Are you considering hiring a domestic helper in Dubai but unsure how much it will cost or what the visa process looks like? As Dubai continues to evolve into a fast-paced metropolitan hub, many families rely on household maids to manage their homes and care for children or the elderly.
Getting a maid visa is not just about convenience, it is a legal requirement if you’re planning to hire live-in help. The cost and procedures associated with sponsoring a maid visa in Dubai vary based on whether you choose private sponsorship or a licensed agency service.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from fees and documents to step-by-step procedures, renewal costs, and legal responsibilities. Let’s begin by understanding what a maid visa is and why it’s crucial in Dubai.
What Is a Maid Visa in Dubai?
In Dubai, a maid visa is an official residency permit issued to domestic workers, allowing them to live and work legally with the family that sponsors them. This includes roles like housemaids, nannies, caregivers, and cleaners. The visa is usually valid for two years and must be renewed upon expiry.
This type of visa is significant because hiring a domestic worker without legal sponsorship can result in fines, penalties, and even deportation. The UAE government takes labour compliance seriously, especially with domestic workers.
Here’s why a maid visa holds importance in Dubai:
- Ensures legal employment status for domestic helpers
- Protects both the employer and the maid under UAE labour laws
- Provides access to healthcare and insurance for the maid
- Offers legal recourse in case of any employment disputes
- Keeps sponsors compliant with Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) regulations
With legal documentation in place, families can hire help confidently, knowing their maid is covered under UAE labour rights. It also offers peace of mind and builds trust between employer and employee. In summary, a maid visa in Dubai is not just a formality – it’s a vital step toward lawful and ethical domestic employment.
How Much Does a Maid Visa Cost in Dubai in 2025?
Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to understand how much a maid visa in Dubai costs. This cost varies based on how you sponsor the maid, privately or through a licensed agency. On average, the cost ranges between AED 8,500 and AED 17,000 for a two-year period.
Cost Range Overview: AED 8,500 to AED 17,000
The lower end of the spectrum applies if you go through approved service centers, while private sponsorship tends to be more expensive due to fewer bundled services.
- Tadbeer and agency centers: From AED 8,500
- Private sponsorship: Around AED 17,000
- Medical test fees: AED 500 to AED 800
- Emirates ID: AED 270
- Visa stamping: AED 200 to AED 300
- Typing center fees: AED 218
- Annual immigration fee: AED 5,520
Factors That Influence Maid Visa Fees
The cost may vary depending on:
- Whether you apply privately or through a service center
- The maid’s nationality
- Visa validity duration
- Whether it’s a new visa or a renewal
- PRO services and fast-track options
- Health insurance type and coverage
- Additional administrative charges
Table: Breakdown of Costs
| Service Components | Through Tadbeer (AED) | Private Sponsorship (AED) |
| Visa Fees (2 Years) | 8,500+ | 17,000 |
| Medical Fitness Test | Included | 500 – 800 |
| Emirates ID | Included | 270 |
| Health Insurance | Included | 750 – 1,500 |
| Residency Stamping | Included | 200 – 300 |
| Typing Center | Included | 218 |
| PRO Services | Included | May require extra charges |
| Total Approximate Cost | 8,500+ | 17,000+ |
The cost is one of the most critical considerations when applying for a maid visa. While private options may offer flexibility, government-approved centers often provide more transparent pricing and better coverage.
What Are the Sponsorship Options for a Maid Visa?
Choosing how to sponsor a maid is the first major decision in the visa process. Dubai provides two primary options: government-authorized centers and private sponsorship. Each has its own process, cost, and flexibility.
Government Channels vs. Private Sponsorship
Government channels such as Tadbeer centers operate under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
These centers offer comprehensive visa packages, which typically include:
- Visa application and processing
- Entry permits
- Medical tests
- Emirates ID
- Health insurance
- Residency visa stamping
Private sponsorship, on the other hand, allows you to hire and sponsor a maid directly. While this gives you control over the choice of the maid, it requires more legwork and higher individual costs.
