Migration QueenIn recent years, the demand for domestic workers in the UAE has grown significantly, especially in Dubai, where many families rely on maids for household support. If you are planning to sponsor a housemaid or apply for a domestic helper visa, understanding the requirements, procedures, costs, and legal obligations for a Maid Visa Dubai is crucial.
This comprehensive guide provides all the information you need about the Maid Visa Dubai, from eligibility and application processes to renewal and cancellation procedures, including costs and legal updates for 2025.
What is a Maid Visa in Dubai?
A Maid Visa Dubai is a type of domestic worker visa that allows residents (usually families or individuals) to legally employ a full-time live-in maid or domestic helper. The visa is valid for one year and is renewable annually. This visa falls under the domestic labor category regulated by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and Tadbeer Centers—government-approved service centers managing domestic worker affairs in the UAE.
Who Can Sponsor a Maid in Dubai?
Not everyone in Dubai is eligible to sponsor a maid. To apply for a Maid Visa Dubai, the sponsor must:
- Be a resident of Dubai with a valid UAE residence visa.
- Be married and living with family.
- Have a minimum monthly salary of AED 25,000 or more (updated in 2025).
- Live in a suitable accommodation with a separate room for the maid.
- Agree to sponsor the maid on a full-time live-in basis.
Note: Unmarried individuals, bachelors, and companies cannot sponsor a maid in Dubai.
Eligible Nationalities for Maids in Dubai
According to UAE labor laws, employers can hire maids from specific countries approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the respective embassies. Eligible nationalities for the Maid Visa Dubai include:
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Uganda
Always check with the relevant consulate or Tadbeer center for any bilateral agreements or restrictions on hiring domestic workers from specific countries.
Step-by-Step Process to Get a Maid Visa in Dubai
The application for a Maid Visa Dubai involves several steps and requires coordination with Tadbeer or a registered typing center.
Step 1: Visit a Tadbeer Center
Tadbeer centers, approved by the UAE government, are the main platforms through which you apply for and manage domestic worker visas in Dubai.
- Locate your nearest Tadbeer center.
- Choose from the available packages (Direct Sponsorship, Tadbeer Sponsorship, or Transfer).
Step 2: Choose Your Package
There are typically three main types of packages for a Maid Visa Dubai:
- Direct Sponsorship: You hire a maid yourself and sponsor her directly.
- Tadbeer Sponsorship: The Tadbeer center sponsors the maid, and you enter into a contractual agreement.
- Transfer Package: For transferring a maid already in Dubai to your sponsorship.
Step 3: Documentation
The following documents are required:
From the Sponsor:
- Passport copy (with valid UAE residency)
- Emirates ID
- Labor contract/salary certificate (if private sector/government)
- Tenancy contract (Ejari)
- Bank statement (3-6 months)
- Marriage certificate (attested)
- DEWA bill
From the Maid:
- Passport copy (valid at least 6 months)
- Passport-size photos (white background)
- Medical fitness report (from approved center)
- Entry permit (if outside UAE)
Step 4: Medical and Emirates ID
After the maid enters Dubai:
- She must undergo mandatory medical tests.
- Apply for Emirates ID.
- Sign the standard labor contract.
Cost of Maid Visa in Dubai (2025)
The cost of a Maid Visa Dubai depends on the package you choose and whether the maid is already in the UAE or needs to be recruited from abroad.
Typical Costs Breakdown:
| Expense | Cost (AED) |
| Entry Permit | 500 – 600 |
| Medical Tests | 325 – 450 |
| Emirates ID (1 year) | 270 – 375 |
| Visa Stamping | 500 – 1,000 |
| Insurance (optional but recommended) | 700 – 1,500 |
| Typing Center Charges | 200 – 300 |
| Tadbeer Package | 8,000 – 18,000+ (depending on nationality & experience) |
| Refundable Deposit | 2,000 (in some cases) |
Total cost of Maid Visa Dubai typically ranges between AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 depending on the service package and nationality of the domestic worker.
Responsibilities of the Employer (Sponsor)
When you sponsor a maid under the Maid Visa Dubai, you assume several responsibilities including:
- Providing monthly salary (as per minimum wage guidelines of the maid’s home country).
- Providing accommodation, food, and clothing.
- Covering medical insurance and treatment.
- Providing one return flight ticket every two years.
- Observing legal working hours and weekly rest days.
Failure to comply can result in fines, blacklisting, or cancellation of the visa.
Salary Guidelines for Maids in Dubai
There is no fixed minimum wage mandated by UAE law, but embassies of sending countries recommend minimum salary thresholds:
| Nationality | Recommended Monthly Salary (AED) |
| Philippines | 1,500 – 1,700 |
| India | 1,100 – 1,300 |
| Indonesia | 1,000 – 1,200 |
| Sri Lanka | 825 – 1,100 |
| Nepal | 900 – 1,200 |
| Ethiopia | 800 – 1,000 |
These amounts are negotiable, but must be clearly stated in the labor contract signed through Tadbeer.
Renewing a Maid Visa in Dubai
A Maid Visa Dubai is valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
Renewal Process:
- Start 2-4 weeks before expiry.
- Repeat medical examination.
- Renew Emirates ID.
- Submit updated labor contract (if applicable).
- Pay renewal fees (similar to initial visa cost).
Note: Delays in renewing may attract overstay fines for the maid and legal issues for the sponsor.
Cancelling a Maid Visa in Dubai
If you no longer require the services of a maid or the contract ends, you must legally cancel the visa.
Steps to Cancel:
- Submit a cancellation request through a Tadbeer center.
- Provide air ticket for the maid’s return.
- Return Emirates ID and cancel medical insurance.
- Get exit confirmation from GDRFA.
Legal Regulations and Recent Updates (2025)
The UAE Domestic Labor Law, last updated in 2022 and enforced through Federal Decree-Law No. (9) of 2022, protects the rights of both employers and domestic workers. Key provisions include:
- Maximum working hours: 12 hours/day with 8 hours continuous rest.
- Weekly rest day: One day off per week.
- Right to retain passport: Maids can legally keep their passports.
- End-of-service benefits: 14 days of wage per year of service after completion of the contract.
The UAE continues to improve domestic labor protections, so always stay updated through official portals like UAE MOHRE and GDRFA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can bachelors sponsor a maid in Dubai?
No, only married male residents living with family and earning above AED 25,000/month are eligible to sponsor a Maid Visa Dubai.
2. Can I hire a maid part-time in Dubai?
You cannot sponsor a maid for part-time work under the Maid Visa Dubai scheme. However, licensed cleaning agencies provide part-time services legally.
3. What if the maid absconds or refuses to work?
File an absconding report at GDRFA or a complaint at Tadbeer. Employers should never withhold salaries or personal documents as retaliation.
Final Thoughts
The process of obtaining a Maid Visa Dubai may seem overwhelming at first, but with proper planning and by following the legal procedures, you can easily bring a domestic helper into your home. The UAE government, through initiatives like Tadbeer, has streamlined the process to protect both the rights of employers and domestic workers.
If you’re considering hiring a maid in Dubai in 2025, ensure you meet all requirements and budget for both initial and ongoing costs. Always stay informed through official government channels to remain compliant with labor and immigration laws.
References
UAE MOHRE – Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
GDRFA – General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai
Tadbeer Centers – Approved Domestic Worker Services
UAE Official Portal
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