The UK has a consistent demand for household and domestic workers due to a growing elderly population, dual-income households, and busy urban lifestyles. This creates stable job opportunities across the country.
The sector welcomes individuals with varying levels of experience and skills, offering entry-level roles and progression opportunities for those looking to specialize in childcare, elderly care, or housekeeping.
Domestic workers in the UK are entitled to rights such as the National Minimum Wage, paid holidays, and rest breaks. These legal protections ensure a safer and fairer working environment compared to many other countries.
Working in UK households exposes individuals to different cultures, languages, and work practices, enriching both personal and professional experiences, especially for migrant workers.
Some domestic roles, particularly those related to live-in care or long-term support, can lead to visa sponsorship and opportunities for extended stay or permanent residency, depending on the employment terms.
Many domestic positions offer flexible hours, live-in options, or part-time roles, which can suit individuals seeking work-life balance or combining work with studies or family commitments.
For international candidates, working as a household or domestic worker in the UK is more than just a job — it’s a chance to become part of a home, not just a house. You provide essential support, comfort, and care that brings warmth to everyday life.
Whether you specialize in childcare, elderly care, housekeeping, cooking, or a bit of everything — your hands-on skills are in high demand. The UK values precision, reliability, and trust — qualities that international workers often bring in abundance.
The UK government recognizes domestic work as a legitimate, regulated form of employment. That means better protection, clear contracts, and fair pay. Your work is not only essential — it’s respected.
Many roles come with live-in options, offering not just a roof over your head but immersion into British culture, language, and everyday life. It's a perfect opportunity to grow personally and professionally in a new country.
Some domestic roles can lead to sponsorship or long-term stay under specialized visa categories like the Skilled Worker or Health and Care visa, especially for those working in live-in care or as personal assistants.
You could work for families, professionals, or elderly individuals needing personal assistance. There are also opportunities in high-profile households where discretion, trust, and etiquette are prized.
Whether you’re helping a child get ready for school, preparing a comforting meal, or simply being a reliable presence, your work has immediate, visible impact. You’re not just cleaning or caring — you’re creating comfort, safety, and joy.
Responsible for maintaining cleanliness and order in private homes. Tasks often include cleaning, laundry, ironing, and sometimes light cooking.
Provide care for children in private households. Duties include feeding, bathing, supervising play, helping with homework, and school runs.
Reside in the employer’s home and perform a mix of duties — cleaning, cooking, childcare, and sometimes elder care. Housing and food are typically included.
Specialize in cleaning duties, often on a scheduled basis. May work for one or multiple households and can be employed privately or through an agency.
Assist elderly individuals with daily tasks like dressing, bathing, cooking, and companionship. May also provide medical or mobility support if trained.
Offer one-on-one support for individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Responsibilities may include personal care, transportation, and administrative help.
Prepare meals for individuals or families, often catering to dietary needs or preferences. May be live-in or scheduled.
Live with a host family and assist with childcare and light household chores in exchange for accommodation, meals, and a cultural exchange experience. Usually a temporary or cultural visa role.
Found in high-net-worth households. Oversee daily operations, manage other staff, serve guests, and ensure high standards of hospitality and discretion.
Maintain outdoor spaces of private homes. May also help with light maintenance or pet care duties depending on the household.
