Sponsoring a maid visa in Dubai involves a detailed, step-by-step procedure regulated by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The process ensures that domestic worker recruitment is conducted legally and ethically, protecting both the sponsor and the maid under UAE labor laws. Understanding this process in advance helps avoid delays, unnecessary costs, or compliance issues. Below is a complete explanation of each stage involved in obtaining a maid visa in Dubai, from the initial application to final residence visa stamping.
1. Pre-Application Preparation
Before beginning the visa process, the sponsor must confirm eligibility and prepare essential documents. This includes ensuring a minimum salary of AED 25,000, having a valid UAE residency, and possessing a tenancy contract (Ejari) that proves adequate accommodation. The maid’s passport, recent photographs, and other personal documents should also be ready. Sponsors must decide whether they are applying for a maid already in the UAE or one entering from abroad. This determines whether an entry permit or status change will be required later.
2. Apply for an Entry Permit (Visa Quota Approval)
The first official step is obtaining an entry permit for the maid. This is processed through an authorized typing center or directly via the GDRFA Dubai portal. To apply, the sponsor must submit the maid’s passport copy, their own residency documents, salary proof, and tenancy contract. Once submitted, the application is reviewed, and if approved, the entry permit is issued.
- If the maid is outside the UAE, the entry permit allows her to legally enter the country.
- If the maid is already inside the UAE, a status change application must be processed instead.
The entry permit is generally valid for 60 days from the date of issue.
3. Maid’s Arrival and Medical Fitness Test
Once the maid arrives in Dubai, the next critical step is completing the medical fitness test, which must be done within 30 days of entry. The test is conducted at authorized medical centers approved by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and includes screening for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, and hepatitis. If the maid passes the medical test, a medical fitness certificate is issued. This is a mandatory requirement before applying for an Emirates ID or residence visa stamping. If the maid fails the test, the entry permit automatically becomes invalid, and she cannot proceed with the sponsorship process.
4. Emirates ID Registration
After completing the medical exam, the sponsor must register for the maid’s Emirates ID at any Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) service center. During this step, biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph) are collected. An Emirates ID application is essential for residence visa stamping and is typically valid for the same duration as the visa (one year).
5. Residence Visa Stamping
Once the medical and Emirates ID steps are completed, the sponsor can proceed with visa stamping. This is done through the GDRFA Dubai. The sponsor submits all required documents, including:
- Maid’s passport and entry permit
- Medical fitness certificate
- Emirates ID application form
- Salary certificate and tenancy contract
- Sponsor’s passport and visa copies
After review and approval, the maid’s passport is stamped with a residence visa, officially granting her legal stay and employment rights in the UAE under the sponsor’s name. The visa typically remains valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
6. Employment Contract and Insurance
The sponsor must register the maid’s employment contract in accordance with Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 on domestic workers. This contract outlines salary, duties, rest days, and annual leave. It should be signed by both parties and attested by the concerned authority. Additionally, the sponsor must provide domestic worker insurance, covering health, accidents, and repatriation costs. This insurance is now a legal requirement in most emirates, including Dubai.
7. Final Steps and Practical Advice
After the visa stamping, the sponsor should:
- Keep copies of all documents (entry permit, visa, insurance, medical certificate).
- Renew the maid’s visa and insurance before expiry to avoid fines.
- Treat the maid fairly in accordance with UAE labor regulations.
- Notify GDRFA in case of early contract termination or cancellation.
Failure to maintain legal compliance may result in fines or suspension of sponsorship privileges.
Obtaining a maid visa in Dubai involves careful attention to documentation, step-by-step coordination with GDRFA, and compliance with health, labor, and immigration requirements. By following the official process from entry permit to visa stamping, sponsors can ensure a legal and transparent arrangement that protects both parties. For detailed assistance with UAE visa forms, documentation, or government typing procedures, you can refer to SH Typing Center, which provides trusted informational resources related to UAE documentation and visa services.