Domestic Helper Employer Guide Dubai 2026
Everything you need to know about sponsoring, hiring, and legally employing a domestic helper in Dubai — from Tadbeer centres and MoHRE contracts to salary by nationality, accommodation law, and full first-year cost breakdown.
Mother of two (11 and 8). Schools reviewer 2019–present. Former KHDA consultant.
Overview: Domestic Workers Law in Dubai
Dubai and the UAE have one of the highest per-capita rates of domestic worker employment in the world. An estimated 750,000+ domestic workers are employed across the Emirates, covering roles including housemaids, nannies, cooks, private drivers, gardeners, and elderly caregivers. The sector was comprehensively regulated by Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on Domestic Workers, which replaced older fragmented rules and brought the UAE into line with international labour standards.
The law applies to all seven emirates and covers all private household domestic workers regardless of nationality. It is enforced by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE), which operates the Tadbeer network of licensed recruitment centres.
Key Legal Framework
Sponsorship Eligibility Requirements
Not every UAE resident can sponsor a domestic worker. The standard requirements are:
- Minimum monthly salary: AED 25,000 for individual sponsorship. This applies to single sponsors (one income).
- Combined household income: AED 6,000+ housing allowance may be considered alongside salary — consult your Tadbeer centre for current thresholds.
- Valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID required for the sponsor.
- Suitable accommodation — must have a private room or suitable shared space for the helper.
- No existing MoHRE violations — prior labour violations may disqualify sponsorship.
If your salary is below AED 25,000, the Tadbeer hourly service model is available without any sponsorship requirement — Tadbeer remains the employer and provides workers for hourly bookings at AED 35–65/hour.
Eligibility for Multiple Helpers
Two Pathways: Direct Hire vs Tadbeer Hourly
There are two distinct models for accessing domestic help in Dubai:
Pathway 1: Direct Hire via Tadbeer (Full Sponsorship)
- You become the sponsor and legal employer
- 2-year MoHRE contract with full legal protections
- Helper lives in your home (live-in) or arranges own accommodation
- First-year all-in cost: AED 25,000–40,000
- Ongoing: AED 20,000–30,000/year (salary + insurance + food + flight amortised)
- Full legal obligations: WPS, health insurance, accommodation, EOS gratuity
Pathway 2: Tadbeer Hourly Services (No Sponsorship)
- Tadbeer is the employer — you are a client
- Book by the hour via app or phone
- AED 35–65/hour depending on service type
- No long-term commitment or legal obligations for you
- Available for: cleaning, ironing, cooking, gardening
- Not suitable for childcare (requires trusted ongoing relationship)
Salary by Nationality — 2026 Guide
Salaries vary by source country based on bilateral government agreements and market supply/demand. The figures below are 2026 market rates — the lower end is the practical minimum, the upper end reflects experienced workers with strong language skills or specialist skills (infant care, eldercare, cooking):
Salary Negotiation Note
Live-In vs Live-Out vs Tadbeer Hourly Compared
12-Step Tadbeer Hire Process
- 1
Confirm sponsorship eligibility
The sponsoring employer must earn at least AED 25,000/month (or AED 6,000+ housing allowance is sometimes accepted for combined-income couples). Proof of salary via bank statements or salary certificate required. Single sponsors under the threshold may need a co-sponsor or should consider Tadbeer hourly services instead.Time: 1–3 days - 2
Choose a Tadbeer centre
Tadbeer centres are federally regulated mediators licensed by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE). There are over 40 centres across Dubai. They handle recruitment, visa processing, MoHRE contract, and post-arrival support. Avoid unlicensed 'typing centres' offering cheaper domestic helper visas — these are illegal and the employer assumes full liability.Time: 1–2 days research - 3
Select source country and helper profile
Tell the Tadbeer centre your requirements: helper category (maid, nanny, cook, driver, caregiver), nationality preference, language skills, experience level, and live-in or live-out arrangement. The centre will match you from their pool or source from the country of origin. Philippines, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Kenya, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are the most common source countries in Dubai.Time: 3–14 days - 4
Review and sign the MoHRE standard contract
Under Federal Decree-Law 9 of 2022, all domestic workers must be on the standard MoHRE contract. This is non-negotiable and protects both parties. The contract specifies: role, salary, working hours, accommodation standard, rest days, leave entitlement, and end-of-service gratuity. Read it carefully — any side agreements that reduce the worker's rights below the statutory minimum are unenforceable.Time: 1 day - 5