No. |
Job Title |
GBP (£/year) |
USD ($/year) |
INR (₹/year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Live-in Housekeeper |
£23,000 |
$29,210 |
₹2,461,000 |
|
2 |
Live-out Housekeeper |
£26,000 |
$33,020 |
₹2,782,000 |
|
3 |
Nanny (Full-Time) |
£28,000 |
$35,560 |
₹2,996,000 |
|
4 |
Au Pair |
£10,000 |
$12,700 |
₹1,070,000 |
|
5 |
Live-in Carer (Elderly) |
£22,000 |
$27,940 |
₹2,354,000 |
|
6 |
Live-out Carer (Elderly) |
£26,000 |
$33,020 |
₹2,782,000 |
|
7 |
Personal Assistant (Care) |
£24,000 |
$30,480 |
₹2,568,000 |
|
8 |
Childminder (Home-based) |
£21,000 |
$26,670 |
₹2,247,000 |
|
9 |
Private Cook / Chef |
£30,000 |
$38,100 |
₹3,210,000 |
|
10 |
Butler |
£32,000 |
$40,640 |
₹3,424,000 |
|
11 |
Household Manager |
£35,000 |
$44,450 |
₹3,745,000 |
|
12 |
Gardener |
£20,000 |
$25,400 |
₹2,140,000 |
|
13 |
Cleaner (Part-Time) |
£12,000 |
$15,240 |
₹1,284,000 |
|
14 |
Cleaner (Full-Time) |
£20,000 |
$25,400 |
₹2,140,000 |
|
15 |
Chauffeur / Driver |
£27,000 |
$34,290 |
₹2,889,000 |
|
16 |
Laundry Specialist |
£21,000 |
$26,670 |
₹2,247,000 |
|
17 |
Maternity Nurse (Private) |
£40,000 |
$50,800 |
₹4,280,000 |
|
18 |
Night Nurse (Private) |
£35,000 |
$44,450 |
₹3,745,000 |
|
19 |
Dog Walker / Pet Sitter |
£18,000 |
$22,860 |
₹1,926,000 |
|
20 |
General Domestic Helper |
£19,000 |
$24,130 |
₹2,033,000 |
No. |
Job Category |
Eligibility Criteria |
Visa Type |
Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Live-in Carer / Personal Carer |
Job offer from licensed UK employer, English proficiency, relevant care experience |
Health and Care Worker Visa |
May lead to permanent residency after 5 years |
|
2 |
Housekeeper (Live-in/Out) |
Employer sponsorship, experience preferred, English proficiency |
Skilled Worker Visa (if eligible role) |
Limited roles qualify under the Skilled Worker list |
|
3 |
Nanny / Childcare Worker |
Job offer + DBS check + references; some roles require childcare qualifications |
Skilled Worker Visa (only for registered nannies) |
Private households rarely offer sponsorship |
|
4 |
Au Pair |
Aged 18–30 (or 35 depending on country), basic English, cultural exchange intent |
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa |
Not a formal job — includes cultural exchange and child help |
|
5 |
Elderly Companion / Support |
Proven caregiving experience, basic English, sponsorship from licensed employer |
Health and Care Worker Visa |
Sponsorship must include regulated care duties |
|
6 |
Domestic Worker (Temporary) |
Employed abroad as a domestic worker for at least 1 year with same employer |
Overseas Domestic Worker Visa |
Max 6 months stay, no family, no path to permanent residency |
|
7 |
Private Chef / Cook |
High-level experience or formal training, job offer, potential sponsorship |
Skilled Worker Visa (if on shortage list) |
Sponsorship limited to certain hospitality/catering roles |
|
8 |
Butler / Household Manager |
Formal training or extensive private household experience |
Rarely Sponsored |
High-end roles, not commonly eligible for standard visas |
|
9 |
Cleaner |
No specific qualifications; rarely sponsored for visa |
Not Eligible for Skilled Worker Visa |
Usually for UK residents or those on other valid visas |
|
10 |
Gardener / Driver / Pet Sitter |
Some experience required; English communication; rarely sponsored |
Not Eligible for Skilled Worker Visa |
Must already have a valid UK work visa |
No. |
Job Title |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Housekeeper |
Cleaning, laundry, ironing, organizing, restocking supplies, and maintaining household cleanliness. |
|
2 |
Live-in Housekeeper |
All housekeeping duties plus availability for longer hours, occasional cooking, and home security. |
|
3 |
Nanny |
Childcare, school runs, preparing meals, helping with homework, organizing activities. |
|
4 |
