So you’ve finally made the decision to pack up your London home and move to that sun-drenched villa in Ibiza or the sleek penthouse in Monaco. Maybe you’re relocating to Geneva for work, or heading stateside to explore opportunities in New York. Whatever the scenario, a move abroad can be exhilarating – but it can also be overwhelming when you’re juggling visas, bank accounts, and children’s schooling alongside your day-to-day life.
For high-net-worth families, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring continuity in household and childcare support. How do you find a nanny in another country? What about an estate manager who understands local customs or a housekeeper fluent in the local language? Let’s dive into the essentials of international household and childcare recruitment, so your new adventure can feel a little more like home.
Why international household staff and childcare matter
For families with multiple residences – or those simply taking the plunge and relocating for the first time – having consistent, high-quality help can make all the difference. Whether it’s a nanny who knows your child’s routine by heart, or a house manager who keeps the cogs turning, the right support network frees you to settle into your new surroundings without scrambling to reinvent your home life.
Key benefits of maintaining reliable staff when relocating:
- Consistency for children: Kids often find the relocation process unsettling. A familiar nanny, tutor, or governess helps ease that transition – especially if they’re well-versed in the local education system or cultural activities.
- Stress relief: From logistical tasks (moving, unpacking, sorting utilities) to everyday chores (grocery shopping, cleaning), the right household staff takes admin off your plate.
- Security and peace of mind: Having experienced, vetted professionals around ensures your new home remains safe and well-managed, allowing you to focus on work or personal interests.
The unique challenges of cross-border recruitment
1. Legalities and visas
It’s easy to overlook local regulations when you’re caught up in the excitement of a move. But each country has its own work permit requirements and labour laws. If you plan to relocate your existing household staff, you might need to manage sponsorship or visa applications. Alternatively, if you’re hiring from scratch overseas, you’ll need an agency that understands local paperwork and compliance.
2. Cultural nuances
Hiring staff in Switzerland differs from hiring in the Middle East or Monaco. You might need a Spanish-speaking nanny in Ibiza or a housekeeper who’s savvy about French etiquette. Understanding cultural norms is crucial not just for day-to-day living, but also for fostering a comfortable environment for the entire household.
3. Language barriers
If you move to a country where English isn’t the primary language, you may need staff who can act as a go-between – handling local service providers, translation, and even school communications for your children.
4. Security checks across borders
Background checks can be complicated when a candidate’s work history spans multiple countries. Ensuring they are thoroughly vetted – criminal records, reference checks, qualifications – takes on a whole new layer of complexity.
Who might you need?
Most families consider a blend of household and childcare roles depending on their lifestyle:
- Nanny or Governess: For parents with young children, having a trusted nanny is invaluable. If your kids are older, a governess who can support academic needs – especially in a new language – can be a game-changer.
- Housekeeper or Domestic Couple: Tasks like laundry, cleaning, meal prep, and general maintenance often multiply when you’re settling into a new environment. A professional housekeeper, or a couple who collectively handles cooking and upkeep, keeps everything running smoothly.
- House Manager or Estate Manager: Ideal for larger properties or families splitting time between multiple residences. These managers coordinate maintenance, oversee other staff, and liaise with local contractors – particularly handy if you don’t speak the language.
- Private Chef: Not all families require this, but if you entertain frequently or have specific dietary requirements, a chef can transform each meal into a delightful, hassle-free experience.
Practical tips for a seamless transition
1. Plan early
As soon as you have a tentative relocation date, start speaking to a specialist recruitment agency. Sourcing and vetting the right candidate can take time – particularly if they need to relocate or if they’re subject to local regulations.
2. Be clear on expectations
Draft a thorough role description: what languages are needed? Will they need to drive? Do you want them to travel between properties? The more detail you can provide, the quicker you’ll pinpoint the perfect candidate.
3. Understand local employment law
In countries like France or Germany, employment contracts can be more rigid than in the UK. Make sure your agency has a grip on any probation periods, holiday entitlements, and notice requirements.
4. Consider relocation support
If you’re relocating an existing staff member, they may need help finding accommodation, sorting out local healthcare, or navigating public transport. Factoring in this support upfront can boost loyalty and reduce any hiccups once they arrive.
5. Don’t skip the ‘soft landing’
When your staff arrives, ensure they have an induction period or orientation, just as you would in any new job. Show them how the local supermarket is laid out, introduce them to neighbours if appropriate, and help them settle into the community. It’s not just about ticking boxes – it’s about making them feel at ease, which ultimately benefits your household too.
How 19 London supports your global move
Although many people associate 19 London with placements in and around the UK, our reach extends far beyond that. We have had the privilege to recruit for heads of state, global royal households, and high-profile individuals – as well as successful professionals who simply need reliable, professional help. Over the years, we’ve successfully placed nannies, housekeepers, estate managers, and other household staff for clients in Europe (including Monaco, Switzerland, France, Germany, Spain, and Ibiza), the Middle East, the US, Canada, and beyond.
- Tailored vetting: We conduct reference checks, DBS/criminal screenings, and confirm each candidate’s qualifications – even when their experience spans multiple countries.
- Local know-how: From visa regulations to cultural awareness, we aim to guide clients through the complexities of international recruitment.
- Replacement policies: Moving abroad is stressful enough, so we do our utmost to find the right fit first time. If things change unexpectedly, we’re here to help you get back on track.
Looking to the future: trends in international household recruitment
With more people than ever leading global lifestyles – sometimes dividing their time among several countries – flexible, well-travelled household staff are in higher demand. For example:
- Multilingual caregivers: Increasingly, families want a nanny or governess who can teach their children a second (or even third!) language.
- Adaptable remote/administrative support: While childcare is hands-on, certain tasks – like managing bills, organising travel, or booking local appointments – can be handled remotely by a Personal Assistant or Chief of Staff located elsewhere.
- Upskilling and professional development: The best household staff keep their skills sharp, whether that’s through advanced first-aid courses or new child development certifications.
Final thoughts
Uprooting your life to a different country can be one of the most exciting decisions you’ll ever make. Yet it can also bring countless unknowns – especially if you’re moving with children or juggling multiple homes. Having the right household and childcare support by your side can ease the transition and make your new city feel like home far faster than you’d imagine.
Whether you need a bilingual nanny in Monaco, a seasoned estate manager in Switzerland, or a domestic couple who can handle your Ibiza villa, planning early and partnering with a premier recruitment agency like 19 London are the keys to success. Give yourself the best chance of enjoying every moment of your overseas adventure – knowing your household is running smoothly, your children are cared for, and your staff feel supported, wherever in the world you go.