Domestic Helpers in Dubai
A complete guide to hiring domestic help in Dubai: costs, types of helpers, the visa sponsorship process, legal requirements, agencies, and the rights that must be respected under UAE law.
Overview
Domestic help is extremely common in Dubai — more so than in almost any other city in the world. The UAE is estimated to have over 750,000 domestic workers, and a significant portion of expat households in Dubai employ some form of domestic help, whether full-time live-in staff or weekly part-time cleaners.
The relative affordability of domestic labour, the prevalence of large villa-style housing, and dual-income household norms all contribute to this. Domestic workers come primarily from the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Nepal, and their employment is governed by a specific section of UAE labour law.
750,000+
Domestic workers in the UAE
AED 5–8K
Typical visa + setup cost
30 Days
Paid annual leave entitlement
Types of Domestic Help & Salary Ranges
| Type of Help | Salary Range | Additional Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time live-in maid | AED 2,000–4,000/month | Accommodation + food + utilities included by employer | Most common arrangement. Employer provides a private room. Nationality affects rate: Filipino and Sri Lankan maids are most common. |
| Part-time maid (weekly visits) | AED 50–100 per visit | Typically 3–4 hours per visit. No visa sponsorship needed. | The worker holds their own visa (sponsored by someone else) and works for multiple households. Very flexible arrangement. |
| Full-time nanny | AED 3,000–5,000/month | Accommodation + food if live-in. Higher rate reflects childcare expertise. | Rates higher than maids due to childcare specialisation. Experienced nannies from the Philippines and Ethiopia are common. |
| Part-time nanny / babysitter | AED 40–70/hour | Typically booked through agencies; minimum booking often 4 hours | Good for occasional use. Several platforms (Dubizzle, dedicated apps) list vetted babysitters. |
| Personal driver | AED 3,000–5,000/month | Accommodation + food if required. Car and fuel provided by employer. | Common for families where the primary earner travels extensively. Valid UAE driving license is mandatory. |
| Cook | AED 3,000–6,000/month | Accommodation if live-in. Market rate varies by cuisine speciality. | Specialist cooks (particular cuisines) command higher rates. Some households combine cook and cleaner roles. |
| Gardener | AED 1,500–3,000/month | Often villa-based; may be shared between multiple villas in a compound | Less common now as many communities include shared garden maintenance. Private villas with large gardens often employ a dedicated gardener. |
Visa Sponsorship Process
If you want to hire a domestic worker from overseas, you must sponsor their UAE residence visa. The process involves 7–8 steps and typically takes 4–8 weeks. Total cost including visa, medical tests, and insurance runs to AED 5,000–8,000.
Apply for Domestic Worker Entry Permit
MOHREApply through MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) Tas'heel service centers or online. Requires passport copy, employer Emirates ID, and proof of accommodation. Fee: approx. AED 500–800.
Worker Travels to UAE
Immigration / AirportWorker enters UAE on the entry permit. She/he should be met at the airport. Keep copies of all documents. Some employers send a family member or use an agency liaison to receive the worker.
Medical Fitness Test
DHA / HAADWorker must undergo a medical examination at an approved DHA (Dubai Health Authority) or HAAD clinic. Tests for tuberculosis, HIV, and other communicable diseases. Cost: AED 300–500.
Emirates ID Application
ICAAfter medical clearance, apply for Emirates ID at an ICA (Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship) service center. Biometrics are taken on-site. Cost included in visa fees.
Residence Visa Stamping
AMER / ImmigrationResidence visa stamped in passport at AMER centers (for Dubai) or equivalent immigration offices. This formally completes the residency process. Cost: approx. AED 1,000–1,500.
Mandatory Health Insurance
DLD / Insurance ProviderEmployers are legally required to provide health insurance to domestic workers. Must be enrolled before or immediately after visa issuance. Cost: AED 600–1,200/year depending on plan.
Employment Contract Registration
MOHREThe standard MOHRE domestic worker contract must be registered with MOHRE. Both parties sign. This is the worker's legal protection and the employer's record. Downloadable from the MOHRE portal.
Ongoing — Annual Renewal
ICA / MOHREResidency visa must be renewed every 1–2 years (depending on visa type issued). Medical test is repeated at renewal. Medical insurance must remain active throughout.