Au Pair |
Assisting with childcare and light housework in exchange for accommodation and cultural experience. |
|
5 |
Live-in Carer (Elderly) |
Assisting with mobility, personal hygiene, medication, companionship, and overnight support. |
|
6 |
Live-out Carer |
Daytime elderly care, including personal assistance, cooking, light cleaning, and medication support. |
|
7 |
Personal Assistant (Care) |
Supporting individuals with disabilities: mobility help, meal prep, transport, and admin support. |
|
8 |
Childminder (Home-based) |
Looking after children in a home setting, ensuring safety, play, feeding, and daily routines. |
|
9 |
Private Cook / Chef |
Preparing meals, menu planning, grocery shopping, accommodating dietary needs, and kitchen hygiene. |
|
10 |
Butler |
Formal service, managing household operations, serving meals, event coordination, guest management. |
|
11 |
Household Manager |
Overseeing staff, budgeting, scheduling maintenance, handling vendors, and managing household affairs. |
|
12 |
Cleaner (Part-Time) |
Routine cleaning duties such as vacuuming, mopping, dusting, bathroom/kitchen cleaning. |
|
13 |
Cleaner (Full-Time) |
Same as above but on a full-time basis, sometimes across multiple rooms or properties. |
|
14 |
Chauffeur / Driver |
Driving employer or family members, maintaining vehicle, ensuring timely and safe transportation. |
|
15 |
Laundry Specialist |
Washing, drying, ironing, folding, and organizing clothing, managing delicate or designer wear. |
|
16 |
Maternity Nurse (Private) |
Caring for newborns and mothers, establishing sleep/feeding routines, supporting recovery post-birth. |
|
17 |
Night Nurse (Private) |
Overnight monitoring of newborns or elderly clients, assisting with feeding or medical needs. |
|
18 |
Dog Walker / Pet Sitter |
Walking pets, feeding, grooming, pet hygiene, administering medication if required. |
|
19 |
General Domestic Helper |
Combination of light cleaning, cooking, errands, assisting with children or pets. |
|
20 |
Gardener / Groundskeeper |
Lawn care, planting, hedge trimming, weeding, seasonal cleanup, maintaining outdoor spaces. |
No. |
Job Title |
Experience Required |
Education / Training |
Visa Eligibility (2025) |
Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Housekeeper |
1–2 years preferred |
None specific; cleaning experience |
Limited – rarely sponsored |
English skills, references |
|
2 |
Live-in Housekeeper |
2+ years preferred |
Housekeeping/cleaning experience |
Rare – mostly private hiring |
Must live onsite, flexible hours |
|
3 |
Nanny |
2+ years with children |
Childcare course preferred |
Eligible if employer can sponsor (rare) |
DBS check, First Aid, strong references |
|
4 |
Au Pair |
No professional experience |
Basic English |
Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) only |
Aged 18–30 (or 35 for some countries) |
|
5 |
Live-in Carer (Elderly) |
1+ year care experience |
Health & social care training |
Health and Care Worker Visa |
English Level A1, TB test, employer sponsorship |
|
6 |
Live-out Carer |
1+ year experience |
NVQ Level 2+ preferred |
Health and Care Worker Visa |
Driving license preferred, English test |
|
7 |
Personal Assistant (Care) |
1+ year in disability care |
Relevant care experience/training |
Health and Care Worker Visa |
Must assist with daily living & personal care |
|
8 |
Childminder (Home-based) |
1–2 years |
Registration with Ofsted (UK only) |
Not eligible for visa sponsorship |
UK residents only, safeguarding certification |
|
9 |
Private Cook / Chef |
2+ years cooking experience |
Culinary training helpful |
Skilled Worker Visa (limited roles) |
Menu planning, dietary knowledge |
|
10 |
Butler |
3+ years in formal service |
Butler school or luxury service |
Rarely sponsored |
High-end etiquette, confidentiality |
|
11 |
Household Manager |
