The main maid visa requirements in Dubai are a maid aged 18 to 60 with a valid passport, a medical fitness test, health insurance and an employer who meets MoHRE's rules. If you sponsor privately as an expatriate, you must also show family income of at least AED 25,000 a month and proof of housing. Through a Tadbeer centre like Derby, there is no minimum salary requirement for you.
This guide covers the documents required, the salary and age rules, and what changes when a Tadbeer centre is the sponsor instead of you.
Key facts
- Private sponsors (expats) need family income of at least AED 25,000/month, per MoHRE.
- Derby sponsors maids aged 18 to 60.
- The maid's passport must be valid for at least 3 months.
- Health insurance and a medical fitness test are mandatory.
- With Derby: no minimum salary for you, maids aged 18 to 60, same rules in every emirate.
Who can sponsor a maid in Dubai?
There are two ways to get a housemaid or nanny visa in the UAE:
- Private sponsorship – you open a sponsor file and the maid works under your name. You must meet MoHRE's employer conditions.
- Tadbeer sponsorship – a MoHRE-approved Tadbeer centre such as Derby sponsors the maid, and she works for your household. The centre meets the sponsor conditions, so the income test does not apply to you.
MoHRE's conditions also differ by who you are. UAE nationals, GCC citizens, Golden Visa holders and residents can all employ domestic workers, but residents sponsoring privately usually receive a one-year permit, while UAE nationals typically receive two years. Through Derby, Golden Visa holders and UAE nationals pay the same price and follow the same process as everyone else. Read more in our guide for Golden Visa holders and UAE nationals.
Minimum salary to sponsor a maid in Dubai
For expatriate employers, MoHRE asks for a recent salary certificate confirming that the family income is at least AED 25,000 a month. Investors or business owners can instead show a three-month bank statement with monthly income at that level. This threshold has applied since 2020 and, according to Gulf News, both spouses' salaries can be combined.
That is a high bar for many families. If your household earns less, or you would simply rather not share salary documents, a Tadbeer centre is the practical option. At Derby, there is no minimum salary requirement for the customer, because Derby is the sponsor.
Age limit for a maid visa in Dubai
The UAE's domestic workers law, Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022, prohibits recruiting or employing anyone under 18.
Derby sponsors maids and nannies aged 18 to 60, and sponsors maids who are already inside the UAE as well as those outside it.
Documents required for a maid visa in Dubai
The list depends on the route you choose. The table below is based on MoHRE's domestic worker work permit service.
| Document | Private sponsorship | Through Derby |
|---|---|---|
| Maid's passport (valid 3+ months) | Required | Required |
| Maid's colour photo | Required | Required |
| Maid's current visa or visa cancellation (if in UAE) | Required | Required |
| Sponsor's passport, residence visa and Emirates ID | Required | Not needed as sponsor |
| Salary certificate (AED 25,000+ family income) | Required for expats | Not needed |
| Tenancy contract (Ejari) or title deed | Required for expats | Not needed as sponsor |
| Marriage certificate and spouse's visa | If applicable | Not needed as sponsor |
| Bank statement | For investors/employers | Not needed |
Derby's team will confirm exactly what we need from you when you apply – it only takes about 5 minutes online. If you are comparing costs as well as paperwork, see our maid visa cost in Dubai breakdown.
Other rules for housemaid visas in the UAE
Beyond documents, salary and age, several other UAE maid visa requirements apply whichever route you choose:
- Medical fitness test. The maid must be declared fit to work at an approved government health centre.
- Emirates ID. The maid must complete biometrics; for first-time applicants Tadbeer says this should happen within 10 days of the application.
- Health insurance. MoHRE requires adequate insurance cover for every domestic worker. Derby's packages include 2-year health insurance.
- MoHRE employment contract. A standard contract sets out salary, duties and benefits.
- No existing work permit. The maid must not already hold a valid work permit with another employer.
- Worker rights. Under the 2022 law, the maid keeps her own passport and ID documents, and the employer must provide suitable accommodation, food and medical care.
Checklist before you apply
- Confirm the maid is between 18 and 60 years old.
- Check her passport has at least three months' validity – ideally much more.
- If she is in the UAE, find out her current visa status (visit, cancelled or still active).
- Decide on the route: private sponsorship (if you meet the AED 25,000 rule) or a Tadbeer centre.
- Agree salary, duties and live-in or live-out arrangements with her.
- Have clear copies of her passport and photo ready.
- Apply online and let your sponsor arrange the medical, Emirates ID and insurance.
Want to see each step in order? Read how to sponsor a maid visa in Dubai.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary to sponsor a maid in Dubai?
If you sponsor a maid under your own file as an expatriate, MoHRE asks for proof that your family income is at least AED 25,000 a month. If you use Derby, there is no minimum salary requirement for you, because Derby is the sponsor.
What is the age limit for a maid visa in Dubai?
Derby sponsors maids and nannies aged 18 to 60. UAE law does not allow anyone under 18 to be recruited as a domestic worker.
What documents are required for a maid visa in Dubai?
For the maid: a passport valid for at least three months, a colour photo, and her current visa or visa cancellation if she is already in the UAE. For a private sponsor: Emirates ID, passport and residence visa, a tenancy contract or title deed, a salary certificate, and a marriage certificate if applicable. Through Derby, you mainly need the maid's documents.
Can a single person sponsor a maid in Dubai?
Private sponsorship rules are designed around families and income, so single residents often find it hard to meet them. Through Derby there is no minimum salary requirement for the customer, as Derby is the sponsor. Contact our team to check your situation.
Can Golden Visa holders and UAE nationals get a maid visa through Derby?
Yes. Golden Visa holders and UAE nationals can use Derby at the same price and with the same online process as everyone else.
Not sure whether you qualify? Talk to our team – a real person will check your case. You can also see our current offers.
