Quick summary
- Total cost: approximately AED 8,500–17,000 depending on agency and nationality
- Valid for: 1 year (expat sponsors) or 2 years (UAE nationals / Golden Visa)
- Fine if expired: AED 50/day with no cap
- Renewal should start: at least 30 days before expiry
Who Can Sponsor a Maid Visa?
To sponsor a domestic worker visa in the UAE, you must meet the following criteria set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE):
- Hold a valid UAE residence visa (or be a UAE national)
- Have a minimum monthly salary of AED 6,000 (some emirate authorities require AED 10,000+)
- Have accommodation suitable for a live-in domestic worker
- Not have exceeded the permitted number of domestic workers (typically 1–2 per household)
Maid Visa Cost Breakdown (2026)
| Cost Item | Approximate Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Agency recruitment fee | 5,000–12,000 |
| MOHRE visa application fee | 300–500 |
| Medical fitness test | 300–500 |
| Emirates ID issuance | 370 |
| Residence visa stamping | 500–700 |
| Medical insurance (mandatory) | 800–1,500/year |
| Work permit | 100–200 |
Costs vary by emirate, agency, and worker nationality. These are estimates for 2026.
The Visa Sponsorship Process
- Apply through MOHRE (Tadbeer) or a licensed agency — submit employer eligibility documents (salary certificate, tenancy contract, Emirates ID copy).
- Worker medical test and fitness certificate — done upon arrival or in country of origin.
- Emirates ID registration — biometrics collected within 30 days of visa activation.
- Residence visa stamping — in passport by GDRFA / ICA.
- MOHRE standard contract signing — mandatory since Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022.
- Medical insurance activation — mandatory. Employer bears the cost.
Visa Validity & Renewal
The residence visa validity depends on the sponsor's own visa status:
- UAE nationals, Golden Visa holders: 2-year domestic worker visa
- Expat residents on 2-year visa: 1-year domestic worker visa
- Expat residents on 3-year visa: up to 2-year domestic worker visa
Renewal must start at least 30 days before expiry to avoid the AED 50/day overstay fine. ManzilZen tracks expiry dates and, on paid plans, sends alerts 60, 30 and 7 days before expiry.
Track your worker's visa expiry
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See also: UAE Maid Visa Fine Calculator · Domestic Worker Fines Guide · Visa Renewal Guide