Nannying in Europe After Brexit: A Guide for British Nannies

Brexit has changed the way British nannies can live and work across Europe. While British citizens previously benefited from freedom of movement within the EU, most UK nationals now need the appropriate permission to work in an EU country.

That does not mean opportunities have disappeared. At Mayfair Nannies, we continue to work with families across Europe seeking experienced, professional and English-speaking nannies.

The important difference is that both nannies and families now need to consider immigration and right-to-work requirements before accepting an overseas position.

1. Working in Europe After Brexit

British citizens no longer have an automatic right to work throughout the European Union.

In most EU countries, UK citizens will need a work permit or appropriate visa before starting employment. In many cases, you will also need to have secured a job offer before applying. However, immigration rules are set by individual countries, so the requirements can differ considerably depending on where the position is based. (GOV.UK)

For example, the process for taking a nanny position in France may be different from the requirements for working in Spain, Italy or Germany.

It is therefore important to check the rules for the specific country before accepting a position or making travel arrangements.

Mayfair Nannies does not provide immigration or visa advice. We recommend that nannies and families check the relevant government, embassy or immigration authority for the country concerned and, where necessary, obtain independent professional advice.

2. Finding Nanny Opportunities in Europe

Despite the additional administration introduced by Brexit, European nanny positions remain an important part of the international childcare market.

At Mayfair Nannies, we continue to receive enquiries from families throughout Europe looking for experienced nannies, particularly for positions where excellent English, strong private-household experience, flexibility and educational input are important.

Roles can include:

Permanent live-in and live-out nanny positions
Rota nanny roles
Travelling nanny positions
Governess and governor roles
Maternity nurse positions
Tutor and mentor roles

Each position is different, and a family's ability to employ a British national will depend on the immigration and employment rules of the country in which they are based.

3. Check Your Right to Work Before Accepting a Role

If you are considering a nanny position in Europe, we recommend checking your right to work at an early stage.

Before committing to a role, establish:

Whether you require a visa or work permit
Whether a job offer is required before you can apply
Whether the employing family has any obligations as your employer
How long the application process may take
Whether there are residency, registration, tax or social-security requirements
Whether your proposed working arrangements comply with local employment law

Do not assume that the process will be the same simply because two positions are both within the EU.

The UK Government advises British citizens that a work permit is required in most EU countries, and that a job offer is normally needed before applying for the relevant visa. (GOV.UK)

4. British Nannies With EU Citizenship

The position is much simpler for many nannies who also hold citizenship of an EU country.

EU nationals generally have the right to work in another EU country without obtaining a work permit. Depending on the length of your stay and the country in which you are living, you may still need to complete local residence or registration formalities. (European Union)

If you hold both a British passport and an EU passport, make sure you tell your Mayfair Nannies consultant when registering with us, as it can significantly affect which European positions are available to you.

5. British Citizens Already Living in Europe Before Brexit

There is also an important exception for some British citizens who were already legally living or working in the EU before the end of the Brexit transition period.

If you were legally resident in an EU country before 1 January 2021, your rights may be protected under the Withdrawal Agreement, provided you continue to meet the relevant conditions. (GOV.UK)

Your circumstances will be individual, so you should check your status with the relevant authorities rather than assuming that the standard post-Brexit visa rules apply to you.

6. Preparing for an International Nanny Role

International nanny positions can be extremely rewarding, but preparation is essential.

Before starting your search, make sure your professional documents are up to date, including your:

CV
Passport
Qualifications
First Aid certificate
DBS or relevant police checks
Written references
Driving licence, where appropriate

It is also helpful to consider exactly what type of position you are looking for.

Think about whether you are comfortable with extensive travel, rota schedules, live-in accommodation, working alongside other household staff or relocating for a long-term position.

Being clear about your preferences allows us to introduce you to families and positions that are genuinely suitable.

7. Why Work as a Nanny in Europe?

For the right candidate, working in Europe can provide an exceptional professional and personal experience.

International experience

Working overseas gives you experience of different cultures, family structures and lifestyles and can strengthen an already established nanny career.

Travel opportunities

Many international nanny roles include travel with the family, sometimes across several countries throughout the year.

Career progression

Experience within professional private households, particularly international or fully staffed households, can strengthen your CV and open the door to more senior nanny, rota, governess or household positions later in your career.

Cultural and language experience

Living abroad also provides the opportunity to experience another language and culture while continuing to develop professionally.

8. How Mayfair Nannies Can Help

Mayfair Nannies specialises in introducing experienced childcare professionals to private families in the UK and internationally.

We take the time to understand your experience, career goals and preferences before putting you forward for a position.

Where a European role requires immigration permission, we will make candidates aware that right-to-work requirements need to be considered. However, Mayfair Nannies does not provide legal, immigration or visa advice and cannot guarantee that a particular candidate will qualify for a visa or work permit.

The final responsibility for obtaining the appropriate permission to live and work in a country rests with the candidate and, where applicable, the employing family.

Looking for a Nanny Job in Europe?

Brexit has made working in Europe more complicated for British nannies, but international opportunities remain available.

The key is to understand your right to work, research the requirements of the country concerned and allow sufficient time for any necessary immigration process.

If you are an experienced nanny, maternity nurse, governess, governor, tutor or mentor looking for your next position in Europe or further afield, we would love to hear from you.