SPECIALIST IMMIGRATION

DIPLOMATS, FAMILY MEMBERS & DOMESTIC STAFF

Specialist support for diplomatic assignments and household staff arrangements.

OVERVIEW

Diplomatic immigration arrangements apply to individuals connected with foreign diplomatic missions in the UK. This can include diplomats, consular staff, administrative and technical staff, accompanying family members and private domestic staff.

These matters often involve coordination with the diplomatic mission and, where relevant, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

DIPLOMATIC PERSONNEL

Diplomatic personnel are usually posted to the UK by a foreign government to carry out official duties at an embassy, high commission, consulate or recognised mission.

  • Ambassadors and High Commissioners.

  • Diplomatic officers and consular officials.

  • Administrative and technical staff assigned to diplomatic missions.

  • Individuals whose UK status is tied to the official posting.

FAMILY MEMBERS

Close family members may be able to accompany the diplomat during the official assignment. The position on work and study can depend on the type of status and any relevant reciprocal arrangements.

  • Spouses and civil partners.

  • Unmarried partners in appropriate circumstances.

  • Dependent children.

  • Evidence of relationship and dependency where needed.

PRIVATE DOMESTIC STAFF

Diplomats may be able to bring private domestic staff to support the household during the posting. These applications require particular care because the worker’s role, contract and employment conditions must be properly evidenced.

  • Nannies, cooks, housekeepers, drivers and household personal assistants.

  • Evidence of prior employment by the diplomat or household where required.

  • Written contract of employment.

  • Pay and working conditions aligned with UK employment standards.

HOW WE CAN HELP

  • Advise on the correct category and documentation.

  • Prepare evidence for accompanying family members.

  • Review domestic staff employment documents and supporting evidence.

  • Support with practical timing issues linked to diplomatic postings.

LIMITS & ONWARD ROUTES

Diplomatic status is normally linked to the diplomatic assignment and does not automatically lead to settlement. When the posting ends, the immigration position of the diplomat, family members and domestic staff should be reviewed carefully.

  • Some individuals may be exempt from immigration control rather than holding a standard visa.

  • Domestic staff should understand whether their status is tied to a specific household.

  • Switching into another route may be possible only if the separate requirements are met.

Evidence focus

Documents often matter most.

Every case is different, but these are common evidence themes for this route.

MISSION CONFIRMATION

POSTING DETAILS

PASSPORT DETAILS

FAMILY RELATIONSHIP EVIDENCE

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

PROOF OF PRIOR EMPLOYMENT