Maid Visa in Dubai—thinking of hiring help, but unsure where to start? You’re not alone. Many face delays, hidden steps, or rising costs. We will make it simple In just 5 clear steps, you’ll know how to apply, what to prepare, and how to avoid problems. No stress. No guessing. Just real answers to help you get a maid visa legally, quickly, and without confusion. Want to get it right from day one? Start here.
What is a maid visa in Dubai?
A maid visa in Dubai lets residents legally sponsor full-time domestic helpers. It grants the maid residency for up to two years, allowing them to live and work under the sponsor’s care. Sponsors must meet salary and housing rules, submit key documents, and ensure the maid passes a medical fitness test. This visa protects workers’ rights and simplifies lawful employment. Timely renewals keep the visa valid, ensuring smooth household support and compliance with Dubai laws.
Who Can Sponsor a Maid Visa in Dubai?
Getting household help legally isn’t for everyone. The UAE government has set clear legal and financial conditions to make sure that only eligible residents can support a domestic worker with proper housing, salary, and legal protection.
Who Is Usually Allowed to Sponsor?
The UAE typically allows only married residents who live with their families to sponsor a domestic worker.
- You must be the head of the household.
- Your home should be large enough to provide private space for the maid.
- You must meet income and residency conditions.
- Bachelors are not normally approved unless they meet exceptional criteria.
Can Single Residents Sponsor?
In rare cases, single individuals might receive approval. These are considered exceptions and only apply if:
- The applicant should earn a minimum of AED 25,000 monthly.
- They own or rent a two-bedroom or larger residence
- There’s a valid reason for needing a domestic worker (for example, caring for an elderly family member or medical needs)
Even then, final approval comes from UAE immigration and is never guaranteed.
Golden Visa and Investor Sponsorship
People with a golden visa or active investors can usually sponsor, even if unmarried. They must:
- Provide proof of financial stability
- Have suitable accommodation
- Show a clear reason for needing a maid
- May apply directly, without using a Tadbeer center
Basic Sponsorship Requirements
You must meet all of the following conditions:
- Hold a valid UAE residency visa
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be married and live with your family (standard requirement)
- Earn the required monthly salary
- Own or rent a minimum 2-bedroom apartment or villa
- Apply via a licensed Tadbeer center (unless holding a golden visa)
Salary Rules Based on Sponsor Type
| Sponsor Type | Monthly Salary | Housing Requirement | Extra Conditions |
| Married Residents | AED 6,000 | Minimum 2-bedroom | Must live with family |
| With Free Maid Housing | AED 5,000 | Private maid’s room required | Housing must be shown in the tenancy contract |
| Single Residents | AED 25,000+ | Minimum 2-bedroom | Approval needed, not guaranteed |
| Business Owners / Investors | AED 25,000+ | Minimum 2-bedroom | License + income proof required |
| Golden Visa Holders | AED 25,000+ | Minimum 2-bedroom | Can apply directly without Tadbeer |
| High-Income Retirees | AED 25,000 (pension) | Owned/rented 2-bedroom | Pension slips + property deed needed |
Married couples can combine incomes to meet the salary requirement.
Housing Requirements
Your accommodation must meet the following:
- Minimum 2-bedroom apartment or villa
- Ejari (tenancy contract) or title deed must be submitted
- The maid must have a private room
- The property must meet Dubai municipal standards
Approved Maid Nationalities
The maid must be from one of these countries:
- Philippines
- India
- Indonesia
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal
- Bangladesh
Other nationalities, like Kenya or Ethiopia, may be accepted but require additional police clearance or approval.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common errors that lead to rejection or fines:
- Missing housing proof (Ejari not matching sponsor name)
- Hiring from unapproved countries without extra documentation
- Inaccurate salary certificate or expired labor contract
- Letting the maid visa expire (late renewal = daily fines)
- tourists are not allowed to sponsor.
Maid Visa Dubai Sponsor Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
| Residency | Valid UAE residency visa |
| Age | 21 years or older |
| Marital Status | Married and head of family (exceptions possible) |
| Salary | AED 6,000+ (AED 25,000+ for single/investor/golden visa) |
| Housing | Minimum 2-bedroom with a private room for a maid |
| Application Channel | Tadbeer center (except for golden visa holders) |
| Maid Nationality | From approved countries only |
| Required Documents | Emirates ID, salary proof, Ejari, maid passport, etc. |
Before Applying
- Rules may change. Always check the latest requirements with a licensed Tadbeer center or official UAE authority before applying.
