For most families, using a maid visa sponsorship company is cheaper and far simpler than private sponsorship. Derby's own comparison puts the maid sponsorship Dubai cost for private sponsors at AED 17,000+ with 6+ government office visits, while Derby's 2-year visa starts from AED 7,139 + VAT, fully online, with no minimum salary for you.
Below, we compare both routes on cost, eligibility, paperwork and ongoing responsibilities, so you can choose the right domestic worker visa for your household.
Key facts
- Private sponsorship: you are the visa sponsor. Typically AED 17,000+ and 6+ government office visits (Derby's comparison).
- Private sponsors usually need a minimum monthly income – widely reported as around AED 25,000 for expatriates.
- Sponsorship company (Tadbeer centre): the company is the sponsor, so no minimum salary requirement for you.
- Derby: 2-year visa from AED 7,139 + VAT (monthly plan) or AED 9,499 lump sum (VAT excluded).
- The maid's rights under UAE domestic worker law are the same on both routes.
What is private sponsorship?
With private sponsorship, you – the head of the household – become the maid's legal sponsor and employer. The visa is linked to your file, and you handle every step yourself: the work permit, entry permit or status change, medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, contract and renewals.
To qualify, you generally need to show a minimum household income (widely reported at around AED 25,000 per month for expatriate residents), proof of suitable accommodation such as a tenancy contract, a salary certificate and, where relevant, an attested marriage certificate. A refundable deposit is also commonly required, with reported amounts varying. For the full list, see our maid visa requirements guide.
What is a maid visa sponsorship company?
A maid visa sponsorship company – in the UAE, a MoHRE-approved Tadbeer centre – acts as the maid's visa sponsor. The maid lives and works with your family, but the centre holds the visa and manages the government process. Because the company is the sponsor, the personal salary threshold that applies to private sponsors does not apply to you.
Derby is a MoHRE-approved Tadbeer centre with 12+ years of experience and 12,000+ visas issued. Learn more in our guide to the Tadbeer maid visa.
Maid sponsorship Dubai cost: side-by-side comparison
| Point | Private sponsorship | Other companies | Derby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical 2-year cost | AED 17,000+ | Around AED 8,500+ | From AED 7,139 + VAT (+ AED 160/month (VAT included) agency fee), or AED 9,499 lump sum (VAT excl.) |
| Minimum salary for you | Yes – widely reported around AED 25,000/month for expatriates | Varies | None |
| Government office visits | 6+ | Varies | None – everything online |
| Who is the sponsor? | You | The company | Derby |
| Processing | Depends on you and each office | Varies | From 7 working days |
| Medical & Emirates ID appointments | You arrange and accompany | Varies | Free pick-up, drop-off & assistance in Dubai |
| Travel NOC | Your responsibility | Varies | Free |
| Salary payments | You set up and run payroll | Varies | WPS-protected payroll + personal ATM card for the maid |
Costs above are typical figures based on Derby's comparison. Your actual private sponsorship cost depends on the emirate, the maid's situation and current government fees. For a detailed breakdown, read maid visa cost in Dubai.
Working out Derby's 2-year total
- Monthly plan: AED 7,139 + VAT for the 2-year visa, plus an agency fee of AED 160 per month (VAT included) – AED 160 × 24 months = AED 3,840 (VAT included) in agency fees.
- Lump-Sum Package: AED 9,499 (VAT excluded), paid once, with no monthly agency fee. Includes 2-year medical insurance and ILOE. T&Cs apply.
Split payment options with 0% interest are also available. Either way, both are well below the typical private sponsorship cost.
Pros and cons of each maid visa sponsor option
Private sponsorship
- Pros: full direct control over the visa file; no agency involved.
- Cons: higher overall cost, income threshold, deposit, multiple office visits, and you carry all the admin – including renewals, insurance and payroll.
Sponsorship company
- Pros: lower cost for most families, no personal salary requirement, less paperwork, one point of contact.
- Cons: you rely on the company's service quality, so choose a licensed centre with clear pricing and real support.
Your duties stay the same on both routes
Whichever maid visa sponsor you choose, the maid's basic rights under UAE domestic worker law (Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022) do not change. She is entitled to a written contract, at least 12 hours of rest a day including 8 consecutive hours, one paid rest day a week and at least 30 days of paid annual leave. If she lives with you, she also needs suitable accommodation, meals and access to medical care. The difference is who handles the paperwork: as a private sponsor, all of the admin – renewals, insurance, payroll and travel documents – sits with you.
Which domestic worker visa route suits you?
Private sponsorship can make sense if you comfortably meet the income rules, have time for government appointments and want to manage everything yourself. A sponsorship company usually suits you better if:
- Your income is below the private sponsorship threshold.
- You want to avoid office visits and paperwork.
- You want predictable costs and help with medicals, Emirates ID and travel NOCs.
- You live outside Dubai – Derby charges the same price with the same online process in every emirate.
How to switch to company sponsorship
- Apply online in about 5 minutes with your maid's passport copy and photo.
- Choose your plan – monthly or lump sum.
- Sign the contract online – no office visits.
- We start the visa – entry permit or status change, whether she is inside or outside the UAE.
- Medical and Emirates ID – with free concierge pick-up and drop-off in Dubai.
- Visa issued – from 7 working days, with a dedicated person supporting you from start to finish.
If your maid is currently on your own visa, ask us about a transfer – price on request. Contact our team for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to sponsor a maid yourself or through a company in Dubai?
For most families, a sponsorship company is cheaper over two years. Derby's own comparison puts private sponsorship at AED 17,000+ with 6+ government office visits, while Derby's 2-year visa starts from AED 7,139 + VAT on the monthly plan, or AED 9,499 (VAT excluded) as a one-time lump sum.
What salary do I need to sponsor a maid privately in Dubai?
For expatriate residents, the minimum monthly income for private sponsorship has been widely reported at around AED 25,000. Requirements can differ for UAE nationals and can change, so check with MoHRE or your emirate's immigration authority. If a Tadbeer centre such as Derby is the sponsor, there is no minimum salary requirement for you.
Who is the legal sponsor when I use a maid visa company?
With a MoHRE-approved Tadbeer centre acting as sponsor, the centre holds the visa and handles the government paperwork, while the maid works in your home. With Derby, Derby is the sponsor.
Is there a deposit for private maid sponsorship?
Private sponsors have commonly been asked for a refundable deposit, with reported amounts varying by emirate and over time. Check the current amount with the relevant authority before you apply.
Can UAE nationals and Golden Visa holders use a sponsorship company?
Yes. Golden Visa holders and UAE nationals can use Derby at the same price and through the same online process as other customers.