Pros and Cons of Each Method
Government-Sponsored (e.g., Tadbeer Centers):
Pros:
- Transparent costs
- Full service from entry to visa stamping
- Legal compliance and guidance
- Optional WPS bank account setup for salary payments
Cons:
- Less flexibility in maid selection
- Must follow Tadbeer placement process
Private Sponsorship:
Pros:
- Full freedom to choose a maid from any country
- Control over hiring process and contract details
Cons:
- Requires security deposit (typically AED 2,000)
- You handle all steps independently
- Additional cost for typing, PRO, and medical services
Who Qualifies for Each Type of Sponsorship?
- Tadbeer: Available to all UAE residents with valid documentation
- Private Sponsorship: Requires a minimum monthly income of AED 25,000 and a two-bedroom home. Bachelors are not eligible.
Choosing the right sponsorship method can affect not just your budget but also your comfort and control over the hiring process.
What Are the Steps to Apply for a Maid Visa in Dubai?
Applying for a maid visa involves several steps that require accuracy, planning, and the correct documentation. Whether you’re going through a service center or applying privately, the steps are largely the same.
Eligibility Criteria for You (The Sponsor)
To be eligible to sponsor a maid, you must meet the following:
- Be a UAE resident with a valid residency visa
- Earn a minimum salary of AED 25,000 monthly
- Reside in at least a two-bedroom apartment
- Hold a valid Emirates ID
- Be legally married (bachelors are not eligible)
- Provide insurance for the domestic worker
Eligibility Requirements for the Domestic Worker
- Must be over 18 years of age
- Should not hold any other valid work visa
- Must pass a medical fitness test upon arrival
- Originating from approved countries (e.g., India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, etc.)
Step-by-Step Process from Entry Permit to Visa Stamping
- Submit Application: Fill out the visa form through a typing center or Tadbeer service
- Get Entry Permit: Required for the maid to enter the UAE legally
- Medical Fitness Test: Completed at an authorized health center in the UAE
- Apply for Emirates ID: Must be done within 10 days of medical results
- Sign Employment Contract: Must follow MoHRE’s contract template with detailed terms
- Purchase Health Insurance: Mandatory and varies by insurance provider
- Visa Stamping: Final step where the residency visa is stamped in the maid’s passport
Once these steps are completed, your maid is legally authorized to live and work under your sponsorship for two years.
What Are the Documents Required for a Maid Visa?
Documentation is one of the most critical parts of the maid visa application process. Missing or incorrect documents can delay approval or result in rejection.
Required Documents from the Sponsor
- Typed visa application form
- Copies of the sponsor’s and spouse’s passports and residency visas
- Original Emirates ID
- Marriage certificate
- Tenancy contract (minimum two-bedroom)
- Salary certificate and labour contract
- Last three months’ bank statements
- No relationship affidavit (if the maid is from the same nationality)
- Additional justification for more than 5 maids (if applicable)
Required Documents from the Maid
- Copy of valid passport
- Passport-size photographs
- Medical fitness certificate
- Previous visa (if in UAE)
- Proof of cancellation of previous work permit
Common Reasons for Delays or Rejections
- Incomplete forms or missing documents
- Not meeting income or housing requirements
- Medical test failures
- Incorrect or outdated tenancy details
- Bachelors applying (not permitted)
Getting your documents right the first time helps ensure a smooth visa process. Consider professional support if you’re unsure about document preparation.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Maid Visa?
Visa renewal is necessary every two years. While the renewal process is simpler than a new application, it still involves certain costs and procedures.
