Dubai is one of the most dynamic cities in the world, with a fast-paced lifestyle and a large population of working professionals and expatriate families. With busy work schedules, long commutes, and family responsibilities, many residents rely heavily on domestic help to manage their households efficiently. From cooking and cleaning to childcare and elder care, the demand for live-in maids in Dubai has steadily increased over the years.
However, despite this high demand, the process of hiring and sponsoring a maid—officially known as obtaining a maid visa in Dubai—can be confusing and overwhelming for many. From eligibility rules and document requirements to government procedures and legal compliance, navigating the steps involved in getting a maid visa can feel like a bureaucratic maze, especially for first-time sponsors.
If you’ve found yourself stuck or unsure about how to proceed, you’re not alone—and you’ve come to the right place.
This guide is designed to break down the maid visa Dubai process in simple, actionable steps. Whether you’re considering sponsoring a maid for the first time or trying to understand renewal procedures, this article will help you:
- Understand who is eligible to sponsor a maid.
- Navigate the government procedures with ease.
- Avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary delays.
- Save time by knowing exactly what documents and fees are required.
Let’s simplify the process together—so you can focus on finding the right help for your home, without the headache.
Step-by-Step Maid Visa Sponsorship Process
Sponsoring a maid in Dubai involves multiple stages, each with its own documentation, requirements, and timelines. Here’s a simplified breakdown to help you understand what to expect:
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before initiating the process, ensure that you meet the government’s basic criteria:
- You must be a UAE resident with a valid residence visa.
- Your monthly salary should be at least AED 25,000.
- You must live in a residence with space to accommodate a maid (proof via Ejari tenancy contract).
- Typically, only families (not single individuals) are allowed to sponsor.
If you meet these criteria, you can move forward with confidence.
2. Select Maid’s Country of Origin
The maid’s nationality can significantly influence the sponsorship process because of bilateral labor agreements between the UAE and the worker’s home country. These agreements determine:
- Required documentation (e.g., standardized employment contracts).
- Minimum wage obligations.
- Additional embassy approvals.
- Exit requirements from the worker’s home country.
Example: Hiring from the Philippines requires strict compliance with POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) standards, including a POEA-compliant contract and employer verification.
Tip: Confirm specific requirements through a licensed recruitment agency or your home country’s consulate.
3. Apply for GDRFA Approval
You must obtain initial approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). This step validates your eligibility to sponsor a maid.
Documents typically required:
- Your passport and UAE residence visa copy
- Emirates ID
- Ejari tenancy contract
- Salary certificate or labor contract
- Maid’s passport copy
- Passport-sized photos
- Affidavit of non-relationship (if required)
Where to apply: At an authorized typing center or through GDRFA’s eServices platform.
4. Entry Permit Application
Once GDRFA gives you the green light, the next step is to apply for an Entry Permit (also known as an employment visa) for the maid.
This permit allows the maid to legally enter the UAE for employment purposes.
- Validity: 60 days from the date of issue
- If the maid is already in the UAE, a status change application can be filed instead.
You’ll need:
- Maid’s passport copy
- Entry permit form
- Photos
- Initial approval documents
5. Medical Test & Emirates ID
After the maid arrives (or her visa status is changed inside the country), she must undergo:
- Medical fitness test at an approved government clinic (includes blood test and chest X-ray to check for communicable diseases).
- Emirates ID biometrics registration at a Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) center.
Both are essential before proceeding to final visa stamping.
6. Visa Stamping
Once the medical test is cleared and Emirates ID steps are complete, proceed to visa stamping. This involves affixing the maid’s residence visa into her passport.
This officially legalizes her stay and employment under your sponsorship.
Where: At GDRFA or through an approved typing center.
Important: This step must be completed before the 60-day entry permit expires.
7. Labor Contract & Insurance
Once the visa is stamped, you’ll need to formalize employment with a standardized labor contract.
- Register the contract through Tadbeer or another authorized center.
- Clearly outline duties, salary, rest days, and benefits.
Additionally, you must:
- Purchase medical insurance for the maid (mandatory).
- Submit a refundable bank guarantee (usually AED 2,000–3,000) or obtain a bank guarantee as instructed by immigration authorities.
Following these steps properly ensures your maid is sponsored legally, with all the necessary documentation and protections in place. If you’re ever unsure, using a professional PRO or agency can help avoid costly mistakes.
Ready to Sponsor a Maid? Let’s Make It Simple
Sponsoring a maid visa in Dubai may seem overwhelming at first glance, but with the right guidance, clear information, and timely action, the process becomes far more manageable. By understanding the eligibility requirements, following the proper steps, and being aware of common pitfalls, you can complete the process efficiently—and legally.
Whether you’re doing it for the first time or renewing an existing visa, staying informed helps you avoid costly mistakes and save valuable time.
However, we understand that not everyone has the time or confidence to handle the paperwork, approvals, and regulations on their own. That’s where professional support can make all the difference. From document preparation to follow-ups with authorities, a reliable service provider can help you get it right the first time.
Need fast and reliable help with your maid visa in Dubai? Contact our experts today and simplify the entire process—stress-free.
