| QUICK ANSWER: To sponsor a domestic worker in the UAE, you must earn at least AED 25,000 monthly, hold a valid UAE residency, and apply through MOHRE-licensed Tadbeer centers or GDRFA. The process takes 2-8 weeks and costs between AED 5,000 and AED 17,000, covering entry permits, medical tests, Emirates ID, and health insurance. All domestic workers must be 18-60 years old and pass mandatory medical screening. |
Introduction
Hiring household staff in the UAE has become essential for many families balancing work, childcare, and daily responsibilities. Statistics show that approximately 96% of Emirati and expat families employ domestic workers, with demand surging by more than 50% between January and June 2024.
The UAE government regulates domestic employment under Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022 (as amended by Decree No. 21 of 2023), which is enforced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). This framework protects both employers and workers while ensuring transparent, ethical hiring practices.
Understanding the visa process clearly helps you feel confident and prepared when navigating the legal requirements in 2026.
What is a UAE Domestic Worker Visa?
A domestic worker visa (also called a maid visa, helper visa, or household worker visa) is a residence permit that allows foreign nationals to live and work in the UAE as household employees legally. The visa is sponsored by UAE residents or citizens who hire domestic staff for personal household duties.
The visa is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. However, annual renewal procedures must be completed to maintain compliance with MOHRE regulations.
Types of Domestic Workers You Can Hire
The UAE recognizes 19 categories of domestic workers. The most common household positions include:
- Housemaids / Housekeepers
- Nannies / Babysitters
- Private Drivers
- Cooks / Chefs
- Elderly Caregivers / Private Nurses
- Gardeners
- Private Tutors
- Security Guards (residential)
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors
Sponsor Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
| Minimum Monthly Income | AED 25,000 |
| Residency Status | Valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID |
| Accommodation | Suitable housing with adequate facilities for the worker |
| Sponsor Age | 18 years or older |
Domestic Worker Requirements
- Age: 18-60 years (workers over 60 may qualify with special approval)
- Must not hold another valid work permit in the UAE
- Must pass medical fitness test (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Tuberculosis, Syphilis)
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- From an approved country under UAE guidelines
Documents Required
Documents from Sponsor
- Copy of a valid Emirates ID
- Copy of passport with residence visa page
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) or property ownership documents
- Salary certificate from employer (showing AED 25,000+ monthly)
- Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
- Completed application form
Documents from a Domestic Worker
- Original passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Recent passport-sized photos (white background)
- Signed employment contract (both parties)
- Police clearance certificate (for some nationalities)
Visa Fees and Costs Breakdown 2026
| Fee Component | Approximate Cost (AED) |
| Entry Permit | 200 – 500 |
| Medical Fitness Test | 320 – 500 |
| Emirates ID (2 years) | 370 |
| Residence Visa Stamping | 500 – 1,000 |
| Health Insurance (annual) | 700 – 1,500 |
| Security Deposit (refundable) | 2,000 |
| Typing and Administrative Fees | 300 – 500 |
| Total (Private Sponsorship) | 5,000 – 8,000 |
| Tadbeer Package (includes recruitment) | 8,500 – 17,000 |
Note: Recruitment costs through Tadbeer centers vary by worker nationality. Filipino workers typically cost AED 14,000+, while workers from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Nepal may have lower recruitment fees starting from AED 5,000.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Emphasize verifying eligibility, including income and residency, early in the process to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure smooth application flow.
- Choose Application Method: Apply through GDRFA directly or use a licensed Tadbeer center for end-to-end service.
- Gather Documents: Collect all required documents from the sponsor and the worker. Ensure passport validity and proper attestation where needed.
- Apply for an Entry Permit: Submit the application through the GDRFA website, AMER centers, or the Tadbeer center. An entry permit allows a worker to enter the UAE within 60 days.
- Worker Arrives in UAE: Worker enters the UAE using an entry permit. Immigration stamps a 30-day entry visa upon arrival.
- Specify that the medical fitness test must be completed within 30 days of arrival to ensure timely processing and compliance.
- Apply for Emirates ID: Submit biometric registration at the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security) center.
- Residence Visa Stamping: The final visa is stamped in the worker’s passport by the ICP. Valid for 2 years from the stamping date.
- Register Employment Contract: Submit a signed employment contract to MOHRE for verification using the Unified Standard Employment Contract.
Processing Time: The complete process typically takes 2-4 weeks with all documents ready. Agency-based recruitment through Tadbeer may take 4-8 weeks, depending on the worker’s country of origin.
Tadbeer Centers Explained
Tadbeer centers are MOHRE-licensed domestic worker service centers operating as public-private partnerships. They provide end-to-end services for recruiting, hiring, and managing household staff.
