Sponsoring a House Maid in Dubai

Hiring domestic help is common in the UAE, but it comes with legal obligations. If you plan to sponsor a maid in Dubai, you must follow specific requirements relating to income, housing, documents, and the official visa process. These rules ensure fair treatment, clear contracts, and proper protection for domestic workers under UAE law. Understanding each requirement early helps families avoid delays, fines, or rejected applications.

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about how to sponsor a house maid in Dubai in 2025, from eligibility criteria and documentation to costs, legal obligations, and renewal rules. Each section provides clear explanations to help you make informed decisions and stay compliant with UAE domestic worker regulations.

• What does sponsoring a maid in Dubai mean
• Eligibility criteria for sponsors
• Eligibility criteria for housemaids
• Documents required to sponsor a maid
• Step-by-step process to sponsor a maid in Dubai
• Costs involved in sponsoring a maid in 2025
• Key UAE laws and contracts for domestic helpers
• The role of Tadbeer centres and agencies
• Alternative: part-time and hourly maids
• Key takeaways
• FAQs

What does sponsoring a maid in Dubai mean

Sponsoring a maid in Dubai means legally hiring a domestic worker who will live and work in your home. As the sponsor, you are responsible for her well-being, financial entitlements, and legal documentation. This includes providing accommodation, food, health insurance, and a monthly salary through the Wage Protection System (WPS).

It also means you must comply with UAE labour laws regarding working hours, rest days, leave entitlements, medical care, and renewal procedures. The sponsorship system ensures that domestic workers are protected while providing families with access to essential home support.

Eligibility criteria for sponsors

Sponsors must meet specific requirements before applying.

Residency requirements

Only UAE residents with valid visas and Emirates IDs are eligible to sponsor a maid in Dubai. Both expatriates and UAE nationals are eligible to apply.

Income requirements

For 2025, the standard income requirement is a minimum monthly salary of 25,000 AED. Families earning less than the required amount may use an agency or Tadbeer’s third-party sponsorship package, where the agency becomes the official sponsor. At the same time, the maid works exclusively in the family’s home.

Accommodation requirements

You must provide suitable housing, typically demonstrated by a 2-bedroom apartment with a valid Ejari tenancy contract. Villas and townhouses also qualify.

Marital status

Married couples and families are prioritised. Bachelors may apply but face additional scrutiny due to the nature of domestic work and privacy concerns.

Eligible countries

Maids must come from approved countries such as:

• Philippines
• Indonesia
• Sri Lanka
• Uganda
• Ethiopia

Eligibility criteria for housemaids

Maids must also meet several conditions before being accepted for sponsorship.

• Age: domestic helpers must be between 18 and 60 years old.
• Medical fitness: candidates must pass a UAE-approved medical examination, including infectious disease tests. A fitness certificate is required for visa stamping.
• Nationality: workers must come from approved countries. Some nationalities may require extra documents such as relationship proof or embassy clearance.
• Passport requirements: the maid must have a passport valid for at least six months at the time of application.

Documents required to sponsor a maid

To sponsor a maid in Dubai, prepare the following documents:

• Passport copies of the sponsor and maid (minimum six months’ validity)
• Emirates ID and a visa copy of the sponsor
• Passport-sized photos of both the sponsor and the maid
• Salary certificate or salary slip, plus recent bank statements
• Labour contract or employment verification
• Ejari tenancy contract for a 2+ bedroom apartment
• Maid’s medical fitness certificate
• Affidavit of non-relationship (if hiring from the same nationality)
• Relationship proof (for specific nationalities when required)

Step-by-step process to sponsor a maid in Dubai

Understanding the process helps you prepare correctly and avoid missed steps.

1. Collect all documents

Ensure all copies, certificates, and tenancy details are up to date and meet requirements.

2. Submit the application via Tadbeer or an authorised agency

Tadbeer centres process all domestic worker visas, renewals, and transfers, ensuring compliance with UAE law.

3. Apply for an entry permit

Once approved, the maid receives an entry permit, allowing her to travel to Dubai for employment.

4. Maid enters the UAE and completes medical tests

Upon arrival, the maid must undergo medical fitness tests and biometrics at an authorised centre.

5. Apply for Emirates ID

The sponsor must submit her Emirates ID application alongside biometrics and medical results.

