In a fast-paced city like Dubai, where both partners in many households are often working professionals, the demand for reliable domestic help has grown significantly. Whether it’s managing household chores, looking after children, or caring for elderly family members, having a trusted maid can be essential to maintaining work-life balance and quality of life.

However, the process of maid visa sponsorship in Dubai can be overwhelming, especially for first-time sponsors. With strict eligibility criteria, varying rules depending on the maid’s nationality, multiple government departments involved, and a series of approvals and paperwork required, it’s no surprise that many people find the process confusing and stressful.

If you’re feeling lost or unsure about how to start—or you’ve already hit roadblocks—this guide is for you.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about maid visa sponsorship Dubai, including:

• Who is eligible to sponsor a maid
• The step-by-step application process
• What documents are required
• A full breakdown of costs
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Practical tips to ensure a smooth experience

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what’s involved and how to navigate the process with confidence—whether you choose to handle it yourself or seek professional support.

Step-by-Step Maid Visa Sponsorship Process

Sponsoring a maid in Dubai involves several government departments, documents, and approvals. Here’s a clear breakdown of each step to help you understand what’s required and avoid unnecessary delays.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before you begin, ensure you meet the legal criteria to sponsor a domestic worker in Dubai:

• You must be a resident with a valid UAE visa.
• You should earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 25,000.
• You must have a suitable residence (e.g., tenancy contract with maid’s accommodation).
• You should be married, as sponsorship is generally limited to family households.

Confirm that you can provide all required documentation such as salary certificates, housing contracts, and relationship proof if necessary.

Step 2: Choose the Maid’s Country of Origin

Not all countries have the same agreements with the UAE regarding domestic labor. The maid’s nationality matters because it determines:

• Documentation required
• Minimum wage or salary obligations
• Health screening expectations
• Embassy procedures

Popular source countries include Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh. Be aware of country-specific rules. For instance, the Philippines Overseas Labor Office (POLO) has strict guidelines, including a standard employment contract and minimum wage requirements.

It’s best to confirm current bilateral agreements with the respective consulate or through a registered recruitment agency before proceeding.

Step 3: Get Approval from GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs)

Once eligibility is confirmed and the maid’s nationality is selected:

• Visit an approved typing center or apply online via GDRFA eServices to initiate the sponsorship process.
• Submit all initial documents, including your passport, Emirates ID, tenancy contract, salary certificate, and the maid’s passport copy.
• The GDRFA will review your application to determine whether you’re approved to sponsor a domestic worker.

This is often referred to as “pre-approval” and is a prerequisite before obtaining a visa.

Step 4: Apply for Entry Permit

Once approved, apply for a maid’s entry permit (also called a visa application). This allows the domestic worker to legally enter the UAE for employment.

If the maid is already in the UAE on a visit visa, you may be able to adjust her status (called a “change of status”) without leaving the country.

Documents needed:

• Maid’s passport copy
• Passport-sized photos
• Entry permit application form

Once issued, the entry permit is valid for 60 days, during which the remaining formalities must be completed.

Step 5: Medical Test, Emirates ID, and Residence Visa Stamping

After the maid arrives in the UAE on an entry permit, she must undergo the following steps:

1. Medical fitness test at an approved government health center (blood test + X-ray for communicable diseases).
2. Biometrics for Emirates ID through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP).
3. Visa stamping: Once cleared medically, the residence visa is stamped in the maid’s passport by the GDRFA.

Timely completion is crucial since the visa must be finalized before the entry permit expires.

Step 6: Labor Contract and Insurance

Finally, register the maid’s employment contract with Tadbeer (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation approved centers) or an authorized typing center. This contract outlines the maid’s:

• Salary
• Duties
• Working hours and rest days
• Leave entitlements

You must also:

• Purchase medical insurance for the maid, which is mandatory by UAE law.
• Pay a security deposit or bank guarantee (refundable) as required by the government.

Once this is complete, you are officially the legal sponsor of the maid, and the domestic worker can begin full-time employment under your sponsorship.

Key Documents Required for Maid Visa Sponsorship in Dubai

Preparing the correct documents is a crucial step in successfully sponsoring a maid in Dubai. Incomplete or incorrect documentation is one of the most common reasons for delays or rejections in the visa process. Below is a detailed list of what you need to gather before initiating the application.

Sponsor’s Documents

These documents prove your legal residency in the UAE, financial capability, and housing suitability:

1. Passport Copy of the Sponsor
   • Must be valid for at least 6 months.
   • Include the visa page showing UAE residency status.
2. Emirates ID Copy
   • A clear, valid copy of the Emirates ID card.
3. Tenancy Contract (Ejari)
   • Official proof of residence in Dubai.
   • The property must be registered under Ejari and must include a room or space suitable for live-in help.
4. Salary Certificate or Labor Contract
   • Issued by your employer or free zone authority.
   • Should state your monthly income (minimum AED 25,000 is generally required).
   • For self-employed individuals, audited financial statements or trade license + bank statements may be required.
5. Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
   • Some cases may require proof of marital status, especially if a female is applying as a sponsor.

Maid’s Documents

These documents relate to the domestic worker being sponsored and are needed for visa processing:

1. Passport Copy of the Maid
   • Must be valid for at least 6 months.
   • Should not have any current bans or violations in the UAE.
2. Passport-Sized Photos
   • Typically 2–4 recent photos with a white background.
   • Must meet UAE photo specifications (e.g., no glasses, neutral expression).
3. Health Clearance Certificate (after arrival)
   • Issued after the maid undergoes medical testing in the UAE.
   • Required for visa stamping and Emirates ID issuance.

Other Required Paperwork

Depending on the maid’s nationality, your relationship to her, and your personal circumstances, you may also need:

1. Affidavit of Non-Relationship
   • A legal document (often notarized by your home country’s consulate) declaring that the maid is not a relative.
   • Commonly required when the sponsor and maid are from the same country to prevent misuse of the visa system.
2. Standard Employment Contract
   • Required for processing through Tadbeer or POLO (if the maid is from the Philippines or certain other countries).
   • Outlines the duties, salary, off days, and other conditions of employment.
3. No Objection Certificate (NOC)(rare cases)
   • If a female sponsor is applying, a NOC from her husband may be requested in some emirates (though this is becoming less common in Dubai).
4. Medical Insurance Policy
   • Proof that the maid is covered under a valid UAE medical insurance plan. This is legally required for all sponsored domestic workers.
5. Bank Guarantee Receipt (if applicable)
   • A refundable security deposit paid to the immigration authority, often required depending on the maid’s nationality and the agency used.

Ready to Sponsor a Maid in Dubai? We’re Here to Help

Navigating the process of maid visa sponsorship in Dubai can initially feel overwhelming—especially with the multiple steps, strict documentation requirements, and varying rules depending on the maid’s nationality. But rest assured, with the right information, a bit of preparation, and a step-by-step approach, it is entirely manageable.

Whether you’re a first-time sponsor or looking to renew an existing visa, understanding the process will help you avoid costly delays, rejections, or legal issues. From determining your eligibility and gathering documents to passing medical tests and finalizing labor contracts—each step has a clear purpose designed to protect both the employer and the domestic worker.

If you’re unsure about any part of the process or simply don’t have the time to handle it yourself, it’s perfectly okay to seek professional assistance. Expert services can streamline your application, ensure compliance with UAE regulations, and give you peace of mind.

Let our experienced team handle the paperwork, approvals, and follow-ups for you. Contact our experts today for fast, hassle-free assistance.

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