Hiring domestic help in the UAE—especially in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi—is common for families needing assistance with household chores and childcare. If you're looking to sponsor a nanny or hire maid services, it's important to understand the legal process, documentation, and local rules that govern domestic labor. This blog will walk you through how to apply for a nanny visa in Dubai and explore maid services in Abu Dhabi in detail.

Section 1: Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the process, let’s clarify what we mean by a nanny visa and maid services.

• A nanny visa refers to a domestic worker visa that allows a foreign national to work legally as a live-in nanny in the UAE.
• Maid services include part-time or full-time domestic help hired through agencies or directly sponsored by families.

The UAE government regulates the employment of domestic workers through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.

Section 2: Eligibility for Sponsorship

In Dubai:

To sponsor a nanny, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a resident of the UAE with a valid residency visa.
• Have a minimum salary of AED 25,000–30,000 per month (varies by emirate).
• Be a family unit (typically married couples with children).
• Live in appropriate accommodation that can house a domestic worker.

In Abu Dhabi:

The rules are similar but sometimes more lenient:

• The sponsor must be employed and have sufficient income (often AED 20,000 or more).
• Some cases may be reviewed on humanitarian grounds.

Section 3: Steps to Apply for a Nanny Visa in Dubai

1. Find a Suitable Candidate

You can hire a nanny through:

• Word of mouth or personal referrals.
• Online platforms like Dubizzle or ExpatWoman.
• Authorized maid agencies.
• Direct hiring from the nanny’s home country (Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, etc.).

2. Check Nationality Regulations

Each country may have agreements with the UAE. For example:

• Filipina nannies must be hired through a licensed agency due to regulations from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).
• Indian and Indonesian nationals have specific embassy clearance requirements.

3. Apply for Entry Permit

Submit the required documents to the GDRFA Dubai or Amer Center:

• Sponsor’s Emirates ID and passport copy.
• Tenancy contract.
• Salary certificate or labor contract.
• Passport copy of the nanny.
• Passport-sized photos.
• Attested birth certificate of your child (in case of hiring a nanny specifically for childcare).

You will receive a temporary entry permit for the nanny.

4. Medical Fitness Test

Once in the UAE, the nanny must undergo a medical test (usually at Dubai Health Authority centers) which includes:

• Blood tests.
• Chest X-ray.
• Screening for infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis, and TB.

5. Apply for Emirates ID & Residency Visa

After passing the medical test:

• Apply for Emirates ID (via ICP—Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship).
• Submit all documents to GDRFA for residency stamping.
• Pay applicable fees (around AED 5,000–7,000 for all processing steps).

Section 4: Costs Involved in Dubai

• Visa Processing: AED 5,000–7,000 (excluding agency charges).
• Health Insurance: Mandatory—can range from AED 600–1,000 annually.
• Security Deposit: May be required in some cases (refundable).
• Monthly Salary: Typically AED 1,500–2,500 depending on experience and nationality.

Note: The UAE labor law mandates that nannies receive:

• Weekly day off.
• Paid annual leave (30 days).
• End-of-service benefits.

Section 5: Maid Services in Abu Dhabi

In Abu Dhabi, families often prefer hiring domestic help through registered maid agencies. There are two main options:

1. Direct Sponsorship

• The process is similar to Dubai.
• You become the legal employer.
• Responsible for visa, medical, insurance, and salary.

2. Agency-Based Hiring (Tadbeer Centers)

Tadbeer is a government-approved domestic worker service introduced in the UAE to regulate hiring. These centers provide:

• Short-term and long-term contracts.
• Replacement guarantees.
• Pre-vetted and trained domestic workers.
• Legal compliance and worker protection.

Tadbeer Packages in Abu Dhabi:

• Full-time Live-in Maid (Sponsored by Family): Agency helps with visa processing, but sponsorship is in your name.
• Full-time Live-in Maid (Sponsored by Agency): You pay a monthly fee; the maid remains under the agency’s sponsorship.
• Part-time Maid: Hourly or weekly services (ideal for cleaning, laundry, cooking, etc.).

Costs for Tadbeer Services:

• Monthly Salary: AED 2,300–3,500 depending on nationality and experience.
• Service Fees: Tadbeer agencies charge initial processing fees (AED 10,000–15,000 for full-time).
• Hourly Rates for Part-time Maids: AED 35–50/hour depending on frequency.

Section 6: Key Legal Obligations

Regardless of whether you hire in Dubai or Abu Dhabi:

• Work Contract: Must be signed and registered with MOHRE.
• Working Hours: Limited to 12 hours/day with breaks.
• Off Days: One day off per week (mandatory).
• Medical Insurance: Must be provided by the sponsor.
• End-of-Service Pay: 14 days’ salary per year of service after one year of employment.

Section 7: Challenges & Tips

Common Challenges:

• Navigating embassy rules.
• Handling language or cultural differences.
• Managing long visa processing times (especially during peak seasons).
• Ensuring legal compliance to avoid fines.

Useful Tips:

• Use government-approved Tadbeer centers to avoid fraud.
• Be clear in communication and define duties in writing.
• Provide a respectful and fair work environment.
• Renew visa and health insurance on time.
• Consider cultural and dietary preferences when hiring from different nationalities.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a nanny or maid in the UAE is a significant decision involving legal, financial, and ethical responsibilities. Whether you're applying for a nanny visa in Dubai or hiring maid services in Abu Dhabi, proper planning and compliance with UAE labor laws are essential.

For a hassle-free experience, always work through licensed agencies or consult with the GDRFA or Tadbeer centers to understand the latest procedures and requirements.

With the right approach, hiring domestic help can bring immense support to your family life while ensuring that the worker is treated fairly and respectfully.