To sponsor a maid visa in Dubai, meet eligibility requirements like a minimum monthly income (typically AED 25,000) and a suitable home, then apply through a Tadbeer service center or the Dubai Now app, submitting documents including passports, a tenancy contract, and a signed employment contract. After paying fees, the maid will undergo a medical fitness test and receive an Emirates ID, followed by the stamping of the residence visa in their passport.
- Meet Eligibility Requirements
- Income: You must prove a minimum monthly income of AED 25,000 or AED 6,000 with provided accommodation from your employer.
- Accommodation: You need a tenancy contract for a residence with at least two rooms.
- Residency: You must hold a valid UAE residency visa.
- Gather Required Documents
Prepare the following documents:
- Sponsor’s Documents: Passport copy, Emirates ID copy, salary certificate or bank statements showing income, and the tenancy contract.
- Maid’s Documents: Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months), passport-sized photos, and a medical fitness test report.
- Employment Contract: A signed contract detailing salary, working hours, duties, and benefits.
- Apply for the Visa
- Option 1 (Tadbeer Centers): Visit a licensed Tadbeer service center to start the application process and get assistance with permits, medical tests, and visa stamping.
- Option 2 (Dubai Now App): For Dubai residents, you can use the Dubai Now app to apply for a new domestic worker visa, guiding you through the process.
- Option 3 (Typing Centers): You can use an authorized typing center to type the application form for the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Complete Medical and ID Procedures
- The maid will need to undergo a medical fitness test to confirm they are free from contagious diseases.
- After the medical test, they will apply for an Emirates ID.
- Visa Stamping
- Once all requirements and tests are completed, the residence visa will be stamped into the maid’s passport.
Important Considerations
- Employment Contracts: Ensure the employment contract clearly outlines all terms and conditions, including salary, rest days, working hours, and other obligations.
- Financial Capacity: Sponsors are responsible for the maid’s salary, benefits, and well-being.
- Eligible Countries: Maids can only be sponsored from countries listed by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE) authorities.
Costs Associated with Sponsoring a Maid in Dubai
If you’re planning to sponsor a maid visa in Dubai, it’s important to understand the complete cost structure involved.
- Visa Application Fees: The initial maid visa application fees range between AED 8,000 – AED 14,000, depending on the nationality of the maid and the specific service center used (e.g., Tadbeer or Amer). This includes entry permits, typing charges, and visa stamping.
- Annual Sponsorship Fee: Employers are required to pay an annual sponsorship fee of around AED 5,000, which covers the renewal of the maid’s visa and related administrative costs.
- Maid’s Monthly Salary: The maid’s salary in Dubai varies depending on experience and nationality. On average, salaries range between AED 1,500 to AED 3,500 per month, excluding accommodation and meals provided by the employer.
- Medical Insurance: Providing medical insurance for a maid is mandatory under UAE law. Costs typically vary based on the chosen plan and coverage level, ranging from AED 500 to AED 2,000 annually.
- Refundable Deposit: A refundable security deposit of AED 2,000 must be paid during the visa process. This amount is returned when the maid’s visa is canceled or transferred legally.
Renewing and Cancelling a Maid’s Visa in Dubai
1. Maid Visa Renewal:
A maid’s residence visa is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually to remain valid. It’s advisable to start the renewal process at least 30 days before the visa expires to avoid penalties or fines.
Renewal involves updating the maid’s medical fitness test, Emirates ID, and health insurance, followed by submitting the renewal application through GDRFA or an authorized typing center.
Timely renewal ensures uninterrupted legal employment and compliance with UAE domestic worker laws.
2. Maid Visa Cancellation:
If you decide to end your maid’s employment or if she wishes to leave the UAE, you must officially cancel her residence visa. The process includes:
- Booking a confirmed return flight ticket for the maid.
- Visiting an authorized Amer or typing center to initiate visa cancellation.
- Settling all pending dues, salary, and entitlements before submitting the request.
Once the visa is canceled, you’ll receive a confirmation from GDRFA, ensuring the maid exits the UAE legally without future penalties.
Responsibilities of the Sponsor in Dubai
1. Paying Salary on Time: The sponsor must pay the maid’s salary on time every month, as stated in the employment contract. Delayed or unpaid wages can lead to legal action and penalties under UAE labour law.
2. Providing Proper Living Conditions: Sponsors are required to offer safe, clean, and private accommodation with essential amenities. A separate living space helps ensure the maid’s comfort and dignity during her stay in the UAE.
3. Covering Medical Insurance: When you sponsor a maid visa in Dubai, you are responsible for providing comprehensive medical insurance throughout the maid’s employment. This covers medical care, emergencies, and annual check-ups.
4. Handling Government Fees: All official expenses, including visa application fees, Emirates ID issuance, medical tests, and renewals, must be paid by the sponsor. These are mandatory to keep the maid’s residency status valid and compliant.
5. Ensuring Legal Compliance: Sponsors must follow UAE labour and domestic worker laws, covering working hours, rest days, annual leave, and other contract terms. Maintaining legal compliance protects both parties and prevents disputes.
6. Providing a Return Ticket: When the employment contract ends or the maid’s visa is cancelled, the sponsor must provide a return flight ticket to her home country. This ensures a lawful and respectful conclusion to the employment agreement.
Key Points to Remember
- Eligible Countries for Hiring: You can hire domestic helpers only from countries that have formal agreements with the UAE. These typically include the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Ethiopia.
- Minimum Age Requirement: The maid must be at least 18 years old at the time of application, as per UAE domestic worker regulations.
- Approved Application Channels: Always process applications and renewals through authorized centers such as Amer Center or Tadbeer Centers. These facilities ensure your maid visa sponsorship meets all legal standards.
- Visa Cancellation Before Hiring a New Maid: If you’re changing maids, make sure to cancel the previous maid’s visa before submitting a new sponsorship request. Overlapping visas may lead to penalties or rejection.
- Keep Copies of All Documents: Maintain copies of all contracts, receipts, and visa-related documents for your records. These are essential for renewals, cancellations, or legal reference in case of disputes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Hiring a Maid Not Under Your Sponsorship:
It is illegal to employ a maid who isn’t sponsored under your name. Always ensure the domestic worker has a valid residence visa issued under your sponsorship through GDRFA or an authorized Tadbeer Center.
2. Delaying Visa Renewal:
Failing to renew your maid’s visa before it expires can lead to fines, visa cancellation, or legal penalties. Begin the renewal process at least 30 days before expiration to avoid issues with immigration authorities.
3. Not Providing Health Insurance:
Providing medical insurance for your maid is a legal requirement in the UAE. Skipping this not only violates the law but also puts your maid’s health and your sponsorship status at risk.
4. Ignoring Contract Registration:
Every maid must have a registered employment contract approved by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources or Tadbeer. Without this document, neither the sponsor nor the maid is legally protected in case of disputes.
Conclusion
Sponsoring a maid visa in Dubai involves proper planning, accurate documentation, and strict compliance with UAE domestic worker regulations. When managed correctly, the process is straightforward and stress-free.
With the right guidance, you can complete every step from application and approval to renewal or cancellation without complications. Authorized centers like Tadbeer Center and Amer Centers help you navigate each stage smoothly while ensuring full legal compliance.
Always remember to follow official procedures, maintain transparency, and treat your maid with respect and fairness. Doing so not only protects your legal rights as a sponsor but also fosters a positive and ethical working relationship at home.