Renewal Fees and Timeline
- Renewal cost typically ranges from AED 5,500 to AED 7,000
- Application must be submitted before the current visa expires
- Renewal usually takes 5 to 10 working days
Mandatory Medical Tests and Insurance Updates
- Medical fitness test: AED 500 to AED 800
- Health insurance renewal: AED 750 to AED 1,500
- Emirates ID renewal and biometric update
Cost Comparison: Initial Visa vs. Renewal
| Cost Components | New Visa (AED) | Renewal (AED) |
| Visa Application | 8,500 – 17,000 | 5,500 – 7,000 |
| Medical Test | Included | 500 – 800 |
| Emirates ID | Included | 270 |
| Health Insurance | Included | 750 – 1,500 |
Renewing a maid visa ensures continuity and compliance. Budget accordingly, as the renewal also comes with health and ID costs.
What Legal Rights and Responsibilities Come with Sponsoring a Maid?
Sponsoring a maid in Dubai comes with legal obligations defined by the UAE Domestic Labour Law.
The maid is entitled to:
- Salary is paid within 10 days from the due date
- One paid rest day per week
- 12 hours of daily rest, including 8 consecutive hours
- 30 days of annual paid leave
- Round-trip ticket every 2 years
- 30 days of paid sick leave annually
- Accommodation, food, and clothing
- Possession of personal documents like a passport and an ID
As a sponsor, you must ensure a safe, respectful, and non-discriminatory working environment. Violating these terms can result in fines and legal actions.
Can You Cancel or Transfer a Maid Visa in Dubai?
Yes, it is possible to cancel or transfer a maid visa. Cancellation must be done by the current sponsor through government portals or service centers.
- Visa cancellation must be initiated officially and completed before leaving the UAE
- Transfer of sponsorship requires mutual agreement and MoHRE approval
- Pending dues, tickets, and proper documentation must be settled before transfer
While cancellation is straightforward, transferring sponsorship should be handled professionally to avoid legal complications.
What Should You Know Before Hiring a Maid in Dubai?
Before bringing domestic help into your household, several key factors must be considered for a smooth and legal experience.
Things to Consider: Cost, Nationality, Duties
- Confirm the total visa cost, including medical, ID, and insurance
- Choose a nationality that aligns with your household’s needs
- Clearly define the maid’s duties, like childcare, cleaning, or cooking
Long-Term Responsibilities and Cultural Expectations
- Understand cultural differences and promote mutual respect
- Treat the maid as part of your family to build trust and comfort
- Maintain clear and regular communication for efficient home management
Importance of Clear Contracts
- Sign a legally binding employment contract following MoHRE guidelines
- Include salary, duties, working hours, leaves, and rest days
- Revisit and renew contracts upon visa renewal for transparency
Being informed and well-prepared helps in building a respectful and long-term working relationship with your maid.
Conclusion
Sponsoring a maid in Dubai involves more than just hiring help. It is a regulated legal process requiring detailed documentation, financial planning, and compliance with UAE labour laws.
While the process may seem extensive, the convenience, support, and peace of mind a domestic worker offers make it worthwhile for many residents.
Whether you choose a Tadbeer center or go through private sponsorship, ensuring legal adherence benefits both you and your maid. By staying informed and following the correct steps, you can manage your household efficiently while staying on the right side of the law.
FAQs
Who regulates domestic workers in UAE?
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) oversees the regulation of domestic workers across the UAE.
What is the cost of maid visa in Dubai?
The maid visa cost ranges from AED 8,500 to AED 17,000, depending on the sponsorship method.
How to contact Tadbeer?
You can reach Tadbeer by phone or email or visit one of their service centers across Dubai for maid visa services.
How to renew a maid visa in Dubai?
Renew the visa before expiry by submitting necessary forms, undergoing medical tests, and updating insurance and Emirates ID.
Can you cancel a maid visa in Dubai?
Yes, maid visas can be cancelled by the sponsor through official channels like GDRFA or a service center.
What is the age limit for maid visa in Dubai?
The maid must be at least 18 years old and can work beyond 60 with medical clearance and government approval.
Can I bring my own maid to Dubai?
Yes, if you meet the legal and income requirements, you can sponsor your existing maid from your home country.
