Maid Salary in Qatar 2026: Complete Guide by Nationality & Role
This guide breaks down domestic worker salaries in Qatar for 2026 — by nationality and role — plus the legal minimum wage, the full cost of hiring beyond salary, what raises or lowers pay, and how wages must be paid under Qatari law.
How Maid Salaries Work in Qatar
Domestic workers in Qatar (housemaids, nannies, cooks, drivers and caregivers) are covered by the Domestic Workers Law (No. 15 of 2017) and hired through a licensed recruitment office. The essentials:
- Qatar applies a minimum wage of QAR 1,000 per month, plus food and accommodation — or cash allowances of QAR 500 (food) and QAR 300 (housing) if these aren't provided in kind.
- Salaries must be paid monthly via the Wage Protection System (WPS) into the worker's own bank account.
- Pay above the minimum depends on nationality, role, experience, skills (driving, childcare, cooking) and language.
Qatar Maid Salary by Nationality 2026
Typical 2026 market ranges per month. The actual rate depends on experience, role and the recruitment package.
Filipino
| Role | Monthly (QAR) |
|---|---|
| Housemaid | 900 – 1,400 |
| Nanny | 1,200 – 1,800 |
| Cook | 1,400 – 2,200 |
Indian
| Role | Monthly (QAR) |
|---|---|
| Housemaid | 600 – 1,000 |
| Cook | 800 – 1,400 |
| Driver | 1,000 – 1,800 |
Indonesian
| Role | Monthly (QAR) |
|---|---|
| Housemaid | 700 – 1,200 |
| Nanny | 900 – 1,400 |
Ethiopian
| Role | Monthly (QAR) |
|---|---|
| Housemaid | 500 – 900 |
| Nanny | 600 – 1,000 |
Sri Lankan, Nepali & African
| Nationality | Housemaid (QAR/month) |
|---|---|
| Sri Lankan | 700 – 1,100 |
| Nepali | 700 – 1,100 |
| Kenyan / Ugandan | 600 – 1,000 |
(Whatever the nationality, total pay must still meet the QAR 1,000 minimum once food and housing allowances are counted.)
Qatar Maid Salary by Role
| Role | Range (QAR/month) |
|---|---|
| Housemaid | 500 – 1,200 |
| Nanny | 700 – 1,600 |
| Cook | 900 – 2,000 |
| Driver | 1,000 – 2,200 |
| Caregiver | 900 – 1,800 |
A worker who covers two roles well (e.g. childcare and housekeeping) usually earns toward the higher end.
What Affects a Maid's Salary in Qatar
- Nationality & embassy minimum — Filipino workers are the highest paid (POEA minimum); African nationalities are usually the most affordable.
- Experience & references — verifiable Gulf experience commands more.
- Skills — cooking, childcare, elderly/medical care and driving all raise the rate.
- Language — English or Arabic adds value.
- Live-in vs part-time — live-in is a fixed monthly salary paid through WPS.
Total Cost to Hire a Maid in Qatar (Beyond Salary)
The salary is only part of the cost. For a new recruitment from abroad, budget approximately — figures vary by office and nationality, so always get the all-in price in writing:
| Item | Approx. cost (QAR) |
|---|---|
| Recruitment office fee | 6,000 – 11,000 |
| Visa & residency (QID) | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Medical test & insurance | 500 – 1,200 |
| Flight (one-way) | 800 – 1,800 |
| First-year total (excl. salary) | ~9,000 – 17,000 |
On top of the salary, the employer provides food, accommodation and medical care.
Cheaper, faster option: instead of recruiting from abroad, you can transfer a maid already in Qatar (sponsorship change via the MOI) — see our Qatar sponsorship-transfer guide.
How Salaries Are Paid — and the Legal Basics
- Salary must be paid monthly through WPS into the worker's account; keep records.
- The worker is entitled to a weekly day of rest, paid annual leave and end-of-service benefits.
- The employer provides food, accommodation and medical care.
- Do not hold the worker's passport — it is her property.
- Disputes can be raised with the Ministry of Labour (MADLSA).
See the full Qatar WPS hiring guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a maid's salary in Qatar in 2026?
Qatar applies a minimum wage of QAR 1,000 per month for domestic workers, plus food and accommodation (or allowances). Typical housemaid salaries run from about QAR 1,000 to QAR 1,400+ depending on nationality and experience, with nannies and cooks earning more.
What is the minimum domestic worker salary in Qatar?
The minimum wage is QAR 1,000 per month, plus food and housing or their cash equivalents (QAR 500 + QAR 300).
How is the salary paid in Qatar?
Through the Wage Protection System (WPS) under the MADLSA contract — paid monthly, on time, into the worker's account.
How much does it cost to hire a maid in Qatar?
Beyond salary, roughly QAR 9,000–17,000 in the first year for a new recruitment (office fee, visa, medical, flight). Transferring a worker already in Qatar is cheaper and faster.
Which nationality maid is most affordable in Qatar?
Ethiopian and some African nationalities are generally the most affordable; Filipino workers are the highest paid due to the POEA minimum.
Can I pay a maid below QAR 1,000 in Qatar?
No — QAR 1,000 plus food and housing (or allowances) is the legal floor, and it must be paid via WPS.
Maid salaries in other GCC countries
- Maid Salary in Saudi Arabia 2026
- Maid Salary in Kuwait 2026
- Maid Salary in Oman 2026
- Maid Salary in Bahrain 2026
Related Guides
Last updated: June 21, 2026.