- Ensure all documents are original, valid, and match your application
- Only use authorized channels for applying
This helps you avoid rejection and delay, and gives you a clear path to getting a maid visa in Dubai the right way.
Who qualifies for a maid visa in Dubai?
Getting household help legally? Meet these 5 rules or face rejection.
Helper Rules
Your domestic worker must:
- Be 18–60 years old
- Hold a passport valid for 6+ months
- Come from approved countries (Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, etc.)
- Pass a UAE medical test (TB/hepatitis screening)
- Show police clearance if Filipino/Indonesian
3 No-Go Traps
- Family hires – Can’t sponsor relatives.
- Old visas – Helper must cancel prior UAE permits.
- Missing insurance – Health coverage is mandatory.
Eligibility Cheat Sheet
| Your Requirements | Helper’s Requirements | Special Cases |
| AED 25,000+ monthly income | Age between 18–60 | Self-employed? Provide trade license + statements |
| 2+ bedroom home (Ejari required) | Passport valid for 6+ months | Hiring over 5 helpers? Submit a written reason |
| Married and at least 21 years old | From an approved country | Helper over 60? Allowed only if already in the UAE |
| Valid UAE residency | Passed the UAE medical test | Golden Visa holder? You can apply directly |
3 Insider Fixes
- Housing first: Studios get auto-rejected (Ejari must show 2+ bedrooms).
- Renew early: Expiring Emirates ID? Renew before applying.
- Stick to approved countries: Kenya/Ethiopia need extra paperwork.
Salary under AED 25k? Agencies like Tadbeer sponsor for AED 7,999–17,000.
Your Complete Checklist: What Papers You Need for a Maid Visa in Dubai
Getting your documents right is the first big step to sponsoring a helper. Miss one paper? You’ll face delays, fines, or rejection. Below, find every form, ID, and certificate required.
Must-Have Sponsor Documents
You (the sponsor) must provide these:
- Your passport and UAE residency visa: Copies showing clear details and validity.
- Emirates ID: Front and back scans—no blurry edges or faded text.
- Salary proof: Recent certificate or 3-month bank statements proving AED 25,000/month income (married couples can combine salaries).
- Housing proof: Ejari or title deed for a 2+ bedroom home—studios won’t work.
- Marriage certificate: Attested if sponsoring a maid as a married couple.
Self-employed? Use a trade license + 3-month bank statements instead.
Maid’s Documents
Your helper needs these ready:
- Passport: Valid 6+ months, with blank pages.
- Passport photos: 4 recent copies, white background, no glasses.
- Entry permit: If she’s already in the UAE.
- Police clearance: Required for Filipino, Ethiopian maids.
- Previous visa cancellation: If switching sponsors.
Extra Papers You Might Overlook
- Medical insurance: Buy before applying—coverage must meet MOHRE rules.
- Non-relationship affidavit: Needed if the maid shares your nationality.
- Written justification: If hiring >5 helpers.
Maid Visa Document Checklist Table
Quickly scan what’s needed:
| For Sponsor | For Maid | Special Cases |
| Passport + residency visa | Passport (6+ months valid) | Golden Visa holder proof |
| Emirates ID (both sides) | 4 photos + medical report | Non-relationship affidavit |
| Salary certificate | Entry permit (if in UAE) | Age waiver if the maid >60 |
| Ejari + DEWA bill | Police clearance | IBAN for deposit refund |
| Marriage certificate | Previous visa cancellation | Written reason for >5 maids |
Critical Tips to Avoid Rejection
- Double-check name spellings: Mismatched names cause 80% of delays.
- Renew expiring IDs first: Emirates IDs or visas under 3 months validity? Renew before applying.
- Use original stamps: Photocopies of marriage certificates or Ejari? Get them attested.
Heads up: Golden Visa holders skip Tadbeer but still need all other docs.
Timing (2025)
| Item | Processing Time |
| Document typing | 1 day |
| Medical test | 2–3 days |
| Emirates ID | 5–7 days |
| Total | 1–2 weeks |
How to Get a Maid Visa in Dubai? 5 easy steps
Getting legal household help in Dubai involves specific steps. Follow this clear roadmap to avoid rejections, fines, or delays.
