How to Hire a Maid in Dubai — Complete 2026 Guide
Hiring a maid in Dubai is one of the first things many expat families do after settling in the UAE. Whether you need a live-in housemaid, a part-time cleaner, or a nanny for your children, this guide walks you through the entire process — from choosing the right nationality and agency to completing the visa and signing the official MOHRE contract.
This guide is written for UAE residents with a valid Emirates ID and tenancy contract who want to hire a live-in or part-time domestic worker. You'll need a minimum monthly salary of AED 6,000–10,000 (varies by emirate) and a residential property with adequate space. The entire process — from selecting an agency to signing the MOHRE contract — typically takes 2–6 weeks for new recruits or 1–2 weeks for local transfers.
5-Step Process to Hire a Domestic Worker in Dubai
Step 1 — Choose Your Requirements (Nationality, Role, Live-in vs Live-out)
Before contacting any agency, decide:
- Role: Housemaid (general cleaning + cooking), nanny (childcare-focused), caregiver (elderly care), cook, or driver.
- Nationality: Each nationality comes with different salary expectations, language skills, and availability timelines. Filipino maids are popular for English fluency; Ethiopian workers are often more affordable.
- Live-in or live-out: Live-in workers stay in your home (you must provide a private room). Live-out or part-time arrangements are common for smaller apartments.
- New hire or transfer: You can recruit a worker from abroad (takes 2–6 weeks) or transfer one already in the UAE (faster, usually 1–2 weeks).
Tip:If you're a first-time employer, start with a clear list of duties. A maid who cooks and cleans is different from a nanny who manages children full-time. Writing down your daily schedule and household size helps agencies match you with the right candidate.
Common role combinations in Dubai:
- Housemaid + cook — the most common request. One worker handles cleaning, laundry, ironing, and prepares daily meals.
- Nanny + light housework — primarily focused on childcare (feeding, school pickup, homework) with light cleaning.
- Caregiver — specialized in elderly or disabled care, including medication reminders and mobility assistance.
- Driver + housemaid (separate workers) — families with school-age children often hire both.
Step 2 — Find a MOHRE-Licensed Agency
All domestic worker recruitment in Dubai must go through a MOHRE-licensed agency (also called a Tadbeer center). Using an unlicensed recruiter is illegal and leaves you with no contract protection.
How to verify an agency:
- Ask for their MOHRE Facility Number (e.g., 1924841).
- Check it on the MOHRE Establishment Search.
- Look for agencies listed on trusted platforms like GCC Domestic, which only features verified agencies.
Top verified agencies in Dubai include Al Ghawali, Nabd Emirates, Brilliant Manpower, and Al Waha Tadbeer — all MOHRE-licensed with active worker inventories. See the full list of verified Dubai agencies.
Step 3 — Review Worker Profiles and Interview
Licensed agencies maintain a catalog of available workers. For each candidate you'll typically see:
- Photo and bio — age, years of experience, languages spoken.
- Skills — cooking, childcare, elderly care, driving, etc.
- Previous employment — countries and duration.
- Health status — pre-screened medical results.
Most agencies offer video calls or in-person interviews before you commit. Ask about cooking skills, childcare experience, and any specific dietary or cultural preferences.
Step 4 — Visa Processing and Medical Examination
Once you select a worker, the agency handles:
- Entry permit — applied through MOHRE's online system. Processing takes 3–7 business days.
- Medical examination — the worker undergoes a medical test at a DHA-approved health center within 30 days of arrival. Cost: AED 200–350.
- Emirates ID registration — biometrics taken at an ICP center. Cost: AED 270 (2-year card).
- Medical insurance — mandatory. Most agencies include it in the package; expect AED 600–1,200/year for basic coverage.
The total visa process from application to receiving the Emirates ID typically takes 2–4 weeks after the worker arrives in Dubai.
Step 5 — Sign the Standard MOHRE Employment Contract
The UAE requires all domestic workers to have a standard MOHRE employment contract that specifies:
- Monthly salary (paid into a bank account via WPS).
- Working hours (maximum 12 hours/day with adequate rest).
- One day off per week.
- 30 days paid annual leave.
- Return ticket to the worker's home country at the end of the contract.
- Employer's obligation to provide accommodation, food, and medical care.
The contract is bilingual (Arabic + English) and must be registered with MOHRE. Keep a signed copy — you'll need it for renewals or if any dispute arises.
Key contract clauses to review carefully:
- Probation period: Most contracts include a 3–6 month probation during which either party can terminate with shorter notice.
- Overtime: Any hours beyond the agreed schedule should be compensated or offset with additional rest days.