6. Sign the MOHRE employment contract

This legal contract outlines the maid’s salary, accommodation, working hours, weekly rest, duties, leave entitlement, and termination rules. Both parties must sign the same version.

7. Visa stamping and WPS setup

After approval, the maid’s visa is stamped into her passport. Health insurance must be activated, and salary payments must go through the Wage Protection System.

8. Annual renewal

The sponsor must renew the maid’s visa, update the contract, and renew insurance each year.

Costs involved in sponsoring a maid in 2025

Families should budget for both upfront and ongoing expenses when they sponsor a maid in Dubai. These costs cover government fees, agency charges, monthly salary, and essential benefits required by law.

• Initial government and processing fees: 5,000–15,000 AED. These include entry permits, visa applications, medical tests, Emirates ID fees, and typing service charges.
• Agency or Tadbeer service fees: 5,000–15,000 AED. Fees vary depending on whether the maid is hired directly or through an agency.
• Maid’s monthly salary: 2,000–3,000+ AED. Salary depends on nationality, experience, and the terms agreed in the employment contract.
• Health insurance: 5,000–10,000 AED annually. The sponsor must arrange health insurance before visa stamping.
• Annual flight ticket: cost covered by sponsor; typically one return flight home per year.
• Accommodation and food: The sponsor must provide a private room, meals, and essential everyday supplies.
• Renewal fees (annually): visa renewals, medical tests, and insurance updates.
• Alternative for lower-income families: 7,999 AED for a two-year visa via Tadbeer’s third-party sponsorship, with salaries paid through WPS.

Key UAE laws and contracts for domestic helpers

The UAE has strict laws to protect both domestic workers and their families. Sponsors must comply with these regulations to ensure fair treatment, legal employment, and proper care for domestic helpers.

• Salary and payment laws: Sponsors must pay wages within 10 days of the due date via the Wage Protection System (WPS).
• Rest days and leave: domestic workers are entitled to one weekly day off, adequate daily rest, annual leave, and sick leave according to the contract and UAE Labour Law.
• Insurance and medical care: health insurance and medical treatment must be fully covered by the sponsor.
• Minimum age and permitted duties: the minimum age for domestic helpers is 18, and only duties explicitly listed in the contract may be assigned.
• Zero tolerance for abuse: verbal, physical, or psychological abuse is strictly prohibited and punishable under UAE law.

The role of Tadbeer centres and agencies

Tadbeer centres simplify the process of sponsoring a maid with government oversight, ensuring legal compliance and reducing errors. They handle a wide range of services:

• Application submissions: manage visa and entry permit applications.
• Contract drafting: prepare official MOHRE employment contracts.
• Document verification: check all required documents for accuracy and validity.
• Medical testing coordination: schedule and monitor mandatory health checks.
• Background checks: ensure maid eligibility and compliance with UAE regulations.
• Legal compliance reviews: confirm adherence to labour laws and Tadbeer guidelines.

Tadbeer centres also offer additional support:

• Direct hiring options: assist families in hiring maids directly from approved countries.
• Agency-sponsored visa packages: provide sponsorship for families below the income threshold.
• Maid replacement guarantees: offer solutions if the domestic worker cannot continue employment.
• Conflict resolution support: help resolve disputes between sponsors and maids legally and fairly.

Alternative: part-time and hourly maids

Some families only need occasional domestic help and do not require a full-time maid. In Dubai, part-time or hourly maids must be employed through licensed agencies, as sponsors cannot directly hire them for live-out or part-time work. This option provides flexibility and is ideal for households that need support for chores or cleaning without committing to a live-in arrangement.

Key takeaways

Sponsoring a maid in Dubai requires proper planning, budgeting, and adherence to UAE labour laws. You must meet income, residency, and accommodation requirements, and you must handle all visa, medical, insurance, and contract obligations through Tadbeer or approved agencies.

The process involves applying for an entry permit, undergoing medical tests, signing an official contract, and authorising WPS salary payments. Expect initial costs ranging from 7,000 to 15,000 AED, plus a monthly salary and annual insurance. Lower-income families can opt for agency-based sponsorship to remain compliant. Following legal guidelines ensures fair treatment and avoids penalties.

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