Hiring a domestic helper in Dubai has become a common solution for many families seeking support with childcare, cleaning, and elderly care. However, to hire a housemaid or nanny legally in the UAE, sponsors must go through the official process of obtaining a maid visa in Dubai. Whether you’re a UAE resident sponsoring a domestic worker for the first time or renewing a visa, this comprehensive overview will help you stay informed and compliant.
Maid Visa in Dubai: Requirements and Process Guide 2025
What Is a Maid Visa in Dubai?
A maid visa in Dubai is a residency visa issued to domestic helpers (including housemaids, nannies, and cooks), allowing them to legally live and work in a UAE household under the sponsorship of an individual (not a company).
This visa is typically valid for one year, with the option to renew annually. It is governed by the UAE Domestic Labour Law (Federal Law No. 10 of 2017) and regulated by Tadbeer centers and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Who Can Sponsor a Maid Visa in Dubai?
To apply for a maid visa in Dubai, the sponsor must meet certain requirements:
Sponsor Eligibility:
Must be a UAE resident with a valid visa
Minimum monthly salary of AED 25,000 or more
Must be living in a suitable accommodation (villa or large apartment)
The maid must not be related to the sponsor by blood
Additionally, the sponsor must demonstrate the need for domestic help, which is usually accepted based on family size and household responsibilities.
Required Documents for a Maid Visa in Dubai
Both the sponsor and the maid must provide a list of documents:
From the Sponsor:
Passport copy
Emirates ID
Tenancy contract (Ejari)
DEWA bill (utility proof)
Salary certificate or labour contract
Bank statement (3–6 months)
From the Maid (Domestic Worker):
Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
Passport-sized photographs
Entry permit copy (if arriving on a new visa)
Pre-employment medical fitness certificate (upon arrival)
Visa cancellation proof (if transferring from another employer)
All documents must be submitted to a Tadbeer center or via the GDRFA portal.
Cost of a Maid Visa in Dubai (2025)
The total cost of sponsoring a maid visa in Dubai includes several components:
| Item | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Visa application fees | 2,000–2,500 |
| Deposit (refundable) | 2,000 |
| Health insurance | 600–800 |
| Medical fitness test | 350 |
| Emirates ID (2 years) | 370 |
| Typing center/Tadbeer service | 100–200 |
Total Estimated Cost: AED 5,500–7,000 (not including salary or travel expenses)
Fees may vary based on the nationality of the domestic worker, service provider, and optional fast-track services.
Steps to Apply for a Maid Visa in Dubai
Choose the Hiring Route
Direct hire from home country
Transfer of sponsorship within the UAE
Hire through Tadbeer centers
Apply for Entry Permit
Submit documents at Tadbeer or online via GDRFA.Maid Arrives in UAE (if hired from abroad)
Once in the UAE, complete all formalities within 60 days.Undergo Medical Test & Emirates ID Registration
The maid must pass the medical fitness test and complete fingerprinting.Apply for Residency Visa
Submit all documents for final visa stamping.Issue Labour Contract
A domestic worker contract is signed and registered with MOHRE.Provide Health Insurance
It is mandatory for sponsors to provide annual health insurance for the maid.
By following these steps and using a reliable agent or center, securing a maid visa in Dubai becomes much easier.
Maid Visa Medical and Insurance Requirements
Every domestic worker must:
Pass a medical fitness test conducted at a Dubai Health Authority-approved center
Be free from communicable diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis
Be enrolled in mandatory health insurance, covered by the sponsor
Failing the medical exam will result in visa rejection.
Renewal and Cancellation of Maid Visa
Renewal
Maid visas must be renewed annually. The process is similar to the initial application, requiring updated documents and fees.
Cancellation
To cancel the visa, the sponsor must:
Visit GDRFA or Tadbeer
Submit a cancellation request
Pay any outstanding fines
Book an exit ticket for the maid, or transfer sponsorship
Make sure all dues (salary, leave pay, gratuity) are cleared before cancellation.
Important Rules to Remember
Maids are entitled to weekly rest, 30 days of annual leave, and gratuity pay upon visa cancellation after one year.
Employers cannot confiscate passports or restrict movement unlawfully.
Violations of the UAE Labour Law may result in legal penalties and blacklisting.
Hiring responsibly ensures a fair and safe working environment for both parties.
Conclusion: Secure Your Maid Visa with Mahad Manpower Dubai
Sponsoring a maid in Dubai is a big responsibility but it doesn’t have to be stressful. By following the right procedures and understanding the current laws, you can provide valuable help for your home while staying compliant with UAE regulations.
If you’re unsure where to start, Mahad Manpower Dubai is here to help. We simplify the entire process of hiring, documentation, visa application, and onboarding, so you can focus on what matters bringing trusted support into your home