- End-of-service gratuity: After completing the 2-year contract, the worker is entitled to a gratuity payment (typically one month's salary).
- Early termination: If you cancel before the contract ends, you may owe the remaining agency fee balance (check your agency's specific policy).
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Maid in Dubai?
Monthly Salary by Nationality (2026)
| Nationality | Monthly Salary (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filipino | 1,600–2,200 | Highest demand, English fluent |
| Ethiopian | 1,200–1,600 | Growing availability, lower cost |
| Indian | 1,200–1,800 | Hindi/English, experienced cooks |
| Indonesian | 1,400–1,800 | Popular, Arabic speakers available |
| Sri Lankan | 1,200–1,600 | Experienced in Gulf countries |
| Ugandan | 1,200–1,600 | Increasingly available |
| Kenyan | 1,200–1,600 | English speakers |
| Nepali | 1,200–1,600 | Hardworking, adaptable |
| Bangladeshi | 1,000–1,500 | Most affordable |
| Ghanaian | 1,200–1,600 | English speakers |
Use our salary calculator to compare costs by nationality, city, and role.
One-Time Costs: Visa, Agency Fee, Insurance
| Cost Item | Amount (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Agency recruitment fee | 5,000–15,000 | Varies by nationality and agency |
| Entry visa + status change | 1,500–3,000 | Government fee |
| Medical examination | 200–350 | DHA-approved center |
| Emirates ID (2 years) | 270 | ICP fee |
| Health insurance (annual) | 600–1,200 | Basic coverage |
| Security deposit (refundable) | 0–3,000 | Some agencies require this |
| Total first-year cost | ~8,000–22,000 | Excluding monthly salary |
Tadbeer Center Fees vs Private Agency Fees
Tadbeer centers are government-regulated service centers that offer standardized pricing and worker guarantees:
- Fixed package prices (often AED 6,000–10,000 for a 2-year package including visa, insurance, and medical).
- 6-month replacement guarantee if the worker leaves or is unsuitable.
- Worker training included.
Private agencies may offer more flexibility and a wider selection of nationalities but fees vary widely. Always compare at least 3 agencies before committing. See our complete Tadbeer center fee breakdown for a detailed cost comparison.
Legal Requirements for Employers in Dubai
Minimum Salary and Accommodation
There is no fixed minimum wage for domestic workers in the UAE, but MOHRE guidelines and market rates set de facto minimums. Employers must:
- Pay salary on time, every month via the Wage Protection System (WPS) or direct bank transfer.
- Provide suitable accommodation — a private room for live-in workers.
- Provide adequate food or a food allowance.
Mandatory Medical Insurance
Since 2014, Dubai requires all visa holders to have active health insurance. As the sponsor, you must provide this for your domestic worker. Most agency packages include the first year of insurance.
MOHRE Contract Registration
The employment contract must be registered with MOHRE shortly after the worker's entry. The agency typically handles this. An unregistered contract means the worker is technically unauthorized to work, which carries fines for the employer. Read our complete guide to UAE domestic worker contracts for every mandatory clause, a sample template, and common pitfalls to avoid.
Employer Penalties to Be Aware Of
Dubai takes labor law compliance seriously. Common penalties include:
- Late salary payment: Reported to WPS; can lead to a ban on sponsoring new workers.
- Unregistered contract: Significant fines and potential visa cancellation.
- Failure to provide insurance: Fine and mandatory retroactive enrollment.
- Confiscating the worker's passport: Illegal under UAE law. Workers must have access to their own documents at all times.
The best way to stay compliant is to work with a MOHRE-licensed agency that handles all registration and renewals.
Maid Nationalities Available in Dubai
Filipino Maids
The most popular choice among Dubai families. Filipino maids are known for their English fluency, education level, and work ethic. They typically have 2–5 years of Gulf experience and are skilled in childcare and cooking.
- Salary: AED 1,600–2,200/month
- Availability: Year-round, but high demand means longer wait times (3–5 weeks)
- Language: English, Tagalog
Browse Filipino maid agencies in Dubai with salary details and WhatsApp contact.
Ethiopian Maids
Ethiopian workers have become increasingly available in Dubai since visa corridors reopened. They are known for being hardworking and adaptable, with lower salary expectations than Filipino workers.
- Salary: AED 1,200–1,600/month
- Availability: Good, with shorter recruitment timelines
- Language: Amharic (some English/Arabic after Gulf experience)
Browse Ethiopian nanny agencies in Dubai with salary details and WhatsApp contact.
Indian Maids
Indian domestic workers are valued for their cooking skills (especially for South Asian families) and experience with large households. Many have previous Gulf experience in Saudi Arabia or Kuwait before coming to Dubai.
