If you’re considering becoming a domestic helper in Dubai, getting a maid visa in Dubai is the first step. It’s like unlocking the door to a world of opportunities in one of the Middle East’s most vibrant cities. It’s not just about paperwork and formalities—it’s about understanding what it takes to make your dream a reality. From gathering your documents to getting through health checks, each step is like a puzzle that fits into your bigger picture. And let’s not forget that knowing what being a maid in Dubai means is crucial. So, let’s dive in together and make this journey smooth sailing!
Advantages of Hiring a Maid in Dubai or the UAE
For busy entrepreneurs and business owners, time is of the essence. Many opt to enlist assistance, often in the form of a nanny or maid. In the UAE, hiring domestic help is commonplace, and for good reason:
Cost-effectiveness
Contrary to popular belief, hiring a maid in Dubai or the UAE is more affordable than expected. While employers must adhere to minimum wage standards, the overall expense is often lower than hourly agency rates.
Building Trusting Relationships
Bringing a live-in maid into your home fosters a trusting bond, with many becoming cherished household members. This continuity minimises disruption and ensures reliable support.
Enhanced Focus on Business
Delegating household tasks to a maid frees up valuable time and energy, allowing you to concentrate on growing your business and enjoying quality time with loved ones.
Versatile Domestic Assistance
Maids often possess various skills, from cooking and cleaning to childcare. This versatility offers a convenient and cost-effective alternative to hiring multiple specialists separately.
Job Creation
Employing domestic help benefits your household and contributes to job creation. Many seeking such positions have families to support, and the demand for assistance continues to rise.
Compliance with Legal Requirements
Obtaining a maid visa ensures compliance with UAE labour laws, safeguarding both employer and employee. Hiring workers informally or on a cash basis can lead to legal repercussions, highlighting the importance of lawful employment practices.
New law by MoHRE
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has introduced a new law, Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022, which came into effect on December 15, 2022. This law outlines regulations regarding the recruitment and employment of domestic workers in the UAE. According to the new decree law, individuals seeking to hire domestic workers must obtain a license from the MoHRE before proceeding with the recruitment process.
Employer Responsibilities Towards Domestic Workers
Employers are responsible for adhering to the UAE’s regulations when hiring domestic workers. This entails honouring the terms outlined in the employment contract and fulfilling various obligations, such as:
- Providing necessary facilities for the worker to carry out their duties efficiently
- Ensuring suitable accommodation
- Supplying meals and clothing as required
- Making timely payments of remuneration
- Offering medical care or health insurance coverage
- Respecting the worker’s rights and ensuring a safe working environment
Duties of Domestic Workers
Domestic workers are obligated to adhere to the terms specified in their employment contracts, as well as the following:
- Perform assigned tasks under the supervision of the employer and in accordance with the terms of the contract.
- Maintain a high level of care and diligence in carrying out their responsibilities.
- Avoid absenteeism without a valid explanation.
- Respect the customs and traditions of the UAE community.
- Follow the employer’s instructions regarding the completion of agreed-upon tasks.
- Care for and responsibly manage personal belongings, following appropriate safety procedures for disposal when necessary.
- Respect the privacy of the workplace.
- Ensure that work tools and items are kept in designated locations within the workplace.
- Assist in emergencies or hazards that endanger the workplace and its occupants.
Which Categories Are Exempt from Regulation?
Under the UAE’s recent domestic worker legislation, the hiring of maids and nannies is restricted to licensed agencies. However, certain residents, such as those holding Golden Visas, are permitted to directly sponsor domestic help.
Eligibility Requirements for a Maid Visa in Dubai (2025)
Hiring a domestic maid in Dubai offers numerous benefits, but understanding the eligibility requirements for sponsoring a maid visa is essential. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Eligibility Criteria for Domestic Workers:
- Age: Must be over 18 years old.
- Work Permit: Should not hold any other valid work permit in the UAE.
- Health: Must pass a medical fitness test conducted by UAE government-approved centres.
2. Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors/Employers:
- Minimum Income: Must earn a minimum salary of AED 25,000 per month.
- Residency Status: Must have a valid UAE residency visa and Emirates ID.
- Accommodation: Must own or rent a home in Dubai with at least two bedrooms.
- Nationality Hiring Restrictions: Can hire maids from India, the Philippines, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, or Sri Lanka.
- Medical Insurance: Required to provide comprehensive medical insurance for the maid.
- Bachelors: Currently, bachelors are not permitted to sponsor maids in Dubai.