Pay Tadbeer service fee and initiate visa process
The Tadbeer fee covers recruitment, visa processing, Emirates ID, medical examination, and the standard MoHRE contract registration. Total Tadbeer service fees typically range from AED 10,000–20,000 depending on nationality, source country, and contract terms. Payment is usually split: deposit at signing, balance on helper arrival. Visa processing takes 4–8 weeks for overseas recruitment.Cost: AED 10,000–20,000Time: 4–8 weeks total - 6
Arrange accommodation before arrival
The law requires you to provide accommodation: either a private room for the helper or shared accommodation with children they look after. The room must have adequate ventilation, a bed, and storage. Basement rooms without natural light are prohibited. Photograph the accommodation and note it in the contract addendum to avoid later disputes.Time: Before arrival - 7
Receive helper at airport and complete orientation
Tadbeer centres typically arrange airport pickup. On arrival, conduct a formal orientation: show the accommodation, introduce household rules, confirm working hours and weekly day off (mandatory under the law), explain emergency contacts, and confirm salary payment method (must be via WPS — Wages Protection System). The helper must receive a copy of their contract.Time: Arrival day - 8
Register for WPS salary payments
All domestic worker salaries must be paid through the UAE Wages Protection System (WPS). Open a WPS-compatible account — most banks and exchanges including Al Ansari Exchange offer domestic worker WPS accounts. Salary must be paid on time each month. Late payments are a criminal offence under UAE labour law. Keep transfer receipts as proof.Cost: Account opening fees AED 0–100Time: 1–3 days - 9
Purchase mandatory health insurance
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) requires all residents including domestic helpers to have health insurance. The employer is responsible for arranging and paying for the helper's insurance. Basic DHA-mandated insurance starts from AED 700–1,500/year. Check whether your existing family insurer offers a domestic worker add-on — this is often cheaper than a standalone policy.Cost: AED 700–1,500/yearTime: 1–5 days - 10
Probation period management (6 months)
The first 6 months is a statutory probation period. Either party may terminate during probation with written notice. If the employer terminates without cause after probation, they must pay: 1 month's salary notice and EOS gratuity. If the helper terminates, they must give 30 days notice. Termination during probation by either party requires a notice period of 30 days (post-probation: 60 days).Time: 6 months - 11
Annual contract renewal and biennial flight ticket
Domestic helper visas are typically 2-year contracts. At the end of 2 years the employer must either: renew the contract and provide a return flight ticket to the home country (or AED equivalent), or terminate with proper EOS gratuity payment. If renewing, the MoHRE contract must be re-signed and visa renewed before expiry. Do not let visas lapse — overstaying creates fines and bans for the helper.Cost: AED 1,500–3,500 for flight ticket every 2 yearsTime: Ongoing - 12
End-of-service gratuity payment on termination
Upon contract end (by either party after completion of 1+ year), the employer must pay End-of-Service (EOS) gratuity: 21 calendar days of basic salary for each year of service. This is calculated on basic salary only (excluding food/accommodation allowances). Example: if basic salary is AED 1,500/month and the helper worked 3 years, EOS = (1,500 ÷ 30) × 21 × 3 = AED 3,150. Part-year service is pro-rated.Time: Within 14 days of termination
Full First-Year Cost Breakdown
The following is a realistic cost breakdown for hiring a live-in domestic worker at AED 1,500/month basic salary through a Tadbeer centre. Actual costs vary by nationality, Tadbeer centre, and individual negotiation.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| One-time | |
Tadbeer recruitment + visa processing fee | AED 12000 |
Emirates ID (new) | AED 370 |
Medical examination (pre-arrival) | AED 400 |
WPS account setup / transfer fees | AED 200 |
| Recurring | |
Annual salary (AED 1,500/month × 12) | AED 18000 |
Health insurance (basic DHA plan) | AED 1200 |
Food contribution (estimated) | AED 3600 |
Annual return air ticket (amortised) | AED 1500 |
Accommodation (room within home — implicit) Part of housing cost | AED 0 |
Miscellaneous (uniforms, toiletries, transport) | AED 1200 |
| Estimated First-Year Total | AED 38,470 |
Note: Year 2 onwards costs drop significantly as the one-time recruitment and visa fees are not repeated. Renewal year costs are typically AED 22,000–28,000 (salary + insurance + food + pro-rated flight).
