Domestic work including roles like nannies, housekeepers, caregivers, and personal assistants is in growing demand across developed countries. While often considered lower-skilled, certain domestic roles are now commanding higher wages, particularly when tied to specialized care (e.g., elderly or disabled support), long-term service, or live-in arrangements. In some cases, employers are also willing to offer visa sponsorship due to local labor shortages.
High Paying Domestic Jobs in Australia, Germany, Netherlands
Below is a detailed breakdown of high-paying domestic jobs with visa sponsorship opportunities in Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands, including salary expectations, and requirements.
1. Australia
In-Demand Domestic Jobs
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Aged Care Worker (In-home support)
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Live-in Nanny or Au Pair
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Housekeeper for High-Income Families
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Disability Support Worker
Salary Range
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Aged care/disability support: AUD 60,000–80,000 per year
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Professional nanny or live-in caregiver: AUD 45,000–70,000 per year
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Housekeeper (full-time): AUD 50,000–65,000 per year
Visa Sponsorship Options
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Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa): Available for certain aged care and disability support roles.
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Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): May apply after working with the same employer under 482.
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Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462): For au pairs and young workers (not a sponsorship route but allows initial entry).
Requirements
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Functional English language skills
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First aid and CPR certification (for care roles)
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Police background check
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Relevant experience or formal training (preferred)
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Health clearance
2. Germany
In-Demand Domestic Jobs
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Elderly Caregiver (non-medical and medical)
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Live-in Housekeeper or Haushälterin
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Au Pair (for younger candidates)
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Childcare Nanny in Expat Families
Salary Range
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Elderly caregiver: €2,000–€3,000/month gross (some with free accommodation)
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Nanny or housekeeper (live-in): €1,500–€2,500/month
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Au pair: €300–€600/month plus food and lodging
Visa Sponsorship Options
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Work Visa (Section 19c of the Residence Act): For caregivers and support workers
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Au Pair Visa: For applicants aged 18–26 working with host families
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Blue Card (not applicable to domestic work)
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Nursing Assistant Visa: May apply if caregiver role includes health-related tasks
Requirements
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Basic German (A1 or A2), especially for elder care or household work
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Background check and references
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Proof of health insurance
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Contract from a sponsoring employer or family
3. Netherlands
In-Demand Domestic Jobs
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Private Nanny or Childminder (especially in expat households)
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House Manager or Butler
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Elderly Companion or Live-in Caregiver
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Domestic Couples (Housekeeper + Gardener)
Salary Range
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Nanny (professional): €2,000–€3,500/month depending on experience
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Housekeeper: €1,800–€2,600/month
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Live-in caregiver: €2,000–€2,800/month (often includes housing)
Visa Sponsorship Options
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Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (not typical for domestic work)
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Orientation Year Visa (for recent graduates entering domestic care temporarily)
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Regular Sponsored Employment Visa: For domestic roles tied to caregiving in some cases, especially with elder care agencies
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Au Pair Visa: Available for non-EU nationals aged 18–30
Requirements
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English fluency (Dutch helps, but not always mandatory)
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Background checks and professional references
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Registered work contract with host/employer family
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May need a host agency for au pair visa
Key Benefits of High-Paying Domestic Roles
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Free Accommodation and Meals (in live-in roles)
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Opportunities for Long-Term Residency: Some roles can lead to permanent residence after 2–4 years
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Cultural Exchange and Language Learning
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Pathway to Citizenship in some cases (especially in Australia)
Tips to Secure a Sponsored Domestic Role
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Highlight Experience: Include previous domestic work, first aid, childcare courses, or eldercare experience.
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Professional CV and Cover Letter: Tailored to domestic services with references.
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Language Skills: Basic proficiency in the local language (especially German or Dutch) increases chances.
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Get Certified: Short online courses in caregiving, childcare, or home management can improve your profile.
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Use Reputable Agencies: Always verify if the agency or employer is legally registered and has experience with visa sponsorship.
READ ALSO: Unskilled Jobs in Germany for Foreigners with Visa Sponsorship
FAQs
Can I get a domestic job in Europe or Australia without prior experience?
It’s possible for roles like au pair or entry-level caregiver jobs, but prior experience or training improves your chance of securing sponsorship.
Are live-in roles more likely to offer visa sponsorship?
Yes. Live-in caregivers and housekeepers are often sponsored because of higher dependency and long-term planning from the employer’s side.
What are the typical working hours for domestic jobs?
Full-time domestic jobs usually involve 35–45 hours per week. Live-in roles may require more flexibility, but usually include scheduled days off.
Can domestic workers bring family members on a visa?
In most cases, no. Domestic work visas are tied to the individual. Family reunification may only be available for permanent residents or on long-term visas.
Are domestic workers protected under labor laws?
Yes. Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands all have legal protections, including minimum wage, time off, health insurance, and safe working conditions. It’s important to sign a formal contract and understand your rights.
Conclusion
While domestic jobs are not typically the first category that comes to mind for high pay or visa sponsorship, they offer promising opportunities for international workers especially those with caregiving experience or a willingness to take on live-in roles. Countries like Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands are experiencing labor shortages in domestic services and are increasingly open to sponsoring foreign workers who meet legal and job-specific requirements.