Hiring a maid in Dubai can be a great help for households that require extra assistance with cleaning, cooking, childcare, or elderly care. However, employing domestic help in the UAE is subject to specific rules and procedures, and obtaining a maid visa in Dubai is a crucial part of the process. If you are planning to sponsor a maid in Dubai, it’s important to understand the legal requirements, documents needed, and each step involved. This guide will walk you through the process, from eligibility to final approval, so you can complete the procedure smoothly and lawfully.
1. Understanding the Maid Visa in Dubai
A maid visa, officially known as a domestic worker visa, is issued under the sponsorship of an individual or family residing in Dubai. This visa allows the maid or domestic helper to live and work legally in the UAE for a fixed term, usually one year, and it can be renewed annually.
The UAE government has established clear laws under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to protect both the employer and the employee. These laws ensure fair treatment, timely salary payments, and defined working hours for domestic workers.
2. Eligibility Criteria for Sponsoring a Maid
Not everyone residing in Dubai can sponsor a maid. The eligibility requirements generally include:
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Income Requirement – The sponsor (employer) must earn a minimum monthly salary as set by UAE law (often around AED 10,000–12,000, depending on the Emirate).
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Type of Residence – Only families or individuals with valid UAE residency can sponsor a maid.
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Nationality Restrictions – Maids must come from countries approved by the UAE government for domestic work, such as the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Ethiopia.
These criteria ensure that the sponsor has the financial and legal capability to employ and support the maid during her stay.
3. Deciding Between Direct Hiring and Agency Hiring
Before starting the visa process, you should decide whether to:
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Hire directly from the maid’s home country – This often involves more paperwork but allows you to personally select the worker and potentially negotiate terms directly.
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Hire through a registered recruitment agency – Agencies handle most of the paperwork, medical tests, and travel arrangements for the maid. However, this option usually comes with higher costs due to service fees.
4. Required Documents for a Maid Visa in Dubai
The documents needed for sponsoring a maid usually include:
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Passport copy of the maid (valid for at least six months)
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Passport-size photos of the maid (with white background)
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Your (sponsor’s) passport and UAE residence visa copies
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Sponsor’s Emirates ID
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Proof of income (salary certificate or labour contract)
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Tenancy contract showing adequate accommodation
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Affidavit of non-relationship (if applicable, depending on the maid’s nationality)
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Maid’s medical fitness certificate (after arrival)
It’s important to ensure that all documents are valid, complete, and translated into Arabic where required.
5. Step-by-Step Maid Visa Process in Dubai
The process for obtaining a maid visa generally follows these stages:
Step 1: Entry Permit Application
If the maid is coming from abroad, the first step is to apply for an entry permit. This allows her to legally enter the UAE. You can apply for this permit through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.
Step 2: Arrival in Dubai
Once the entry permit is approved, the maid can travel to Dubai. If she is already in the UAE on a different visa, you may need to apply for a status change to start the employment process.
Step 3: Medical Fitness Test
Within 30 days of arrival, the maid must undergo a medical test at a government-approved health centre. The test checks for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. Only those who pass the test are eligible for a work visa.
Step 4: Emirates ID Registration
After passing the medical test, the maid must register for an Emirates ID at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). This ID will serve as her official identification in the UAE.
Step 5: Visa Stamping on Passport
Once the medical test and Emirates ID application are complete, you can proceed with visa stamping. The maid’s passport will be stamped with a residence visa that typically lasts for one year.
Step 6: Signing the Employment Contract
Both the sponsor and the maid must sign an official employment contract outlining salary, job duties, working hours, annual leave, and other terms. This contract must be registered with the MOHRE.
6. Costs Involved in a Maid Visa in Dubai
The cost of sponsoring a maid can vary depending on nationality, recruitment method, and agency fees. Typical expenses include:
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Entry permit fees
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Medical test fees
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Emirates ID application fees
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Visa stamping charges
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Agency fees (if applicable)
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Airfare to bring the maid from her home country
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Security deposit (refundable in some cases)
In addition to visa costs, sponsors are responsible for the maid’s monthly salary, food, accommodation, and return ticket at the end of employment.
7. Renewing a Maid Visa in Dubai
A maid visa is typically valid for one year. Renewal must be done before expiry to avoid fines. The renewal process involves:
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Medical test renewal
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Emirates ID renewal
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Updated employment contract submission
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Payment of renewal fees
Keeping track of visa expiry dates is essential to maintain legal employment status for the maid.
8. Sponsor’s Responsibilities Under UAE Law
As a sponsor, you are legally responsible for:
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Paying the maid’s agreed salary on time
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Providing decent accommodation and meals
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Ensuring annual leave and rest days are respected
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Covering medical expenses and insurance
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Repatriating the maid at the end of the contract
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Not confiscating the maid’s passport or personal belongings
Failure to comply with these responsibilities can lead to fines, legal action, or a ban on hiring domestic workers in the future.
9. Tips for a Smooth Maid Visa Process
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Start Early – Begin the visa process well before you need the maid to start work.
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Double-Check Documents – Incomplete or expired documents can cause delays.
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Use Authorized Centres – Only apply through official GDRFA channels or licensed agencies.
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Maintain Clear Communication – Discuss job expectations and living arrangements with the maid before she arrives.
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Stay Updated on Rules – UAE labour laws for domestic workers are updated periodically, so make sure you are following the latest guidelines.
10. Final Thoughts
Sponsoring a maid in Dubai can make household management significantly easier, but it’s important to follow the correct legal procedures from start to finish. Understanding the requirements, preparing documents in advance, and following each step of the process will save time and prevent costly mistakes.
By being a responsible sponsor and treating your maid with fairness and respect, you not only comply with UAE laws but also create a positive working relationship that benefits both parties. Whether you choose to hire through an agency or directly from the maid’s home country, taking a step-by-step approach will ensure a smooth and successful maid visa application process in Dubai.