Mandatory Employer Obligations Under Federal Law
Working Hours
Maximum 9 working hours per day (including 1 hour rest). Minimum 8 hours continuous rest at night. Overtime permitted with worker consent at 125% rate (150% on rest days).
Weekly Rest Day
One full day off per week, non-negotiable and cannot be replaced with overtime pay. Most commonly Friday or Sunday. The helper may agree to work on the rest day in exchange for a different day off that same week.
Annual Leave
30 calendar days of paid annual leave per year after completing 1 year of service. Leave can be taken in instalments by mutual agreement. The employer pays for the return flight home if the leave coincides with the biennial home visit.
Sick Leave
Up to 30 days sick leave per year: first 15 days full pay, next 15 days half pay, after 30 days unpaid. Medical certificate from a licensed healthcare provider required.
Biennial Flight Ticket
Every 2 years the employer must provide (or reimburse) a return economy-class flight to the helper's home country. If the helper does not wish to travel, the cash equivalent may be agreed in writing.
Live-In vs Live-Out: Pros and Cons
Live-In: Advantages
- Available around the clock for childcare and emergencies
- No daily commute delays or no-shows due to transport
- Full household coverage including early mornings and late evenings
- Children build close bond and routine with one consistent carer
- Cost-effective if using many hours per day (vs hourly rates)
- Helper is familiar with household preferences and routines
Live-In: Disadvantages
- Requires a private room — not practical in small apartments
- Reduced household privacy for both family and helper
- Higher legal obligations (health insurance, accommodation standard, EOS gratuity)
- Sponsorship requires AED 25,000/month salary threshold
- First-year all-in cost AED 25,000–35,000+
- Termination requires proper notice and EOS payment
Live-Out: Advantages
- Helper has own life and accommodation — healthier boundaries
- No room requirement — works for apartment dwellers
- More structured working hours and clearer on/off time
- Cheaper overall if you only need daytime help
- Easier to manage if lifestyle changes (travel, work-from-home shifts)
Live-Out: Disadvantages
- No overnight or emergency coverage
- Transport delays can affect reliability
- Still requires full MoHRE sponsorship and legal obligations
- May need to supplement with Tadbeer hourly for gaps
- Higher salary expectation as helper funds own housing
Long-Term Employee vs Tadbeer Hourly: Pros and Cons
Long-Term Employee: Advantages
- Stability and deep knowledge of household preferences
- Children benefit from continuity of care
- Built trust reduces supervision overhead
- Lower annual cost after first-year recruitment fees are absorbed
- Loyal long-term helpers often become extended family
Long-Term Employee: Disadvantages
- EOS gratuity accumulates: 3 years = 2.25 months salary owed
- Visa renewal overhead every 2 years
- If personality mismatch, termination process takes 30–60 days
- Annual flight ticket obligation every 2 years
- Potential dependency on single helper (illness, return home)
Tadbeer Hourly: Advantages
- Zero legal sponsorship obligations — Tadbeer is the employer
- No long-term financial commitment
- Flexible: book 2 hours or 8 hours as needed
- No accommodation, health insurance, or EOS liability
- Easy to stop or change service provider
Tadbeer Hourly: Disadvantages
- AED 35–65/hr is expensive for full-time equivalent (25–30 hrs/week = AED 6,000–8,000/month)
- Different workers each time — no household consistency
- Not suitable for childcare requiring trusted relationship
- Not available 24/7 by default; booking required in advance
- Not a substitute for overnight or emergency care
Critical Legal Warnings for Employers
Passport Retention Is a Criminal Offence
Withholding Salary Is a Criminal Offence
Charging Recruitment Fees to the Worker Is Illegal
Loaning Your Helper to Others Is Prohibited
Helper Rights Are Actively Enforced
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Further Resources
- MoHRE Hotline: 800 60 (24/7, Arabic and English) — complaints and queries
- Tadbeer Centre Locator: mohre.gov.ae
- Federal Decree-Law 9 of 2022: Available in full on the MoHRE website
- WPS Complaint Portal: Available via MoHRE app and website
- Related reading: Sponsoring Parents Visa Guide | Expat Checklist