Hiring a housemaid, nanny, or domestic helper in Dubai can make daily life more manageable for families. To legally employ a maid in Dubai, sponsors must apply for a Maid Visa (Housemaid Visa UAE) under the regulations set by the UAE Domestic Labour Law. This detailed 2026 guide covers everything — eligibility, process, documents, costs, renewal, and cancellation.

What is a Maid Visa in Dubai?

A Maid Visa in Dubai (also called a Domestic Helper Visa or Residency Visa for Maid) is a residence permit that allows UAE residents to sponsor a full-time domestic worker. The visa typically has a validity of one year and is renewable annually.

Eligibility Criteria for Maid Visa Dubai

Sponsor Requirements for Maid Visa

The sponsor must be a UAE resident (expatriate or Emirati).
Minimum monthly salary: AED 25,000 (may vary depending on emirate).
Proof of financial stability, valid UAE residence visa, and tenancy contract for accommodation.
Only families are allowed to sponsor; bachelors are generally not permitted.

Maid/Nanny Eligibility & Age Limit

Age must be between 18 and 60 years.
Must pass medical fitness tests.

Nationality Restrictions for Domestic Workers

Domestic workers are commonly hired from the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.
Certain nationalities may have bilateral agreements regulating employment terms.

Documents Required for Maid Visa in Dubai

Typed application form from an authorized typing centre.
Maid’s original passport (valid 6+ months).
Passport copy of the sponsor.
Sponsor’s Emirates ID and residency visa.
Passport-size photos of maid.
Attested employment contract.
Medical fitness certificate (after arrival).
Refundable security deposit receipt.

Maid Visa Application Process in Dubai

Step 1 – Entry Permit for Maid

The sponsor applies for an entry permit through GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs).

Step 2 – Medical Fitness Test for Maid

On arrival, the maid must undergo a mandatory medical test at an approved health centre.

Step 3 – Emirates ID & Biometrics

Biometric data (fingerprints, photo) is collected for the Emirates ID card.

Step 4 – Visa Stamping & Residency Visa Issuance

The maid’s passport is stamped with the residency visa, allowing legal stay and employment in Dubai.

Cost of Maid Visa Dubai 2026

Maid Visa Fees Breakdown

Entry Permit: ~AED 1,000 – 1,500
Medical Test & Emirates ID: ~AED 500 – 700
Visa Stamping: ~AED 500
Typing & Processing Fees: ~AED 300 – 500

Refundable Security Deposit

Sponsors must pay a refundable deposit (~AED 2,000 – 5,000) depending on nationality.

Employment Contract for Domestic Workers

Key Terms of Maid Employment Contract

Monthly salary (minimum as per country of origin agreement).
One day off per week.
Maximum working hours: 8 hours/day.
Overtime/compensation rules.

UAE Domestic Labour Law & WPS Compliance

Salaries must be paid via the Wages Protection System (WPS).
Both employer and maid must sign the standardized employment contract.

Rights & Benefits of Housemaids in Dubai

Salary & Wages Protection System

Ensures domestic workers receive salaries on time.

Annual Leave & Public Holidays

Entitled to 30 days paid annual leave and UAE public holidays.

Health Insurance & Medical Coverage

Mandatory health insurance coverage must be provided by the sponsor.

Accommodation Requirements

Sponsor must provide safe and suitable living accommodation.

Maid Visa Renewal Dubai 2026

Renew annually before expiry by submitting updated documents and paying renewal fees. Late renewal incurs fines.

Maid Visa Cancellation Dubai

Visa Cancellation through Typing Centre

Submit passport, Emirates ID, sponsor’s documents, and cancellation fee (~AED 60). Approval is given within 24 hours.

Visa Cancellation at Immigration Branch

Submit documents to GDRFA.
Obtain cancellation receipts (one for sponsor, one for maid).
Refundable deposit is returned after clearance.

Transfer of Maid Visa to New Sponsor

New sponsor’s income proof required.
Medical fitness and new contract must be submitted.

Risks of Applying Without Professional Guidance

Application rejection due to incomplete documentation.
Delays in medical tests, Emirates ID, or visa stamping.
Loss of deposit if procedures are mishandled.

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100% verified process under UAE immigration rules.
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Fast, reliable, and secure maid visa processing.
Guidance on contract terms, WPS registration, and renewals.

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Maid Visa Dubai 2026 Guide: Requirements, Cost, Process & Renewal