Maid Visa Application in UAE: Step-by-Step Guide
Hiring a full-time domestic helper is a common solution for busy families in the UAE, but the legal process of sponsoring a live-in maid or nanny can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the latest (2025) rules for a Maid/Nanny Visa in Dubai, including who is eligible to sponsor, minimum salary requirements, all mandatory steps, costs, and the documents you will need. Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing an existing visa, use this article as your one-stop reference for a smooth, fully compliant application.
The demand for maids and nannies in the UAE is increasing daily. Many working parents a nd local families in Dubai hire housemaids to manage household chores efficiently. If you are planning to sponsor a housemaid in Dubai, there are specific procedures you must follow
Who Can Sponsor a Maid in UAE?
A maid visa can only be obtained by the head of the family (sponsor)-typically the male-whose salary is at least AED 25,000 per month, including accommodation. Bachelors are not eligible to sponsor a maid in Dubai.
Sponsor Category | Key Eligibility Rules |
Expatriate families | 1. Family income of **at least AED 25,000 per month** (joint income acceptable). 2. Married couple living together in suitable accommodation (2-bedroom minimum). 3. Profession should require regular childcare or household support (managers, doctors, engineers, business owners, etc.). |
UAE nationals | No income threshold, but applicant must provide adequate accommodation and commit to paying the official domestic worker wage set by MOHRE. |
Single parents / widows / divorced residents | Case-by-case approval if the parent’s income meets the AED 25,000 threshold and there are dependent children in the household. |
Important: When you lodge your application at an Amer center or through a certified typing center like Arabian Business Center, GDRFA will verify salary through your original labour contract or salary certificate.
Domestic Worker Categories You May Sponsor
Dubai allows residents to sponsor 19 categories of domestic workers, the most common being:
- Maid/Housemaid (general cleaning & cooking)
- Nanny (childcare)
- Private Driver
- Cook
- Gardener
- Housekeeper
Each category has identical visa validity (2 years) and renewal rules, but MOHRE maintains separate wage guidelines for different occupations and nationalities-you must comply with the higher of (a) MOHRE’s publicly listed minimum wage* or (b) the wage stated in your offer letter.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Prepare the employment contract
- Download MOHRE’s unified contract template or request a pre-typed version from Arabian Business Center.
- Visit an Amer or approved typing center
- Submit sponsor documents (passport, Emirates ID, tenancy contract, salary certificate) and worker documents (passport copy, passport-size photos, signed offer).
- Receive the electronic entry permit (if the worker is abroad) within 24-48 hours.
- Complete medical fitness tests within 14 days of arrival or status change. A negative TB or HIV result is mandatory.
- Apply for Emirates ID through ICP typing service. Biometric capture is booked automatically.
- Sign the MOHRE Domestic Worker Contract in person at a Tasheel center or online via the MOHRE app.
- Pay the bank guarantee or buy insurance and upload proof.
- Visa stamping: Submit the passport for sticker stamping-or opt for the new e-visa format-via GDRFA smart services. Average processing time: 3–5 working days.
- Register the worker for health insurance (mandatory in Dubai). Plans start at AED 650/year.
- Collect Emirates ID (ready in 5–10 days) and give the worker a copy of the contract.
Your Legal Obligations as a Sponsor
- Pay salary no later than the 10th of each month via WPS or bank transfer.
- Provide weekly rest day (24 hours) and 30-day annual leave.
- Cover round-trip air ticket to worker’s home country every 2 years.
- Shoulder all medical treatment and health insurance costs.
- Retain the worker’s passport only with written consent.
- Report any absconding case to MOHRE within 5 days.
Renewing or Cancelling a Maid Visa
- Renewal: Start 30 days before expiry. Repeat medical test, Emirates ID renewal, and insurance. No need for a new contract unless terms change.
- Cancellation: Submit at GDRFA before final exit. You must supply a confirmed flight ticket and settle end-of-service benefits (gratuity = 14 days’ wage per year).
Common Challenges & How a Typing Center Helps
Challenge | How Arabian Business Center Solves It |
Missing documents or incorrect forms | Pre-application checklist & document pre-review |
Arabic translation requirements | On-site certified translation |
Long queues at Amer | Dedicated corporate counter & appointment scheduling |
Confusion over new e-visa vs passport stamp | Guidance on current GDRFA rules and digital validation |
Tracking application status | WhatsApp updates + online tracking portal |
Required Documents & Application Process for Hiring a Housemaid in UAE
1. Entry Permit
To apply for a maid visa UAE, you need the following documents:
Sponsor’s Documents:
Original Emirates ID
Passport & Visa Copy
Employment Contract (or salary certificate for free zone employees)
Trade license with MOA (for business owners with a partner visa)
Valid Ejari (house lease) or Title Deed
3-month bank statement
Marriage Certificate (attested)
Wife’s Passport & Visa Copy
Maid’s Documents:
Passport Copy & Photo
Salary Details
Additional Requirement: If the sponsor and maid are from the same country, a No Relation Certificate from the embassy is required
2. Change of Status (If Maid is Already in UAE)
If the maid is already in the UAE on a visit or tourist visa, a Change of Status is required. Documents needed:
Original Emirates ID of the sponsor
Maid’s Passport Copy
Old Visa Copy (Cancelled/Tourist/Visit)
New Entry Permit
Once the status is changed, proceed with medical tests and Emirates ID application.
3. Medical Test Requirements
The maid must undergo a medical test at an authorized medical center. Required documents:
Original Passport
Entry Permit & Change of Status Approval
Two passport-sized photos (white background)
4. Emirates ID Registration
To obtain the Emirates ID for a maid, submit:
Original Passport & Entry Permit
Change of Status Approval
Old Emirates ID (if applicable)
Mobile Number & P.O. Box Details
Biometric Fingerprint (if required)
5. Stamping the Residence Visa
After completing all previous steps, the maid’s residence visa can be stamped. Required documents:
Original Emirates ID of Sponsor
Maid’s Original Passport
Entry Permit & Medical Test Result
Emirates ID Application with Biometric (if required)
Sponsor’s Passport & Visa Copy
Employment Contract of Sponsor
Valid Ejari or Title Deed
3-month bank statement of Sponsor
Attested Marriage & Birth Certificates
Health Insurance for Maid (Basic Plan/Orient Insurance)
Get Hassle-Free Visa Processing in Dubai
For a smooth and stress-free application, visit Arabian Business Centre—a trusted Amer, Tas-Heel, and Tadbeer service provider in Dubai.
📍 Learn more at: www.arabianme.ae
📞 Call us at: +04 325 6111
Frequently Asked Questions
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