Hiring a housemaid, nanny, or cook in the UAE requires a valid domestic helper visa, governed by the UAE’s updated domestic labour laws. As of 2025, the process is more streamlined, with stricter regulations to protect both employers and workers.
Whether you’re a UAE resident looking to sponsor a helper or a worker seeking employment in a UAE household, this guide outlines everything you need to know about domestic helper visa UAE requirements, costs, and legal steps.
Domestic Helper Visa UAE Rules and Requirements 2025
Who Can Apply for a Domestic Helper Visa?
The domestic worker visa is typically sponsored by a UAE citizen or resident expatriate. Common domestic roles include:
Housemaid
Nanny
Cook
Cleaner
Gardener
Personal Driver
Elderly Caregiver
Babysitter
Employers must meet minimum income requirements and provide accommodation for the helper.
UAE 2025 Domestic Visa Rules – Key Updates
Domestic Helper Visa: The UAE government, through Tadbeer and the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE), has introduced new policies:
| New Rule (2025) | Summary |
|---|---|
| Age Requirement | Helpers must be 18–60 years old |
| Contract Requirement | Mandatory MOHRE employment contract signed by both parties |
| Health Screening | Mandatory medical tests before visa stamping |
| Insurance | Health insurance and domestic worker compensation policy |
| Accommodation | Employer must provide live-in or paid housing |
| Weekly Rest Day | 1 paid day off per week required |
| Salary Protection | Wages must be paid via official channels (e.g., WPS) |
Eligibility for Sponsoring a Domestic Worker
To sponsor a helper, the employer must:
Be a UAE resident or citizen
Have a minimum monthly salary of AED 25,000
Own or rent a 2+ bedroom residence
Provide accommodation, meals, medical insurance
Commit to annual renewal and salary payment records
Required Documents (Employer & Worker)
For Employer:
Emirates ID copy
Passport copy + valid visa page
Labour contract or salary certificate
Tenancy contract or property title
IBAN + salary statement
For Worker:
Passport (valid 6 months)
4 Passport-size photos
Previous employment contract (if any)
Pre-arrival medical clearance
Where to Apply: MOHRE or Tadbeer Centre?
Tadbeer Centers (Official UAE Govt. Partnership)
Handles recruitment, visa, contract, medical, and deployment
Fast-track service: Visa in 5–10 working days
Offers 2-year, 6-month, or live-out packages
Tadbeer Contact:
https://www.tadbeer.ae
MOHRE Portal (If hiring directly)
Apply for visa
Upload signed contract
Track status
Issue e-contract, pay fees
MOHRE Site:
https://www.mohre.gov.ae
Costs of Domestic Helper Visa UAE (2025)
| Item | Approximate Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Entry Permit | 200–350 |
| Medical Test + Emirates ID | 800–1,200 |
| Visa Typing & Application | 300–500 |
| Security Deposit (Refundable) | 2,000–2,500 |
| Health Insurance (Mandatory) | 600–1,000/year |
| Tadbeer Service (Optional) | 4,000–7,000 (one-time) |
Note: Costs vary slightly by emirate and nationality.
Processing Time
Medical + ID Approval: 3–5 working days
MOHRE Contract & Visa Stamp: 7–10 working days
Tadbeer Package Delivery: 5–7 working days
Employment Contract Highlights
UAE law mandates that contracts must clearly define:
Monthly salary
Number of working hours (max 12/day)
Overtime and rest days
Return ticket policy
Gratuity (end-of-service benefits)
Both employer and worker sign this digitally through the MOHRE portal or Tadbeer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Hiring without an official visa = illegal
Delaying visa renewal = overstay fines
Not paying via WPS or bank = labour complaint risk
Not providing rest day = breach of contract
Worker Rights Under UAE Domestic Law (2025)
Weekly day off
Daily 8-hour rest (minimum)
Paid annual leave: 30 days/year
Medical insurance
End-of-service gratuity
Air ticket every 2 years (if agreed)
MahadHRC Support for Domestic Hiring
At Mahad HRC, we provide:
Pre-screened, trained domestic worker profiles
Full visa and contract assistance
Direct hire or Tadbeer-verified sourcing
Renewal and medical tracking reminders
Multilingual worker orientation programs
We help employers hire legally, ethically, and efficiently in all 7 Emirates.
Conclusion
Getting a domestic helper visa in the UAE in 2025 is straightforward if you follow the legal process. Whether you apply through a Tadbeer centre or directly via MOHRE, the key is compliance and documentation. By respecting the rights of domestic workers and maintaining transparent contracts, families in the UAE can ensure safety and harmony in their homes.