3+ years management experience |
Hospitality or management background |
Rarely sponsored |
Staff supervision, budgeting |
|
12 |
Cleaner (Part-Time) |
Some cleaning experience |
None required |
Not eligible |
Usually hired privately or via agencies |
|
13 |
Cleaner (Full-Time) |
1+ year cleaning |
None required |
Not eligible |
Good physical health |
|
14 |
Chauffeur / Driver |
2+ years driving |
Valid driving license (UK-convertible) |
Not eligible unless under different visa |
Professionalism, confidentiality |
|
15 |
Laundry Specialist |
1+ year handling garments |
On-the-job training |
Not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa |
Delicate fabric handling, organization |
|
16 |
Maternity Nurse |
2–5 years infant care |
Maternity nurse certification |
Not usually sponsored |
First Aid, night shifts, newborn care |
|
17 |
Night Nurse (Private) |
Nursing or care experience |
Nursing or health certification |
Health and Care Worker Visa (if medical care) |
Overnight availability, medical knowledge |
|
18 |
Dog Walker / Pet Sitter |
Some pet handling experience |
None required |
Not eligible for visa sponsorship |
Love for animals, physical fitness |
|
19 |
General Domestic Helper |
Flexible; 1+ year preferred |
On-the-job training |
Not eligible |
Multi-tasking: cleaning, errands, help with kids |
|
20 |
Gardener |
1–2 years gardening experience |
Horticulture training helpful |
Not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa |
Outdoor work, machinery use, seasonal tasks |
No. |
Job Title |
Experience Required |
Preferred Background / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Housekeeper |
1–2 years |
Prior private home or hotel experience preferred |
|
2 |
Live-in Housekeeper |
2+ years |
Must handle varied tasks and flexible working hours |
|
3 |
Nanny |
2–3 years with children |
Experience with different age groups; references essential |
|
4 |
Au Pair |
No formal experience required |
Informal childcare (e.g. babysitting) is helpful |
|
5 |
Live-in Carer (Elderly) |
1–2 years elderly care experience |
Experience with personal care and mobility support |
|
6 |
Live-out Carer |
1–2 years |
May require knowledge of dementia or chronic illness care |
|
7 |
Personal Assistant (Care) |
1+ year working with disabled individuals |
Understanding of care plans, independence support |
|
8 |
Childminder (Home-based) |
1–2 years |
UK registration and safeguarding knowledge required |
|
9 |
Private Cook / Chef |
2–3 years in private homes or fine dining |
Formal culinary training often required |
|
10 |
Butler |
3–5 years in formal household service |
Discretion, etiquette, and service protocol are critical |
|
11 |
Household Manager |
3–5 years managing staff or estates |
Leadership and admin skills essential |
|
12 |
Cleaner (Part-Time) |
6 months to 1 year |
Basic cleaning skills; often hired via referral or agency |
|
13 |
Cleaner (Full-Time) |
1+ year |
Experience with deep cleaning and home organization |
|
14 |
Chauffeur / Driver |
2+ years driving for a family or professional |
Clean driving record required |
|
15 |
Laundry Specialist |
1+ year handling garments, ironing, and stain removal |
Knowledge of fabric care is a plus |
|
16 |
Maternity Nurse (Private) |
2–5 years with newborns or postnatal care |
Special certifications required (e.g., MNT, CACHE Level 3) |
|
17 |
Night Nurse (Private) |
2+ years in nursing or overnight care |
Registered nurse or care assistant experience preferred |
|
18 |
Dog Walker / Pet Sitter |
Informal or 6+ months handling pets |
Trustworthiness and pet knowledge valued |
|
19 |
General Domestic Helper |
1+ year in mixed household tasks |
Versatility and multitasking are key |
|
20 |
Gardener |
1–2 years working in private gardens or landscaping |
Seasonal plant knowledge and equipment use helpful |
