If you are planning to hire a maid in the UAE through a Tadbeer centre, the first question is always the same: how much will the visa actually cost? The honest answer is that there is no single fixed price — but there is a clear set of costs that make up every Tadbeer maid visa. This 2026 guide breaks down exactly what you pay for, the two main pricing models, and what makes the total go up or down, so you can compare quotes with confidence.
First, what is a Tadbeer maid visa?
Tadbeer centres are the MOHRE-approved service centres that handle domestic-worker recruitment and visas in the UAE. Instead of arranging a maid’s visa, medical, insurance and paperwork yourself, a licensed Tadbeer centre manages the whole process — legally and under one roof. The “Tadbeer maid visa cost” is simply the total of the government fees plus the centre’s service charge. New to Tadbeer? Start with our guide to Tadbeer centres.
The cost breakdown: what you actually pay for
Whatever package you choose, the price is built from these components:
- Entry permit & residence visa — the core government fees to bring the worker in and sponsor her residence.
- Medical fitness test — the mandatory health check required for the residence visa.
- Emirates ID — the worker’s national ID card.
- Mandatory insurance — health and worker insurance required under UAE rules.
- Typing & administrative fees — application processing and document handling.
- Tadbeer service / package fee — the centre’s charge for managing everything.
- Refundable deposit — often held as security and returned at the end, subject to conditions.
- Recruitment & flight ticket — if the worker is brought from abroad.
Because government fees and centre charges change and vary by emirate, we deliberately do not quote fixed figures here — always get the current numbers from a licensed Tadbeer centre or MOHRE directly.
The two pricing models you will see
Most Tadbeer costs fall into one of two models — and confusing them is the biggest reason people misjudge the price:
1. You sponsor the maid (one-time visa cost)
You become the sponsor, and Tadbeer processes the two-year visa and paperwork for a one-time fee (plus the government costs above). After that, you pay the maid’s salary directly. Best if you want a long-term, full-time maid living with you.
2. Tadbeer sponsors the maid (monthly package)
The worker stays under Tadbeer’s sponsorship and you pay a monthly package fee that bundles salary, visa, insurance and a replacement guarantee. Best if you want flexibility, no sponsorship paperwork, or part-time and temporary help.
A one-time visa can look cheaper on paper, while a monthly package spreads cost and risk — compare them over the full two years, not just month one.
What makes the price go up or down
- Nationality of the worker — different source countries carry different recruitment costs and minimum salaries.
- Contract length — two-year versus shorter or part-time arrangements.
- Package type — full-service sponsorship versus flexi and part-time.
- Emirate — fees and centre pricing can differ across the UAE.
- New visa vs renewal — renewing an existing visa is usually cheaper than a new one.
- Skills & experience — trained or experienced workers may command higher salaries.
Do not forget renewal and cancellation costs
The visa cost is not only an upfront number. Plan for the visa renewal every two years, and understand the cancellation process and any fees if the contract ends early. We cover both in our guide to Tadbeer maid visa renewal and cancellation.
How to get an accurate quote (and avoid overpaying)
- Use a licensed Tadbeer centre. Only deal with MOHRE-approved centres — verify the licence first. See our list of Tadbeer centres by location.
- Ask for a written, itemised quote that separates government fees, the service fee and any deposit — so you can compare like-for-like.
- Compare both models (one-time versus monthly) over the full contract period.
- Read the contract — check what is included (replacement, insurance, medical) and what is extra.
- Confirm the official figures with MOHRE or the centre before you pay.
For the bigger picture of total hiring costs beyond the visa, see our guide on how much it costs to hire a maid in the UAE, and if you are weighing your options, Tadbeer vs a recruitment agency.
This guide explains the structure of Tadbeer maid visa costs in 2026. Exact fees are set by MOHRE and individual licensed Tadbeer centres and can change at any time — always confirm current figures through official MOHRE or Tadbeer channels before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Tadbeer maid visa cost in the UAE?
There is no single fixed price. The total is made up of government fees (entry permit, residence visa, medical, Emirates ID, insurance) plus the Tadbeer centre’s service fee, and it varies by package, nationality, emirate and contract length. Always get a current itemised quote from a licensed centre.
What is included in the Tadbeer maid visa cost?
Typically the entry permit and residence visa, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, mandatory insurance, typing and admin fees, and the Tadbeer service fee — often with a refundable deposit and, for overseas hires, recruitment and a flight ticket.
Is it cheaper to sponsor the maid myself or use a monthly package?
Sponsoring yourself is usually a larger one-time cost but lower ongoing fees; a monthly Tadbeer package spreads the cost and adds flexibility and a replacement guarantee. Compare them over the full two-year period, not just the first payment.
Why do Tadbeer costs differ between centres?
Government fees are standard, but each centre sets its own service fee and package pricing, and costs can differ by emirate and by the worker’s nationality and experience.
Does the worker’s nationality affect the cost?
Yes. Different source countries carry different recruitment costs and minimum-salary requirements, which affect both the package price and the salary you pay.
How often do I pay the visa cost?
A residence visa is typically valid for two years, after which it must be renewed. Budget for renewal as a recurring cost, not just the first visa.
Is the Tadbeer deposit refundable?
Deposits are often held as security and returned at the end of the contract, subject to the centre’s conditions. Confirm the exact terms in your contract before paying.
How do I avoid overpaying for a Tadbeer maid visa?
Use only a MOHRE-licensed Tadbeer centre, ask for a written itemised quote, compare the one-time and monthly models, read what the package includes, and confirm the official figures before you pay.