Services Offered by Tadbeer Centers
- Recruitment and deployment from approved countries
- Entry permit and visa processing
- Medical fitness test coordination
- Emirates ID application
- Health insurance arrangement
- WPS (Wage Protection System) bank account setup
- Visa renewal and cancellation
- Worker training and orientation
- Replacement guarantee (during probation period)
Tadbeer Package Types
- Traditional Package: Full recruitment with 2-year visa, insurance, and all documentation
- Trial Package: Short-term trial period before committing to full sponsorship
- Temporary/Flexible Package: Part-time or hourly workers without visa sponsorship requirements
- Visa-Only Package: For sponsors who already have a worker and only need visa processing
Employer Legal Obligations
Under UAE law, employers must fulfill specific obligations toward domestic workers:
- Timely Salary Payment: Pay wages on time through the Wage Protection System (WPS)
- Accommodation: Provide suitable, dignified living quarters
- Health Insurance: Provide valid health insurance coverage
- Employment Contract: Use MOHRE’s Unified Standard Employment Contract specifying duties and compensation
- Air Tickets: Provide round-trip air tickets to the worker’s home country every 2 years
- Document Possession: Never confiscate a worker’s passport or Emirates ID—they must retain sole possession
- Safety: Ensure safe working conditions and protect from abuse, harassment, or exploitation
- Working Hours: Comply with legally mandated rest periods and maximum working hours
Domestic Worker Rights Under UAE Law
Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022 (amended by Decree No. 21 of 2023) guarantees the following rights:
- Paid annual leave
- Weekly rest day
- Fair wages paid on schedule
- Health insurance coverage
- Safe and healthy living conditions
- Protection from abuse, harassment, and unfair dismissal
- End-of-service benefits (gratuity: 14-21 days of basic wage per year of service)
- Access to MOHRE dispute resolution services
Visa Renewal and Cancellation
Visa Renewal
The domestic worker visa is valid for 2 years but requires annual renewal procedures. To renew:
- Obtain the renewal application and medical request form from an authorized typist
- Complete a new medical fitness test
- Submit forms to GDRFA or the Tadbeer center
- Pay renewal fees (AED 4,000-6,000 approximately)
Important: Renew before visa expiry to avoid fines of AED 50 per day of overstay.
Visa Cancellation
Only the sponsor/employer can cancel a domestic worker visa. Proceed via the GDRFA website or the Tadbeer center. Upon cancellation:
- Worker receives a 30-day grace period to exit the UAE or find a new sponsor
- The security deposit is refunded after successful cancellation
- End-of-service gratuity must be paid if eligible
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary required to sponsor a domestic worker in the UAE?
Sponsors must earn a minimum of AED 25,000 per month to be eligible to sponsor a domestic worker. This requirement may vary slightly based on family size and living arrangements.
How long does it take to get a domestic worker visa in the UAE?
With all documents ready, the visa process typically takes 2-4 weeks. If recruiting through a Tadbeer center from abroad, the complete process may take 4-8 weeks, depending on the worker’s country of origin.
Can I hire a domestic worker who is already inthe UAE on another visa?
No. You cannot legally employ a domestic worker on a tourist visa, a visitor visa, or another person’s sponsor visa. Domestic workers must be sponsored either by you (the employer) or through a licensed Tadbeer center. Employing someone on an inappropriate visa is illegal and results in heavy fines and deportation.
What is the age limit for domestic workers in the UAE?
Domestic workers must be between 18 and 60 years old. Hiring workers under 18 is strictly prohibited. Workers older than 60 may be eligible with special approval if they are medically fit and their home country regulations allow.
Am I required to provide health insurance for my domestic worker?
Yes. Sponsors must provide valid health insurance for each domestic worker they employ. This is a legal requirement enforced by MOHRE.
What happens if my domestic worker fails the medical test?
If a domestic worker is found medically unfit within the 6-month probationary period, recruitment agencies/Tadbeer centers are required to provide a full refund if this occurs in the first month or process a replacement.
Can I sponsor multiple domestic workers?
Yes. UAE residents can sponsor more than one domestic worker, provided they meet the income requirements and can demonstrate genuine need (based on family size, dependents, or specific care requirements).
What is a Tadbeer center, and must I use one?
Tadbeer centers are MOHRE-licensed domestic worker service centers that handle recruitment, visa processing, and ongoing support. Using a Tadbeer center is not mandatory. you can apply directly through GDRFA, but they simplify the process significantly and are required if you want to recruit workers from abroad.
What are the penalties for employing an illegal domestic worker?
Employing someone without proper work authorization carries penalties, including fines starting from AED 50,000, deportation of the worker with re-entry bans, and potential legal action against the employer.
Does Golden Visa holder have different requirements for sponsoring domestic workers?
Golden Visa holders can sponsor domestic workers under the same AED 25,000 monthly income requirement. However, the Golden Visa provides additional flexibility holders can remain outside the UAE for more than 6 months without invalidating their residency, and they can sponsor family members and domestic workers more easily.
Official Sources and References
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE): www.mohre.gov.ae
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA): www.gdrfad.gov.ae
- UAE Government Portal: u.ae
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP): icp.gov.ae
- Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022 on Domestic Workers
Disclaimer: Information provided in this guide is current as of February 2026. UAE immigration policies are subject to change. Always verify requirements with official government sources before initiating any visa application. Fees may vary by emirate and processing channel.
Last Updated: February 2026