No. |
Company / Agency Name |
Specialization |
International Hiring |
Location (HQ/Primary Office) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Caremark Ltd |
Home care and live-in care services |
Yes (Care Workers, Carers) |
Worthing, West Sussex |
|
2 |
Helping Hands Home Care |
Live-in and visiting care |
Yes (Health & Care Worker Visa) |
Alcester, Warwickshire |
|
3 |
Guardian Carers |
Nannies, carers, housekeepers |
Yes |
London |
|
4 |
Heritage Live-in Care |
Elderly live-in care |
Yes |
Surrey |
|
5 |
Polo & Tweed |
Butlers, nannies, housekeepers, chefs |
Yes (High-profile households) |
London |
|
6 |
Greycoat Lumleys |
Private household staff placements |
Yes |
London |
|
7 |
Eden Private Staff |
Household staff, maternity nurses, PAs |
Yes |
London |
|
8 |
Safehands Recruitment |
Carers and support workers |
Yes |
Worcester |
|
9 |
Christies Care |
Live-in carers (Elderly support) |
Yes |
Suffolk |
|
10 |
Prestige Nursing + Care |
Home care and live-in care |
Yes |
Wallington, Surrey |
|
11 |
Kingsmaid Domestic Cleaning |
Domestic cleaners |
Occasionally (existing visa only) |
Manchester |
|
12 |
The Lady’s Maid Agency |
Housekeepers, ladies’ maids, companions |
Yes (limited) |
London |
|
13 |
Bright Care |
Elder care and companionship |
Yes |
Edinburgh |
|
14 |
Harmony at Home |
Nannies and childcare |
Yes (depending on employer) |
Nationwide |
|
15 |
Supreme Care Services |
Home care assistants |
Yes (Health & Care Worker Visa) |
London |
|
16 |
Interserve Healthcare |
Complex care, live-in and domiciliary care |
Yes |
Birmingham |
|
17 |
SweetTree Home Care Services |
Live-in and hourly care |
Yes |
London |
|
18 |
Abbots Care Ltd |
Community and live-in carers |
Yes |
Hertfordshire |
|
19 |
Nannies Incorporated |
International and UK nanny placements |
Yes |
London |
|
20 |
Signature Senior Lifestyle |
Senior care homes and assisted living |
Yes (Care roles) |
Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire |
No. |
Job Title |
Avg. Salary (GBP/year) |
General Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies / Agencies |
Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Housekeeper |
£23,000 – £26,000 |
1–2 yrs exp, basic English, references |
Guardian Carers, Eden Private Staff |
Cleaning, laundry, organizing, maintaining home cleanliness |
|
2 |
Live-in Housekeeper |
£20,000 – £24,000 + housing |
2+ yrs exp, flexible hours, basic cooking |
Polo & Tweed, Greycoat Lumleys |
Housekeeping, occasional cooking, security, errands |
|
3 |
Nanny |
£26,000 – £30,000 |
2+ yrs childcare exp, DBS, First Aid |
Harmony at Home, Nannies Incorporated |
Childcare, school pick-ups, meals, activities, bedtime routines |
|
4 |
Au Pair |
£10,000 – £12,000 + housing |
Informal childcare exp, aged 18–30, basic English |
Host Families (via Youth Mobility Scheme) |
Child help, light housework, cultural exchange |
|
5 |
Live-in Carer (Elderly) |
£22,000 – £25,000 + housing |
1+ yr elderly care, Health & Care Worker Visa |
Helping Hands, Christies Care |
Personal care, companionship, medication support |
|
6 |
Live-out Carer |
£24,000 – £28,000 |
1–2 yrs care exp, UK driving license helpful |
Caremark, Prestige Nursing |
Daytime support, hygiene help, cooking, shopping |
|
7 |
Personal Assistant (Care) |
£24,000 – £27,000 |
Disability care exp, basic English, DBS |
Safehands Recruitment, Interserve |
Assisting disabled individuals with mobility, routines, and care |
|
8 |
Childminder (Home-based) |
£21,000 – £24,000 |
Ofsted registered (UK), childcare experience |
Self-employed or agencies |
Caring for children in your own home, feeding, activities, safety |
|
9 |
Private Cook / Chef |
£30,000 – £40,000 |
Culinary training, 2+ yrs exp, menu planning skills |
Eden Private Staff, Polo & Tweed |
Meal prep, dietary accommodation, grocery shopping |
|
10 |
