Sponsoring a Maid in UAE 2026: Visa Process, Salary, Insurance

To sponsor a maid in the UAE in 2026 you need a valid residence visa, a minimum monthly salary of AED 25,000 (roughly USD 6,810), and a AED 5,000 security deposit paid through an authorised Tadbeer centre.

Sponsoring domestic help remains one of the most common routes for UAE residents who need reliable support with housework, childcare or elderly care. The process sits under Federal rules enforced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and is handled locally through Tadbeer centres or approved agencies. Requirements have stayed consistent since the 2022 updates, so sponsors must plan for medical tests, insurance, accommodation standards and annual renewal fees.

Who Can Sponsor a Domestic Worker in 2026

Only individuals holding a valid UAE residence visa can sponsor a maid. This includes employees sponsored by their company, self-sponsored investors, and family members already on a spouse or parent’s visa. Freelancers and remote workers with a valid residence visa issued through free zones such as DMCC or Meydan also qualify, provided their salary meets the threshold.

Single men and women are eligible, but the sponsor must prove they can provide separate, decent accommodation. Employers in certain government or semi-government roles sometimes receive faster approval because their income is verified directly through salary certificates from the employer.

Minimum Salary, Deposit and Other Financial Rules

The sponsor must earn at least AED 25,000 per month. This figure is checked via a salary certificate or bank statements covering the previous three months. Lower earners can sometimes combine income with a spouse, but both parties must be listed on the application and the combined total must still reach the threshold.

In addition to the salary requirement, sponsors pay a AED 5,000 refundable security deposit to the Tadbeer centre. The deposit is held until the contract ends and the worker leaves the country or transfers to a new sponsor. Other upfront costs include medical fitness tests (AED 350–500), Emirates ID issuance (AED 370), and the visa stamping fee (AED 300–500 depending on the emirate).

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process

Begin by visiting a Tadbeer centre in your emirate. In Dubai the main centres are located in Al Quoz and Deira; in Abu Dhabi you will find them in Mussafah and Khalidiya. Bring your passport, residence visa copy, salary certificate, tenancy contract (Ejari or equivalent) and six passport photos of the intended worker.

The centre conducts an initial interview and issues a labour card application. Once approved, the worker undergoes a medical fitness test at an approved DHA or HAAD centre. After clearance, the entry permit is issued electronically through the ICP portal or GDRFA app in Dubai. The worker then enters the UAE on this permit and completes stamping and Emirates ID registration within 60 days.

Many sponsors now use the UAE Pass app to track application status and pay fees directly. Processing usually takes 15–25 working days when all documents are complete. Delays occur mainly when medical results need re-testing or when the sponsor’s salary proof requires additional verification from MOHRE.

Salary Benchmarks, Benefits and Contract Terms

Market rates for a full-time live-in maid range from AED 1,200 to AED 1,800 per month depending on nationality and experience. Filipino and Indian workers typically command AED 1,500–1,800, while some East African nationalities start around AED 1,200. The employer must also provide food, accommodation, and one return flight to the home country every two years.

Working hours are capped at eight hours per day with one rest day per week. Overtime is not formally paid but many families offer a small bonus or extra leave. The standard contract runs for two years and must be renewed before expiry through the same Tadbeer centre.

If you are weighing live-in versus live-out arrangements, the Live-In vs Live-Out Domestic Help in Dubai guide explains the extra costs of providing separate housing and transport allowances.

Insurance, Medical Tests and Accommodation Standards

Every sponsored maid requires private health insurance valid for the full contract period. Basic plans cost AED 1,200–1,800 annually and must cover hospitalisation and outpatient treatment. The policy is purchased through the Tadbeer centre or an approved insurer such as Daman or Oman Insurance.

Medical fitness tests are mandatory and include screening for HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis and pregnancy. Results are uploaded directly to the ICP system. Sponsors must also provide a separate room with proper ventilation, a bed, wardrobe and access to bathroom facilities. Shared rooms with family members are not permitted.

For families needing specialised elderly care rather than general housework, the Live-In Carer for Elderly Parents in UAE guide sets out the higher salary bands and additional medical training requirements.

Tadbeer Centres, Renewals and Common Pitfalls

Tadbeer centres act as the sole legal channel for recruiting and sponsoring domestic workers. They handle the contract, insurance and dispute resolution. Always use the official list published on the MOHRE website rather than unofficial agents who approach you in malls or online.

Renewal requires a new medical test, updated insurance and payment of AED 1,200–1,500 in government fees. If the worker wishes to change sponsors, both parties must sign a release form at the Tadbeer centre and the new sponsor must meet the same salary and deposit rules.

Common mistakes include failing to register the worker’s annual leave, not updating the accommodation address after moving house, or attempting to pay the maid directly without routing salary through the Tadbeer payroll system. These oversights can lead to fines of AED 5,000 or more and delays during future visa applications.

Updated 2026. For your specific case, ask Tovi — answers in 30 seconds, in your language.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the full maid visa process take in 2026?

From the first visit to a Tadbeer centre until the worker receives her Emirates ID, most applications are completed in three to four weeks. Delays beyond 30 days usually stem from incomplete salary documents or medical re-tests.

Can I sponsor a maid if I work in a free zone?

Yes, provided your free-zone residence visa is valid and your monthly salary meets the AED 25,000 threshold. Free-zone sponsors follow the same Tadbeer process and pay identical government fees.

What happens to the AED 5,000 deposit at the end of the contract?

The deposit is refunded once the worker’s final exit or transfer is confirmed and all outstanding dues are settled. The Tadbeer centre processes the refund within 30 days of contract closure.

Is it possible to hire a driver and a maid under the same sponsorship?

Yes. Many households sponsor both roles. You can compare salary benchmarks and visa steps for drivers in the Hiring a Driver in UAE guide while keeping the maid application separate through Tadbeer.

Do I need to pay for the maid’s annual flight ticket?

Standard two-year contracts include one economy return ticket to the worker’s home country. Some families negotiate cash in lieu of the ticket at the end of the first year, but this must be stated clearly in the Tadbeer contract.

Got more UAE questions?

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →