Not every family needs a full-time live-in domestic worker. MOHRE UAE's Flexi Permit allows employers to hire domestic workers on a part-time or flexible basis — legally, affordably, and with full MOHRE protection. This is one of the most important innovations in UAE domestic labor in recent years.
⚡ Quick Facts
| 📋 Permit Type | Flexi Work Permit (part-time domestic) |
| 💰 Cost | From AED 1,500 per worker |
| ⏱️ Duration | Flexible — hourly, daily, weekly arrangements |
| 🏛️ Authority | MOHRE UAE |
| 🌐 Apply Via | MOHRE-approved Tadbeer centers |
| 📞 MOHRE | 600590000 |
| ✅ Worker Sponsors Themselves | No employer visa sponsorship needed |
💡 What is the MOHRE Flexi Permit?
The Flexi Permit (also called the Part-Time Domestic Worker Permit) is a MOHRE initiative that allows domestic workers in the UAE to be employed by multiple employers on a part-time, hourly, or daily basis. Instead of being tied to one full-time sponsor, the worker holds their own permit and can legally work for several households.
✅ Game changer for employers: You get professional domestic help without the long-term commitment or full costs of a 2-year sponsored visa. Perfect for small apartments, working couples, or families who only need help a few days a week.
👥 Who Can Use the Flexi Permit?
👨👩👧 Ideal For Employers
- Small apartments or studios
- Working couples without children
- Families needing 1-3 days/week help
- Part-time cooking or childcare
- Employers not meeting full sponsorship criteria
👩 Eligible Worker Categories
- Housemaids / house cleaners
- Cooks and cook assistants
- Nursemaids / babysitters
- Private chauffeurs
- Gardeners
- Caregivers / nurses (general)
💰 Flexi Permit Cost Breakdown 2026
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| MOHRE Flexi Permit (worker self-sponsored) | AED 1,500/year |
| Medical examination (Wafid) | AED 200–400 |
| Emirates ID | AED 100–200 |
| Tadbeer processing fee | AED 200–500 |
| Estimated Total | AED 2,000–2,600/year |
Hourly rates for Flexi workers typically range from AED 25–60/hour depending on nationality, skills and emirate.
⚖️ Key Differences: Flexi Permit vs Full Sponsorship
| Feature | Flexi Permit | Full 2-Year Sponsorship |
|---|---|---|
| Employer visa sponsorship | ❌ Not required | ✅ Required |
| Work with multiple employers | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Worker lives with employer | ❌ Usually not | ✅ Typically yes |
| Total employer cost | AED 2,000–2,600/yr | AED 12,000–25,000 |
| Flexibility | ✅ High | ❌ Fixed contract |
| MOHRE legal protection | ✅ Full | ✅ Full |
🔄 How to Hire a Flexi Permit Worker
Visit GCC Domestic to browse all 136 MOHRE-approved Tadbeer centers across UAE.
Tell the center you need a part-time or Flexi worker, specifying days, hours, and type of service required.
A simple MOHRE-compliant agreement is signed — no full sponsorship contract needed.
The Flexi worker visits your home on agreed days and completes the required tasks.
Payment is typically made per session, per day, or monthly — as agreed with the Tadbeer center.
🛡️ Legal Protections Under the Flexi Permit
- ✅ Worker is fully covered by UAE Domestic Workers Law
- ✅ MOHRE WPS salary protection applies
- ✅ Worker entitled to rest periods and humane treatment
- ✅ Employer cannot exploit the part-time arrangement
- ✅ Disputes resolved through MOHRE — call 600590000
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Flexi permit worker become a full-time sponsored worker later?
Yes — if both parties agree, the arrangement can be converted to a full 2-year MOHRE sponsored work permit through a licensed Tadbeer center.
Can I hire a Flexi permit maid without going through a Tadbeer center?
No — all Flexi Permit arrangements must be facilitated through a MOHRE-licensed Tadbeer center. Direct hiring on a Flexi Permit is not legally permitted.
What nationalities are available on Flexi Permit in UAE?
All nationalities eligible for domestic work in UAE under existing bilateral agreements are available — including Philippines, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and more.
Is the Flexi permit worker insured?
Basic coverage applies under UAE law. Employers are encouraged to opt into MOHRE's optional insurance for additional protection.
How many hours can a Flexi permit worker legally work per day?
MOHRE recommends a maximum of 9 hours/day with mandatory rest periods. This must be agreed in the service arrangement.
Can I hire multiple Flexi workers for different days?
Yes — this is one of the main advantages. You can hire different workers for different days, all legally under Flexi Permits through your Tadbeer center.
🏠 Looking to Hire a Domestic Worker in UAE?
GCC Domestic lists all 136 MOHRE-approved Tadbeer centers across UAE. Compare centers, view profiles, and contact directly via WhatsApp — zero commission.
📌 Source: MOHRE UAE Official Website — Updated 2026. Always verify at mohre.gov.ae