How to Apply for a Maids Visa in Dubai?

Hiring a domestic worker or maid in Dubai can significantly help manage household tasks, especially for families with demanding work schedules or children. However, before you can legally employ a maid, it’s essential to follow the correct procedure to obtain a maid’s visa. This guide will walk you through every step of applying for a maid’s visa in Dubai, including eligibility, documentation, costs, and other key considerations.

What Is a Maid’s Visa?

A maid’s visa, also referred to as a domestic worker visa, is a type of residence visa issued to households in the UAE that allows them to sponsor a full-time domestic helper. This visa is valid for one year and is renewable annually. The process is overseen by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai and regulated under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

Who Can Sponsor a Maid in Dubai?

Not everyone is eligible to sponsor a maid. Here are the conditions:

• The sponsor must be a UAE resident.

• The sponsor must be a married head of the family.

• A minimum salary of AED 25,000 per month is typically required, though this can vary.

• The family must live in suitable accommodation (e.g., a villa or apartment with separate maid’s quarters is preferred).

• Only male heads of the family are allowed to sponsor a maid, not single individuals or bachelors.

In some cases, expats may need to show proof of necessity, especially if they have elderly parents or young children.

Nationalities Allowed for Domestic Workers

According to UAE labor regulations, employers can hire domestic workers from approved countries, usually including:

• Philippines

• India

• Sri Lanka

• Bangladesh

• Indonesia

• Ethiopia

• Kenya

• Uganda

• Nepal

Some nationalities may have specific embassy or consulate requirements, such as additional contracts or minimum wages.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Maid’s Visa in Dubai

Step 1: Choose the Source of Hiring

There are two main ways to hire a maid:

1. Direct Sponsorship: You find and sponsor the maid directly.

2. Through a Registered Agency: You work with a licensed maid agency that handles the paperwork and provides candidates.

Hiring through an agency is more expensive but simplifies the process. Direct hiring offers more control and cost-efficiency.

Step 2: Apply for an Entry Permit

An Entry Permit (Pink Visa) allows the maid to enter the UAE legally if she is outside the country. If she is already in the UAE, you can adjust her visa status without exit.

• Go to a TASHEEL center, Amer center, or apply via GDRFA online.

• Submit the maid’s passport copy and photo.

• Pay the relevant entry permit fee.

Once approved, the maid has 60 days to complete the residence visa procedures.

Step 3: Undergo Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID Registration

After the maid arrives in Dubai:

1. Medical Fitness Test: She must visit a government-approved health center.

   • Includes a blood test and chest X-ray.

   • Results are typically available within 1–2 days.

2. Emirates ID Biometric Scanning: The maid needs to register her fingerprints and biometrics at an Emirates ID center.

This step is mandatory for finalizing the visa and getting the Emirates ID.

Step 4: Apply for Residency Visa and Labour Card

After receiving the medical fitness certificate, proceed with the residency visa and labor card:

• Submit:

  • Sponsor’s documents (passport, visa copy, salary certificate, tenancy contract).

  • Maid’s documents (passport, medical certificate, photos).

  • Signed contract between sponsor and maid.

• Pay visa and labor card issuance fees.

The visa will be stamped in the maid’s passport, and she will receive her Emirates ID within a few days.

Costs Involved in a Maid’s Visa in Dubai (Approximate)

Note: If hiring via an agency, the total cost may range from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000, depending on the maid’s nationality and the agency’s package.

Key Documents Required

For the Sponsor:

• Passport copy with residence visa

• Emirates ID copy

• Salary certificate (if working in private sector) or labor contract

• Tenancy contract (Ejari certified)

• DEWA (utility) bill

• Marriage certificate (attested)

For the Maid:

• Passport copy with a minimum 6-month validity

• Passport-sized photos (white background)

• Previous visa copy (if applicable)

• Entry permit (if entering from outside UAE)

Rules & Obligations for Employers

• The employer must provide accommodation, meals, health insurance, and a return ticket every two years.

• The maid is entitled to:

  • One day off per week

  • 30 days paid annual leave

  • Medical care and paid sick leave

  • Gratuity at end of service (as per UAE Labour Law)

Employers must not confiscate the maid’s passport, as it is illegal.

Renewing a Maid’s Visa in Dubai

A maid’s visa must be renewed annually. Renewal steps are similar to the original process:

1. Medical test

2. Emirates ID renewal

3. Visa stamping and contract renewal

Renewals must be done before the visa expires, ideally a month in advance to avoid fines.

Cancelling a Maid’s Visa

If the maid’s employment ends, the sponsor must:

• Provide a return air ticket to her home country.

• Cancel the visa at a GDRFA center or online.

• Ensure all dues (salary, gratuity, leave encashment) are cleared.

The maid must exit the country unless transferring to a new sponsor via proper legal procedures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not meeting salary or housing requirements.

• Hiring from non-approved nationalities.

• Failing to renew the visa on time.

• Using the maid for commercial or part-time work, which is illegal.

• Not following embassy-specific rules, particularly for Filipino and Indonesian workers.

Final Thoughts

Sponsoring a maid in Dubai involves a clear legal process, paperwork, and financial responsibility. By understanding the eligibility criteria, following the correct procedures, and respecting the maid’s rights, you can ensure a smooth and lawful hiring experience. Whether you hire directly or through an agency, staying informed about UAE regulations is the key to a hassle-free process.

If you’re unsure or don’t have time to manage it yourself, consider working with a registered maid visa processing agency to help you with the end-to-end steps.