The Overseas Domestic Worker visa allows domestic workers (such as cleaners, nannies, cooks, or chauffeurs) to accompany their employer to the UK for a short stay. You must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months and intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit. This visa does not lead to settlement, and dependants are not permitted.

The Scale-up visa is designed to help high-growth UK companies attract skilled workers from overseas to support their continued expansion. It is aimed at individuals who are being recruited into qualifying roles by companies that meet the Home Office’s definition of a ‘scale-up’ business—typically those with rapid revenue or employment growth.

This visa route is distinct from the Skilled Worker visa in that it allows greater flexibility. After an initial six-month period working for a sponsored employer, you are no longer tied to that sponsor and can switch employers or roles without needing to be re-sponsored. This makes the Scale-up visa particularly attractive for skilled individuals seeking long-term flexibility in the UK job market. The route also leads to settlement after five years of continuous lawful residence.

You may be eligible to apply for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa if you:

• Are at least 19 years old
• Have been employed as a domestic worker (e.g. cleaner, cook, nanny, driver, gardener) in the same household as your employer for at least 12 months
• Are travelling to the UK with your employer, their partner, or children
• Intend to work as a full-time domestic worker in your employer’s household while they are in the UK
• Plan to leave the UK at the end of your stay (maximum 6 months)
• Can support yourself without needing public funds
• Have a written employment contract confirming your role, pay, and conditions

Your employer must be a foreign national who normally lives outside the UK and does not intend to remain in the UK for more than 6 months.

• You can stay in the UK for up to 6 months
• The visa cannot be extended and does not lead to settlement
• You cannot switch to another immigration category from within the UK

You must leave the UK at the end of your permitted stay.

You can:

• Work as a full-time domestic worker in your employer’s household
• Change employer only if you continue to work as a domestic worker in a private household (with Home Office notification)

You cannot:

• Stay longer than 6 months
• Bring dependants
• Access public funds
• Take other employment outside of the domestic role

No. You cannot bring dependants with you under this visa route. You must travel and live in the UK independently of any accompanying family unless they are your employer’s family.

We provide expert support for applicants and employers navigating the Overseas Domestic Worker visa route. We:

• Assess your eligibility and confirm compliance with the 12-month employment requirement
• Guide employers and workers on the specific criteria and limitations of the visa
• Prepare a legally sound application with all required documents
• Draft a detailed legal representation letter to explain the purpose and temporary nature of the visit, and how your employment history supports the application

Our legal representation letter is a vital tool for presenting a clear, credible application to the Home Office. We help ensure your visa process is well-prepared, accurate, and professionally managed.