Butler |
£32,000 – £50,000 |
3+ yrs formal service exp, etiquette training |
Greycoat Lumleys, Private households |
Formal service, guest management, staff supervision |
|
11 |
Household Manager |
£35,000 – £60,000 |
Staff management exp, admin & scheduling skills |
Eden Private Staff, Polo & Tweed |
Overseeing staff, budgets, vendor coordination |
|
12 |
Cleaner (Part-Time) |
£12,000 – £16,000 |
Basic cleaning skills, some experience |
Kingsmaid, Local Cleaning Agencies |
Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathrooms, kitchens |
|
13 |
Cleaner (Full-Time) |
£20,000 – £24,000 |
1+ yr cleaning exp, references |
Agencies or direct households |
Deep cleaning, laundry, kitchen and bathroom maintenance |
|
14 |
Chauffeur / Driver |
£25,000 – £30,000 |
Valid UK license, clean record, professional attitude |
Private Employers, Guardian Carers |
Driving employer/family, car maintenance, punctuality |
|
15 |
Laundry Specialist |
£20,000 – £24,000 |
Experience with garments, ironing, folding |
High-end households, Hotels |
Washing, ironing, stain treatment, organizing clothing |
|
16 |
Maternity Nurse (Private) |
£40,000 – £55,000 |
Newborn care training, 3–5 yrs experience |
Eden Private Staff, Private clients |
Caring for newborns, supporting new mothers, sleep routines |
|
17 |
Night Nurse (Private) |
£30,000 – £40,000 |
Nursing or care assistant background |
SweetTree, Heritage Live-in Care |
Overnight care, feeding, monitoring health of clients |
|
18 |
Dog Walker / Pet Sitter |
£18,000 – £22,000 |
Love for animals, basic handling skills |
Self-employed, Pet agencies |
Walking, feeding, playing, pet hygiene |
|
19 |
General Domestic Helper |
£18,000 – £22,000 |
Multi-tasking ability, flexible, trustworthy |
Local Families, Polo & Tweed |
Cooking, cleaning, errands, light childcare |
|
20 |
Gardener |
£20,000 – £25,000 |
Gardening tools knowledge, seasonal plant care |
Private Estates, Greycoat Lumleys |
Lawn care, pruning, planting, outdoor maintenance |
Visa Type |
Eligibility |
Duration |
Suitable Job Roles |
Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Health and Care Worker Visa |
Job offer from UK care provider, English language skills, sponsorship required |
Up to 5 years |
Live-in Carer, Elderly Care Assistant, Personal Carer |
Offers pathway to settlement, in-demand visa with fast-track processing |
|
Skilled Worker Visa |
Job on shortage occupation list, sponsored by licensed UK employer |
Up to 5 years |
Private Chef (rare), Senior Carers |
Most domestic roles not eligible, except for specialized positions |
|
Overseas Domestic Worker Visa |
Already working for employer abroad for 1+ year, coming temporarily to UK |
Up to 6 months |
Maid, Housekeeper, Nanny (with foreign employer) |
Non-renewable, cannot switch employer, no settlement rights |
|
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa |
Age 18–30 (35 for some countries), from eligible countries, proof of funds |
Up to 2 years |
Au Pair, Housekeeper, Nanny (informal roles) |
No sponsorship required, limited to select nationalities (e.g. Australia, NZ) |
|
Family Visa (Spouse/Partner) |
Married to or in a relationship with UK resident or citizen |
2.5 years (renewable) |
Any domestic role (permission to work) |
Allows open employment, including domestic work |
|
Graduate Visa |
Recent UK graduates (Bachelor’s or higher) |
2 years (3 for PhD) |
Any job (including domestic work) |
No sponsorship required; allows flexible work options |
|
Student Visa (with work rights) |
Full-time student at licensed institution |
20 hrs/week (term) |
Part-time Cleaner, Assistant roles |
Limited hours; not suitable for full-time domestic work |
|
Ancestry Visa |
Commonwealth citizen with UK-born grandparent |
5 years |
Any domestic job |
Permission to work full-time; path to permanent residence |