1. First, Check Your Eligibility
You must meet these 4 conditions:
- Residency status: Valid UAE residence visa (no tourist sponsorships).
- Income requirement: Minimum AED 25,000/month (AED 5,000 if providing separate maid housing).
- Housing proof: Own/rent a 2+ bedroom home (Ejari contract required).
- Family status: Married couples only (no bachelor sponsorships).
Married couples can combine incomes to meet the salary rule. Golden Visa holders skip the Tadbeer requirements.
2. Next, Gather Your Documents
Prepare these for smooth processing:
| Sponsor Documents | Maid Documents |
| Passport + residency visa copy | Passport (6+ months validity) |
| Emirates ID (front/back) | 4 passport photos (white background) |
| Salary certificate or labor contract | Entry permit (if already in UAE) |
| Ejari tenancy contract + DEWA bill | Medical fitness certificate (UAE-approved) |
| Attested marriage certificate | Police clearance (country-specific) |
Critical: Ensure no name mismatches across documents. Double-check expiry dates.
Now, Follow These 5 Steps
- Use Tadbeer to open a sponsor file (takes 24 hours).
- Apply for an entry permit (cost: AED 200–500).
- Complete medical tests in UAE (screen for TB/hepatitis/HIV).
- Register for an Emirates ID (biometrics) within ten days.
- Sign the MOHRE contract + get visa stamped (valid 2 years).
Heads up: Medical results expire in 90 days. Schedule tests early.
Cost Breakdown (2025)
Expect AED 3,000–5,000 total, excluding maid’s salary37:
- Visa typing/application: AED 300–800
- Medical test: AED 300–500
- Emirates ID: AED 200–400
- Health insurance: AED 600–1,200/year
- Refundable deposit: AED 2,000 (expats only)
Legal Sponsorship Rules for Maid Visa Dubai: What You Must Do to Stay Compliant
Sponsoring legally protects you and your helper. Always:
- Pay salaries via WPS.
- Give 1 paid rest day weekly.
- Provide medical insurance.
Finally, Rules change often. Confirm the latest steps at Tadbeer.ae or MOHRE.gov.ae before applying.
Maid Visa Dubai Renewal: Simple Steps You Should Know in 2025
Renewing a maid visa Dubai is simple if you start early, gather the right papers, and follow every legal step. Acting on time saves you from fines, delays, and extra stress. Double-check all details below before you head to a Tadbeer center or use Dubai’s online portals.
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
- At least 30 days prior to its expiration, start the process of renewing your Dubai maid visa.
- Get the sponsor’s Emirates ID, a current UAE visa, and a fresh pay stub ready.
- Bring the maid’s passport (minimum 6 months validity), her old visa, and her Emirates ID.
- Book a new medical fitness test for the maid at a UAE-certified clinic (results valid 90 days).
- Renew health insurance for the maid before submitting your application—this is required every time.
- Go to a Tadbeer center that has been licensed, or submit documents through the MOHRE or GDRFA portals.
- Pay the renewal fees directly at the center or online (costs vary by emirate and service).
- Submit all documents together; typos or mismatched names can cause automatic rejection.
- Wait for SMS or email confirmation that approval is done; then collect the new residency stamp for the maid.
- Always finish before your current visa expires. Overstaying triggers fines of AED 25 per day.
Want to stay legal and avoid fines? Follow each rule and renew your maid visa in Dubai on time.
3 Mistakes to Avoid
- Missed name matches: Even one typo in Emirates ID vs. passport causes rejection.
- Expired housing papers: Ejari must be current—check DEWA bill dates.
- Ignoring grace period: Renew within 30 days of expiry. After? Every day, fines are stacked (AED 20 ID + AED 25 visa).
How to Cancel a Maid Visa in Dubai 2025
Canceling a maid visa in Dubai is easy if you follow the correct steps. Delays or mistakes can lead to fines. This short guide uses simple language, real experience, and up-to-date rules.
Main 9 Steps to Cancel a Maid Visa in Dubai
- Start early: Begin at least 30 days before the visa expires to avoid daily fines.