For more information, refer to the official UAE government website for domestic worker regulations.
How To Get a Maid Visa in Dubai, UAE
Below is the process of how to get your maid to Dubai:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet the criteria for sponsoring a home worker in the UAE.
Step 2: Choose a Method
Decide whether to engage a specialized agency or use Tadbeer centres to facilitate the process. Tadbeer centres offer various service packages to suit your needs.
Step 3: Prepare Documents
Gather the necessary documentation, similar to applying for your own visa:
- Completed application form
- Copies of maid’s and sponsor’s passports
- Sponsor’s residence visas
- Attested marriage certificate
- Original Emirates ID
- Affidavit of non-relationship (if applicable)
- Maid’s Medical Fitness Certificate
- Bank statement (last three months)
- Proof of accommodation (minimum two-bedroom tenancy contract)
- Salary certificate or labour contract
- Labor contract from sponsor’s employer
- Three passport photos of the maid
Step 4: Bring the Maid to Dubai
Once you’ve identified the right candidate, begin the sponsorship process:
- Apply for the maid’s work permit
- Arrange a Medical Fitness exam and Emirates ID registration
- Obtain the Domestic Worker Identity Card
Step 5: Obtain Emirates ID
Acquire the maid’s Emirates ID through an authorised typist or official government portals.
Maid Visa Costs in Dubai (2025)
The cost of a 2-year maid visa in Dubai varies depending on the method of application:
1. Applying through Tadbeer Centres:
- Cost: Starts from AED 8,500*
- Includes:
- Fully sponsored visa
- Medical fitness test
- Health insurance
- Emirates ID
- Free WPS bank account
- PRO services and more
2. Private Sponsorship:
- Cost: Approximately AED 17,000*
- Additional Deposit: AED 2,000*
Breakdown of General Expenses:
- Visa application fees
- Typing centre charges
- Health insurance costs
- Medical fitness test fees
- Labour contract charges
- Emirates ID and worker ID fees
- Renewal and cancellation fees (if applicable)
For a detailed cost estimate tailored to your needs, consult with Shuraa Business Setup experts. Contact us today for professional guidance!
How to Renew a Maid Visa in Dubai, UAE
To renew your maid’s visa, follow these steps:
- Get a renewal application and an online medical request form from an authorized typist.
- Fill out the forms completely.
- Pay the required fees.
- Submit the forms to any General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) office near you.
How to Cancel a Maid Visa in Dubai, UAE
Cancelling a maid visa is straightforward and can be done quickly. You can seek assistance from a typing centre or handle it yourself online through the GDRFA website.
How to Get a Maid Visa through Shuraa
Located in the heart of Dubai, Shuraa Business Setup provides assistance with maid visas for individuals whose sponsors possess a business license and visa issued by Shuraa. In addition to guiding you through the maid visa process, we offer efficient and adaptable business setup solutions in the UAE.
Shuraa Business Setup offers a range of support services, including assistance with house help visas. Whether you require assistance with obtaining new visas, renewing existing ones, or cancelling visas for various categories such as drivers and domestic helpers, we’ve got you covered.
For inquiries or assistance, you can contact us at +97144081900 or send a WhatsApp message to +971507775554. Alternatively, reach out via email at [email protected] for prompt support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What exactly is a Maid Visa in Dubai?
A maid visa in Dubai is a visa that allows UAE residents to sponsor their domestic workers. Commonly known as a housemaid or nanny visa in Dubai, it grants permission for individuals to sponsor their household staff.
Typically, the maid visa in Dubai lasts two years; the visa requires annual renewal by the sponsor to maintain the maid’s employment. Moreover, there’s a stipulation that the visa must be cancelled after a set period, usually around four years. After this time, the aid must exit the UAE for at least six months before being eligible to reapply for a fresh visa.
Q2. Can I Employ a Maid Using Her Own Visa?
Domestic workers must be hired through licensed agencies as per UAE regulations.
Q3. Can I Hire a Maid Directly in Dubai, without an Agency?
It’s feasible to employ a maid without agency involvement, but this must comply with UAE laws and regulations on domestic worker employment.
Q4. Is it possible for a Single Man to Hire a Maid?
No, bachelors are not permitted to sponsor maids in Dubai, UAE.
Q5. What is the Maximum Age Limit for Maids?
Domestic workers over 60 years old can continue working in the UAE if they meet specific criteria:
- They must be medically fit per a certificate issued by UAE government authorities.
- The family or employer hiring the worker is responsible for covering all medical expenses related to the worker’s treatment.
