A nanny visa in Dubai is a domestic worker residence visa for someone employed to look after your children. You can sponsor the nanny yourself or let a MoHRE-approved Tadbeer centre sponsor her. With Derby, a 2-year nanny visa costs AED 7,139 + VAT, takes about 5 minutes to apply for online and is processed from 7 working days.
This guide explains how a visa for a nanny works, what it costs, the documents you need and the rights your nanny has under UAE law, so your family can hire with confidence.
Key facts
- Nanny/babysitter is one of the domestic worker professions recognised by MoHRE.
- The nanny visa process is the same as the housemaid visa process.
- Derby's Maid or Nanny Visa: AED 7,139 + VAT for 2 years plus AED 160/month (VAT included) agency fee, or AED 9,499 lump sum (VAT excluded).
- No minimum salary requirement for you when Derby is the sponsor.
- Nannies aged 18 to 60; inside the UAE or from India and the Philippines.
- Includes medical, Emirates ID, 2-year health insurance and a free travel NOC.
What is a nanny visa in Dubai?
The UAE does not have a separate "nanny visa" category in the way it has a tourist or golden visa. Instead, nannies are domestic workers. MoHRE's list of domestic worker professions includes nanny or babysitter alongside roles such as housemaid, cook and driver. The visa is therefore a domestic worker residence visa, with "nanny" as the profession on the employment contract.
Domestic workers are covered by Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on domestic workers (as amended), not the general labour law. That law sets out contracts, rest, leave and the responsibilities of employers and recruitment centres such as Tadbeer.
Tadbeer nanny visa vs private sponsorship
There are two ways of sponsoring a nanny in Dubai:
- Private sponsorship: you are the sponsor. You must meet MoHRE's income threshold, pay all government fees and deposits, and visit offices for typing, medical and biometrics.
- Tadbeer sponsorship: a MoHRE-approved Tadbeer centre such as Derby is the sponsor. You pay a fixed package price, and the centre handles the paperwork.
Learn more about how Tadbeer works in our Tadbeer maid visa guide.
Nanny visa cost in Dubai
Private sponsors pay for the entry permit or change of status, residence visa, medical test, Emirates ID, health insurance, the MoHRE contract, typing fees and any refundable deposit required by the authorities. These fees change over time – our maid visa cost guide walks through each one. Based on Derby's comparison, private sponsorship typically totals AED 17,000 or more over two years.
| What you compare | Private sponsorship | Derby Maid or Nanny Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Who is the sponsor | You | Derby |
| Minimum salary for you | MoHRE threshold applies | None |
| Cost for 2 years | Typically AED 17,000+ (Derby estimate) | AED 7,139 + VAT + AED 160/month (VAT included), or AED 9,499 lump sum (VAT excluded) |
| Office visits | Around 6+ | None – fully online |
| Health insurance | Buy separately | 2-year insurance included |
| Travel NOC | Arrange yourself | Free |
| Salary payment | Set up yourself | WPS-protected payroll + ATM card |
Nanny visa process in Dubai: step by step
Here is the nanny visa process when Derby sponsors your nanny:
- Apply online. Fill in a short form in about 5 minutes and upload your nanny's passport and photo.
- Choose a package. Monthly plan or lump sum, with split payment at 0% interest.
- Sign the contract online. No need to visit our office.
- Entry permit or change of status. We apply for an entry permit if she is abroad, or change her status if she is already in the UAE.
- Medical test and Emirates ID biometrics. In Dubai, our free concierge offers pick-up, drop-off and assistance for these appointments.
- Visa issued. She receives her 2-year visa, Emirates ID and 2-year health insurance.
- Payroll set-up. Her salary runs through WPS-protected payroll with her own ATM card.
The steps match the housemaid route – see how to sponsor a maid visa in Dubai for more detail.
Documents you will need
- Nanny's passport copy (valid for at least six months).
- Passport-size photo with a white background.
- Current visa or cancellation copy, if she is already in the UAE.
- Your contact details and Emirates ID for the application.
Nanny already in the UAE or coming from abroad?
If your preferred nanny is already in the UAE – for example on a visit visa or after her previous visa was cancelled – she can usually change status without leaving the country. If she is coming from abroad, we first apply for her entry permit; Derby currently sponsors nannies from outside the UAE from India and the Philippines. Once she arrives, the medical test and biometrics should be done promptly, as ICP expects residency procedures to be completed within 60 days of entry.
When the 2-year visa nears its end, the visa can be renewed. Derby also handles renewals and transfers – pricing is on request, so ask us for a quote.
Your nanny's rights under UAE law
Good childcare depends on a well-rested, fairly treated nanny. Under the domestic workers law and its regulations, a nanny is generally entitled to:
- A written MoHRE standard contract, usually for two years and renewable.
- At least 12 hours of rest a day, including at least 8 consecutive hours.
- One paid rest day a week.
- At least 30 days of paid annual leave per year.
- Keeping her own passport and identity documents.
- Suitable accommodation, food and health insurance when living in.
With Derby, her salary is paid through WPS-protected payroll, which gives both of you a clear record of payments.
Tips for sponsoring a nanny in Dubai
- Be clear about the role. Agree hours, duties, days off and whether she will live in or out before you apply.
- Check experience and references. Ask about the ages of children she has cared for and any first-aid training.
- Plan for travel. If she will travel with you, Derby's free travel NOC and travel assistance make it simpler.
- Need a full-time helper instead? Derby also offers full-time maids, live-in or live-out – see live-in vs live-out maids.
Check our latest offers or contact our team with any questions.
Frequently asked questions
Is a nanny visa different from a maid visa in Dubai?
Both are domestic worker visas. Nanny or babysitter is one of the domestic worker professions recognised by MoHRE, so the process, documents and government steps are essentially the same as for a housemaid. The job title on the contract reflects the role.
How much does a nanny visa cost in Dubai?
With Derby, a 2-year nanny visa costs AED 7,139 + VAT plus an agency fee of AED 160 per month (VAT included), or AED 9,499 (VAT excluded) as a one-time lump sum. Private sponsorship typically costs AED 17,000 or more over two years, based on Derby's comparison.
Can I sponsor a nanny without meeting the minimum salary?
If you sponsor privately, you generally need to meet MoHRE's household income threshold. If Derby sponsors your nanny, there is no minimum salary requirement for you because Derby is the sponsor.
Can Derby sponsor a nanny who is already in the UAE?
Yes. Derby sponsors nannies inside the UAE through a change of status, and from outside the UAE, currently from India and the Philippines. All nationalities are subject to visa approval, and the nanny must be aged 18 to 60.
Can my nanny travel with us on holiday?
Yes, once her residence visa is issued. Derby provides a free travel NOC and travel assistance, which helps when your nanny travels with your family.
