Hiring a domestic worker in Qatar legally requires obtaining an official work permit through MADLSA (Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs). This complete guide covers every step, document, fee, and requirement for 2026 — for both direct hire and agency recruitment.
⚡ Quick Facts
| 🏛️ Authority | MADLSA — Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor & Social Affairs |
| ⏱️ Processing Time | 2–4 weeks |
| 💰 Work Visa Fee | QAR 200 |
| 💰 Residence Permit Fee | QAR 500 |
| 🌐 Apply Online | Metrash2 App / Portal |
| 📞 MADLSA Helpline | 16008 |
| 📱 MOI App | Metrash2 — iOS & Android |
👷 Eligible Domestic Worker Categories in Qatar
👩 Female
- Housemaid
- Nursemaid / Nanny
- Cook
- Private Nurse (General)
- Caregiver / Elderly Care
👨 Male
- Private Driver / Chauffeur
- Cook
- Gardener
- Security Guard (Private)
- General Servant
🌍 Approved Nationalities for Domestic Workers in Qatar 2026
Qatar approves domestic workers from specific countries based on bilateral labor agreements. Currently approved source countries include:
Philippines 🇵🇭 | Indonesia 🇮🇩 | Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 | Nepal 🇳🇵 | Ethiopia 🇪🇹 | Kenya 🇰🇪 | Uganda 🇺🇬 | Bangladesh 🇧🇩 | Ghana 🇬🇭 | India 🇮🇳 (limited)
⚠️ India currently has a bilateral agreement restriction — verify current status with MADLSA before applying.
✅ Employer Eligibility Requirements
- ✅ Must have lived and worked in Qatar for at least 6 months
- ✅ Must provide 6 months of bank statements
- ✅ Minimum monthly salary threshold (varies by family size)
- ✅ Valid Qatar residency (QID)
- ✅ Single men cannot sponsor a female maid in Qatar
- ✅ Married couple — wife must hold a valid residence permit for NOC-based hiring
💰 Complete Fee Breakdown 2026
| Fee Component | Amount (QAR) |
|---|---|
| Work Visa / Entry Permit | QAR 200 |
| Residence Permit (2 years) | QAR 500 |
| Medical Examination | QAR 200–300 |
| Health Card | QAR 100 |
| Biometric / Fingerprinting | QAR 50 |
| Health Insurance (mandatory) | QAR 300–600/year |
| Life/Disability Insurance (Filipino) | QAR 200–300 |
| Agency Fee (if applicable) | QAR 12,000–18,000 |
| Estimated Total (Direct Hire) | QAR 1,350–1,950 |
📋 Required Documents
🌐 Online Application (Metrash2)
- Valid QID of employer
- Passport copy of domestic worker
- Valid medical examination certificate (from approved centre)
- Employment contract (MADLSA standard form)
- Bank statements — last 6 months
- NOC from employer (if wife is sponsoring)
🔄 Step-by-Step Process
Login to Metrash2 or visit MADLSA. Submit employer details, worker passport copy, and employment contract.
Worker visits a Qatar-approved medical centre in home country. Certificate must be valid (typically 3 months).
Worker arrives on the work entry visa. You have 4 weeks to complete all residency formalities.
Worker visits MADLSA or immigration centre for biometric data collection.
Register worker for health card and enroll in mandatory health insurance.
Qatar ID (QID) and residence permit issued — valid for 2 years.
📍 MADLSA Office — Doha
🏛️ MADLSA Main Office
📍 Al Rumaila West, Doha, Qatar
📅 Sunday – Thursday | 🕐 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📞 16008
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire a maid directly from abroad without an agency?
Yes — direct recruitment is allowed. You apply for the work visa through Metrash2, and the worker comes directly under your sponsorship without an agency. However, agencies handle all paperwork and are often easier for first-time sponsors.
How long does it take to bring a maid from abroad to Qatar?
Typically 2–6 weeks from initial application to worker arrival, depending on visa processing, medical exam, and airline availability.
What is the minimum salary to sponsor a maid in Qatar?
Qatar does not publish a fixed minimum employer salary, but immigration typically requires proof of income sufficient to support your household plus the domestic worker. Bank statements showing consistent income are essential.
Can a female employer sponsor a maid in Qatar?
Yes — female Qatari and resident employers can sponsor domestic workers. The restriction on single men does not apply to single women.
What if my maid fails the medical examination?
If the worker fails the pre-entry medical exam, the work visa application cannot proceed. You will need to apply for a replacement worker or wait for the worker to be medically cleared.
Is the QAR 500 residence permit fee paid every 2 years?
Yes — the residence permit must be renewed every 2 years, and the renewal fee applies each time.
🏠 Looking to Hire a Domestic Worker in Qatar?
GCC Domestic lists 106 verified domestic worker agencies across Qatar. Compare agencies, view profiles, and contact directly via WhatsApp — zero commission.
📌 Source: Qatar e-Government Portal — Updated 2026. Always verify latest requirements at portal.www.gov.qa