- Prepare the required documents: You need the maid’s original passport, Emirates ID, and visa copy. Also, bring your own Emirates ID and UAE visa.
- Book a confirmed one-way ticket: You must show proof that the maid will exit the UAE.
- Visit a licensed Tadbeer center: Only approved centers or the MOHRE app are accepted.
- Fill out the cancellation form: Include visa number, personal info, and reason for canceling.
- Pay all outstanding fees: This includes fines, insurance dues, and service charges.
- Submit the maid’s Emirates ID: This is needed to finish the cancellation.
- Get official confirmation: You’ll receive an approval receipt and can request a visa stamp.
- Escort the maid to the airport: The exit must be recorded officially at immigration.
Required Documents for Visa Cancellation
| Document | Who Provides It | Purpose |
| Maid’s passport + ID | Maid | ID and visa verification |
| Sponsor’s Emirates ID | Sponsor | Proves authority to cancel |
| Sponsor’s UAE visa | Sponsor | Confirms residency status |
| One-way flight ticket | Sponsor or Maid | Required for exit approval |
| Final salary receipt | Sponsor | Proof of salary and settlement |
| Visa cancellation form | Tadbeer Center | Submitted for GDRFA processing |
| Maid’s Emirates ID | Maid | Returned upon cancellation |
Extra Tips to Avoid Mistakes
- Check that all names match across every document
- Use only registered Tadbeer centers or the official MOHRE portal
- Keep copies of the final cancellation proof, all forms, and receipts.
- Fines of AED 25 per day will be imposed if the maid stays longer than expected.
- If she has been abroad for over 3 months, cancellation costs rise to AED 261.89
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
| Issue | How to Avoid |
| Late cancellation | Begin the process 30 days before the visa ends |
| Missing flight proof | Book and submit a confirmed one-way ticket |
| Incorrect paperwork | Double-check all ID numbers and visa details |
| Using unlicensed centers | Visit an official Tadbeer center or use the MOHRE app |
| Forgot to return my Emirates ID | Don’t forget to include the maid’s Emirates ID. |
Canceling a maid visa in Dubai doesn’t need to be stressful. With the right documents and early action, the process is smooth. Always keep track of dates, use trusted centers, and follow every step exactly. Stay informed, stay clear of fines, and handle your responsibilities right.
Summary
Now you know the 5 Easy Steps to Get a Maid Visa in Dubai for Your Home. No more guessing, no wasted time. Follow the steps, prepare your documents, and get legal help the right way.
Still unsure or want expert support? Business LinkUAE can walk you through it—fast, legal, and without stress. Call us today and make your Maid Visa in Dubai simple from the start.
Contact us today via phone at +97143215227, WhatsApp at +971502052735, or email at info@businesslinkuae.com
FAQ’s
What are my responsibilities after getting a maid visa in Dubai?
As a sponsor, you must:
- Pay the maid’s monthly salary on time
- Provide food, accommodation, and basic medical care
- Allow one day off per week
- Give paid annual leave (usually 30 days per year)
- Provide a round-trip ticket every 2 years
Can I transfer a maid visa in Dubai to another sponsor?
Yes, it’s possible—but not in all cases. You need:
- Approval from the current sponsor
- A no-objection letter (NOC)
- Both parties are to be present at the Tadbeer Center
- To pay the applicable transfer and new visa fees
The maid must also agree to the transfer. Otherwise, she must cancel the current visa and leave the UAE before applying again.
What are the working hours and leave entitlements for a Maid Visa in Dubai?
UAE labor regulations protect Dubai holders. They must receive one paid rest day per week and 30 days of annual paid leave after one year. If employed for over six months but less than a year, they earn 2 days’ leave per month. Employers must follow the working hour rules set by Law 10/2017. After visa cancellation, maids are entitled to gratuity. A return ticket home is also due every two years.
What is the role of Tadbeer centers in getting a Maid Visa Dubai?
Tadbeer centers help you get a maid visa in Dubai without hassle. They handle all legal steps—contract, visa, medical, and Emirates ID—in one place. These MOHRE-approved centers offer recruitment, full-time hiring, and salary transfers through WPS. They also ensure workers receive training and fair placement. Families can review maid profiles and conduct interviews. By using Tadbeer, you avoid dealing with multiple offices and ensure the process follows UAE law from start to finish.