Legal Rights of Domestic Workers
UAE Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 (the Domestic Workers Law) establishes minimum rights for domestic workers. Violations can result in fines, visa bans, and prosecution. The following rights are legally mandated:
Minimum salary
AED 1,000/month legally, though actual market rate is AED 1,500–4,000+ depending on role
Rest day
At least 1 day off per week minimum — typically Friday, though negotiable by mutual agreement
Annual leave
30 days paid annual leave per year after completing 12 months of service
Sick leave
30 days sick leave per year — 15 days with full pay, 15 days with half pay
Return air ticket
Employer must provide a return ticket to the worker's home country every 2 years
End-of-service gratuity
1 month salary per year of service upon contract termination (for 1+ years service)
Accommodation & meals
Employer provides adequate separate accommodation and 3 meals per day
Document retention
Worker retains possession of their own passport at all times — confiscation is ILLEGAL
Passport Confiscation Is a Federal Crime
Hiring Options: Agencies vs. Direct Hire
Tadbeer Centers (Government-Approved)
Government-regulated domestic worker service centers established by MOHRE. Pre-screened and trained workers. Full visa processing handled by the center.
Advantages
- Workers undergo skills and language training before placement
- Full visa processing and documentation handled
- Replacements provided if worker doesn't work out
- Regulated fees — no hidden charges
Considerations
- Higher upfront cost than private agencies
- Less choice of nationalities
- May have waiting lists
Cost: AED 12,000–20,000 package including visa and first-year salary advance (package deals vary)
Private Recruitment Agencies
Licensed private agencies that source workers from sending countries. Quality varies significantly — check licenses carefully.
Advantages
- Wider selection of nationalities
- Often faster placement
- Some offer replacement guarantees (30–90 days)
Considerations
- Quality varies between agencies
- Check MOHRE license before using
- May charge employer AND worker placement fees
- No government oversight of replacement guarantees
Cost: AED 8,000–15,000 placement fee + visa costs
Direct Hire
Finding a worker independently through Dubizzle, community Facebook groups, or personal referrals, then sponsoring their visa yourself.
Advantages
- Lowest agency cost
- Can select based on personal referral and recommendation
- Worker may already be in UAE on a visit visa
Considerations
- You manage all visa paperwork yourself
- No replacement guarantee
- More due diligence required on background checks
- Risk of hiring someone not suitable for the role
Cost: AED 5,000–8,000 (visa fees + medical + insurance only)
Insurance Requirements
All domestic workers in Dubai must have active health insurance — it is a legal requirement and the employer must provide it. Without health insurance, the residence visa renewal will be blocked.
Health Insurance
Cost: AED 600–1,200 per year depending on coverage level. Basic plans (AED 600–700) cover outpatient and emergency care. Enhanced plans add dental and optical.
Major providers: Daman, Oman Insurance (now GIG Gulf), MetLife, AXA, Cigna.
Workers' Compensation
Additional compensation insurance (Daman Thiqa or similar) covers workplace accidents and injuries. Not always mandatory but strongly recommended.
Cost: AED 200–500 per year as an add-on to the health policy.
Common Issues & How to Handle Them
Contract Disputes
File a complaint with MOHRE via the Tas'heel service center or call the MOHRE hotline 800-60. Both parties can file. Mediation is attempted first before formal proceedings.
Worker Abuse or Poor Treatment
Workers can call the Ministry hotline 800-5005 (24 hours) or contact embassies of their home country. Shelters exist for workers needing emergency accommodation.
Agency Scams (Employer Side)
Always verify MOHRE license before paying. Licensed agencies are listed on the MOHRE website. Never pay full fees upfront — reputable agencies accept staged payments.
Worker Absconding
Report to MOHRE and police if a sponsored worker leaves without completing notice. File a 'leave without notice' report — this protects the employer from liability for the worker's actions while on their visa.
Early Contract Termination
Either party can terminate with 30 days' notice. Employer must pay all dues (salary arrears, air ticket, end-of-service gratuity if applicable) before cancelling the visa.
MOHRE Helplines
800-60 — MOHRE general enquiries and complaints (employers and workers)
800-5005 — Domestic worker abuse and distress hotline (24 hours, Arabic/English/Filipino/Hindi)
800-1 (police non-emergency) — For immediate safety situations