability, basic English |
MindMe.ie, Happy Nest |
Cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, kitchen and bathroom care |
|
Cook / Chef |
€32,000 |
2–3 years culinary experience, hygiene knowledge, planning skills |
Hynes Agency, private homes |
Cooking meals, dietary planning, grocery shopping, kitchen hygiene |
|
Au Pair |
€14,000 + benefits |
Informal childcare experience, English, cultural interest |
Au Pair World (via families), Irish Nanny Agency |
Babysitting, light chores, child activities, language exchange |
|
Gardener |
€25,000 |
1–2 years outdoor work experience, plant knowledge |
Private households, landscaping services |
Mowing, planting, trimming, weeding, outdoor maintenance |
|
House Manager |
€35,000–€40,000 |
2–3 years management experience, organizational skills, fluent English |
Private estates, high-net-worth households |
Staff supervision, scheduling, budgeting, overseeing home operations |
|
Domestic Couple |
€27,000 each |
1–2 years in multi-role domestic work (gardening, cooking, cleaning) |
Hynes Agency, private estates |
Combined tasks: maintenance, childcare, cleaning, driving |
|
Chauffeur / Driver |
€28,000 |
2+ years driving, clean license, route knowledge, discretion |
Private homes, corporate families |
Driving family, school runs, errands, airport transfers |
|
Childminder |
€18,000–€22,000 |
1+ year experience, basic English, child safety knowledge |
MindMe.ie, Nanny Options |
Home-based childcare, feeding, supervision, playtime |
|
Live-in Housekeeper |
€23,000 |
1–2 years experience, flexible hours, trustworthiness |
The Nanny Line, Hynes Agency |
Housekeeping, errands, sometimes light cooking, live-in availability |
|
Pet Carer / Dog Walker |
€20,000 |
Animal care interest, reliability, some experience |
MindMe.ie, private clients |
Feeding, walking, grooming, companionship |
|
Maternity Nurse |
€36,000 |
3+ years with infants, maternity nursing or midwifery background |
Nanny Options, Hynes Agency |
Newborn care, feeding, hygiene, sleep routine, supporting mothers |
|
Household Assistant |
€22,000 |
1–2 years experience in mixed household duties, flexibility |
Private homes, staffing agencies |
Assisting in cleaning, childcare, cooking, errands |
|
Part-Time Cleaner |
€12,000–€15,000 |
6+ months cleaning experience, reliability, basic English |
MindMe.ie, Happy Nest |
Weekly or daily home cleaning, deep cleans, task-specific duties |
|
Live-in Carer |
€26,000 |
2–3 years care experience, ability to stay overnight, English proficiency |
Comfort Keepers, Bluebird Care |
24/7 care, personal hygiene, cooking, companionship |
|
Maintenance / Handyman |
€29,000 |
2–3 years repair/technical experience, problem-solving skills |
Private homes, staffing services |
Home repairs, painting, plumbing, electrical fixes, safety checks |
Visa / Permit Type |
Eligibility |
Job Categories Covered |
Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
General Employment Permit (GEP) |
Non-EEA nationals with a valid job offer from an Irish employer |
Carers, live-in carers, housekeepers (some roles), cooks |
Minimum annual salary usually €30,000; employer must apply on behalf of worker |
|
Critical Skills Employment Permit |
Non-EEA nationals with high-demand skills (mainly health & tech sectors) |
Not typically applicable to domestic work |
More suitable for nurses, doctors – rarely applies to household jobs |
|
Intra-Company Transfer Permit |
Employee transferring from a company abroad to its Irish branch |
Not applicable |
Not valid for domestic or household workers |
|
Working Holiday Visa |
Citizens of certain countries aged 18–30 (e.g. Canada, Australia, NZ, etc.) |
Au pairs, part-time domestic workers |
Limited duration (1 year); cannot renew; casual/temporary work only |
|
Stamp 0 (Temporary Permission) |
Elderly dependent relatives or nannies employed privately |
Live-in carers (under exceptional circumstances) |
Employer must prove financial ability to support full costs |
|
Stamp 1 (Work Permit Holder) |
Given to those granted a work permit (e.g. GEP or Critical Skills Permit) |
All eligible household and care-related roles |
Must follow all work permit rules; cannot change employers without approval |
|
Stamp 2A |
Foreign students without work permission |
Not eligible for employment |
Cannot take up household/domestic work |
|
Student Visa (Stamp 2) |
Students in approved programs |
Part-time roles (up to 20 hrs/week during term) |
Cannot work as a full-time domestic worker |
|
Au Pair Cultural Exchange (unregulated) |
Informal arrangement (not legally classified as employment) |
Au pairs |
No official visa; must enter under tourist or student visa—limited protection |
|
Spousal/Partner Visa (Stamp 3) |
Non-EEA spouses of Irish citizens or work permit holders |
Some domestic work (with additional permission) |
Not allowed to work unless they obtain an employment permit |
