You've decided you need help at home. Between managing your career, family responsibilities, and maintaining your household, the idea of hiring a Filipino nanny or housekeeper makes perfect sense. Filipino domestic workers are known worldwide for their professionalism, warmth, and dedication to the families they serve. But then comes the question that stops many UK employers in their tracks: what about the visa?
The domestic help visa UK process doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're looking to bring someone from overseas or hire a Filipino domestic worker already in the UK, understanding your options is the first step.
✓ Quick Answer
Most UK families find it simpler to hire Filipino domestic staff who already have UK work rights (ILR, Settled Status) rather than pursuing overseas sponsorship. This eliminates the 3-5 month wait, £3,000+ costs, and ongoing compliance burden.
If you'd prefer to avoid the expense and complexity of bringing candidates from abroad (visas, flights, relocation costs, and timing uncertainties), we can help you find exceptional nannies already based in the UK with full right to work. This means no visa delays, no additional costs, and candidates who can start immediately.
Click here to discuss UK-based options →Understanding the Domestic Helper Visa UK: Options for Employers
The domestic helper visa UK isn't a single visa category — it's a term that encompasses several routes for bringing domestic workers into the UK or hiring those already here with work rights. The confusion often starts here, so let's clarify your actual options.
Current UK Visa Routes for Domestic Workers
The UK immigration system has evolved significantly in recent years. The traditional "Overseas Domestic Worker" visa that once allowed families to bring staff from abroad has been largely restricted. Today, most employers hiring Filipino domestic staff work with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK through:
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Permanent residence status with no work restrictions
- Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status: For EU nationals and their family members under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Existing work visas: Various visa categories that permit domestic work
Important Note: Obtaining a sponsor licence as an individual household is challenging and often not cost-effective unless you're employing multiple staff members or have exceptional circumstances. The process is primarily designed for businesses, not individual families.
Nanny Visa UK: Eligibility Requirements
If you're determined to sponsor someone from overseas, understanding the nanny visa UK requirements is essential. While this route is more complex than hiring someone already in the UK, it remains possible under certain circumstances.
Employer Eligibility for Sponsorship
| Requirement Category | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Financial Requirements | Demonstrate ability to pay required salary, meet employment costs, show sufficient income/savings. |
| Residential Requirements | UK resident, provide suitable accommodation (for live-in), meet health & safety standards. |
| Legal Standing | No disqualifying criminal record, able to enter a legal employment contract, comply with UK employment law. |
Step-by-Step: Application Process
Learning how to apply for a Filipino domestic staff visa in the UK starts with understanding your eligibility as a sponsor. Here's the detailed process if you're pursuing overseas sponsorship:
Assess Your Sponsorship Eligibility
Before investing time and money, honestly evaluate whether you meet the sponsor requirements. Consider if you can afford the £536+ sponsor licence fee plus ongoing compliance costs.
Apply for Your Sponsor Licence
Complete the online sponsor licence application, pay fees, provide supporting documents, demonstrate HR systems, and wait for Home Office review.
Obtain Certificate of Sponsorship
Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to your chosen candidate, pay the £199 CoS fee, and provide a detailed job description.
Worker Submits Visa Application
Your Filipino domestic worker completes the online application, pays the visa fee (£625) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£624/year), and provides biometric information.
Await Decision and Arrival
Standard processing takes 3–8 weeks. Priority service is available for an additional fee. The worker can travel to the UK once the visa is approved.
Post-Arrival Compliance
Collect right-to-work documents within 28 days, ensure Biometric Residence Permit collection, report changes, and maintain employment records.
Costs and Timeline: Budgeting for the Domestic Help Visa UK
The cost of hiring a Filipino domestic worker in the UK extends well beyond the visa fees. Here's a realistic breakdown:
Visa and Immigration Costs
| Cost Item | Amount (£) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor Licence (Small) | £536 | Initial + Annual |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | £199 | Per Worker |
| Worker's Visa Fee (3 years) | £625 | Per Application |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,872 | 3 Years (£624/year) |
| Total First Worker (3 years) | £3,732 | Plus Annual Licence |
Ongoing Employment Costs
The requirements for hiring a Filipino nanny in London include meeting minimum wage and providing proper employment benefits:
- Live-in nanny: £400–£600 net per week (London)
- Live-out nanny: £12–£18 per hour
- Nanny-housekeeper: £450–£700 net per week
- Employer National Insurance: 13.8% on earnings above £175/week
- Pension contributions: Minimum 3% of qualifying earnings
- Holiday pay: 5.6 weeks paid annual leave
Skip the Visa Hassle
We specialize in matching UK families with exceptional Filipino domestic staff who already have the right to work in the UK. No sponsorship required.
Find Your Perfect Match TodayLegal Obligations for Hiring Domestic Staff
Your legal obligations for hiring domestic staff extend beyond the visa process to include employment contracts and workplace rights. Understanding these responsibilities protects both you and your employee.
Employment Contract Must Include:
- Job title and description of duties
- Start date and probation period
- Salary and payment frequency
- Working hours and overtime arrangements
- Holiday entitlement (minimum 5.6 weeks)
- Notice periods for both parties
- Sick pay arrangements
- Pension scheme details
Nanny Tax UK: Financial Responsibilities
Managing nanny tax UK requirements is a critical responsibility. As an employer, you must:
- Register with HMRC before first payday
- Calculate and deduct income tax and National Insurance
- Pay employer's National Insurance (13.8%)
- Submit Real Time Information (RTI) to HMRC
- Provide payslips showing all deductions
- Process pension auto-enrolment
- Submit annual returns and P60s
Recommended Solution: Most families use specialist nanny payroll services like Nannytax to handle these requirements. The cost (£200–£400 annually) is minimal compared to the risk of penalties.
UK Residency Options: The Simpler Alternative
UK residency options for Filipino workers include Indefinite Leave to Remain, Settled Status, and various work visa categories. Many employers find that hiring candidates who already have these statuses eliminates the complexity of sponsorship.
Why This Approach Makes Sense
| Benefit | Overseas Sponsorship | Hiring Someone with ILR |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 3–5 months | 2–4 weeks |
| Upfront Costs | £3,732+ | £0 |
| Sponsor Licence | Required (£536 annual) | Not required |
| Compliance Burden | High (ongoing reporting) | Low (standard employment only) |
| Flexibility | Restricted by visa terms | No restrictions |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a domestic worker from the Philippines to the UK?
Yes, but it requires obtaining a sponsor licence and meeting strict eligibility criteria. Most families find it more practical to hire Filipino domestic workers already in the UK with existing work rights such as ILR or Settled Status.
How long does the domestic helper visa application take?
The complete process typically takes 12–22 weeks (3–5.5 months) from starting your sponsor licence application to the worker's arrival. This includes 8–12 weeks for sponsor licence approval, 1–2 weeks for the Certificate of Sponsorship, and 3–8 weeks for the worker's visa application.
What is the minimum salary for a nanny visa UK?
The minimum salary must meet National Living Wage requirements (£11.44 per hour for