- Salary: AED 1,200–1,800/month
- Availability: Good, consistent supply
- Language: Hindi, English (varies by education level)
Indonesian Maids
Indonesian workers have a long history in the Gulf domestic worker market. They are known for being calm, respectful, and skilled in general housekeeping. Some speak basic Arabic from previous Gulf employment.
- Salary: AED 1,400–1,800/month
- Availability: Moderate — bilateral agreements can affect supply
- Language: Bahasa Indonesia, some Arabic
Sri Lankan Maids
Sri Lankan workers are experienced in Gulf countries and often have 3+ years of prior employment in the region. They are known for being reliable and good with children.
- Salary: AED 1,200–1,600/month
- Availability: Good
- Language: Sinhala, some English
Quick Comparison Table
| Filipino | Ethiopian | Indian | Indonesian | Sri Lankan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary (AED) | 1,600–2,200 | 1,200–1,600 | 1,200–1,800 | 1,400–1,800 | 1,200–1,600 |
| Language | English, Tagalog | Amharic | Hindi, English | Bahasa, some Arabic | Sinhala, some English |
| Strengths | Childcare, cooking | Adaptable, affordable | Cooking, large households | General housekeeping | Gulf experience |
| Availability | High demand | Good | Good | Moderate | Good |
Top Verified Maid Agencies in Dubai
The agencies below are MOHRE-licensed and listed on GCC Domestic with verified credentials:
- Al Ghawali Auxiliary Labor Services — Tadbeer center in Al Nahda. MOHRE #1924841.
- Nabd Emirates Labour Assistance — Full-service Tadbeer center. MOHRE #940933.
- Brilliant Manpower — Multi-nationality recruitment.
- Al Waha Tadbeer Center — Known for Filipino and Ethiopian workers.
- First Choice Tadbeer — Popular among families in Jumeirah/Marina.
View all 41 verified agencies in Dubai with ratings and direct contact.
What to Expect in the First Week
Once your maid arrives and completes the visa process, the first week sets the tone for the entire working relationship:
- House tour and expectations: Walk through the home, explain cleaning routines, show where supplies are kept, and set clear expectations for meals and laundry.
- Schedule: Agree on daily working hours, break times, and the designated day off (usually Friday or Sunday).
- Communication: Establish how you'll communicate — many families use WhatsApp for reminders and grocery lists. If there's a language barrier, Google Translate and picture-based instructions help.
- Emergency contacts: Give the worker your phone number, a neighbor's number, and the building security number. Show them how to call emergency services (999 for police, 998 for ambulance).
- Bank account: Help the worker open a bank account or set up the WPS payment method within the first week. Salary must be traceable.
The first month is an adjustment period for both the family and the worker. Be patient, give clear feedback, and address issues early rather than letting them build up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hire a maid in Dubai?
For a new recruitment from abroad, expect 2–6 weeks from the day you pay the agency fee until the worker arrives and completes visa processing. A local transfer (worker already in the UAE) can be done in 1–2 weeks.
What is the minimum salary for a maid in Dubai in 2026?
There is no official minimum wage, but market rates start at AED 1,000–1,200/month for Bangladeshi and Ethiopian workers. Filipino maids typically command AED 1,600–2,200/month. The salary must be paid on time via WPS.
Can I hire a maid without going through an agency?
Technically, you can sponsor a domestic worker directly through MOHRE, but you'll handle all paperwork, medical tests, insurance, and contract registration yourself. Most families use agencies because the process is complex and agencies provide replacement guarantees.
What documents do I need to sponsor a domestic worker?
You need a valid UAE residency visa, Emirates ID, passport copy, tenancy contract (Ejari) showing adequate space, and a salary certificate or bank statement. Some emirates require a minimum salary of AED 6,000–10,000 to sponsor a worker.
What is the difference between Tadbeer and a private agency?
Tadbeer centers are government-regulated hubs with standardized fees, mandatory worker training, and replacement guarantees. Private agencies operate independently with more flexible pricing and a wider selection. Both must be MOHRE-licensed.
Can I hire a part-time maid in Dubai?
Yes. Many agencies and cleaning companies offer part-time services (2–8 hours). Part-time workers are typically employed by a Tadbeer center or cleaning company, not sponsored by you directly. Rates range from AED 35–60/hour.
What happens if my maid runs away or I want to cancel the contract?
If the worker absconds, report to MOHRE within 48 hours — the agency may provide a replacement under their guarantee policy. To cancel, terminate through MOHRE with 30 days' notice, pay outstanding salary and the return flight ticket.
Last updated: April 2026. Salary data based on market rates from 2,100+ verified agencies listed on GCC Domestic.