The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to a large expatriate population where domestic helpers, nannies, and housemaids play an essential role in daily life. Many families rely on domestic workers to manage household responsibilities, making maid visas a common and well-regulated part of UAE immigration law. The process to obtain a maid visa in UAE is designed to protect both employers (sponsors) and domestic workers while ensuring compliance with UAE labor and residency regulations.

 Eligibility Criteria (2025)

Before applying for a maid visa, it’s important to understand who can sponsor a domestic worker in the UAE.

Documents Required for Maid Visa in UAE (2025)

The following documents are generally required to process a maid visa:

• Passport copies of the sponsor and maid (valid for at least 6 months)
  
  

• Passport-size photographs of the maid
  
  

• Sponsor’s Emirates ID and residency visa copy
  
  

• Tenancy contract or title deed (as proof of accommodation)
  
  

• Latest DEWA (utility) bill
  
  

• Sponsor’s salary certificate or labor contract
  
  

• Maid’s employment contract (attested if required)
  
  

• Medical fitness certificate from an approved clinic
  
  

• Copy of maid’s entry permit

Costs & Government Fees (2025)

The maid visa cost in UAE varies slightly across emirates but generally includes:

• Entry permit fee: AED 500–700
  
  

• Medical test: AED 300–500
  
  

• Emirates ID (1 year): AED 170
  
  

• Visa stamping and processing: AED 2,000–3,000
  
  

• Health insurance: AED 600–800 per year
  
  

• Refundable deposit: AED 2,000 (in some cases)

Overall, the total cost to obtain a maid visa can range between AED 5,000 and AED 7,000, excluding renewal and agency fees.

Rules & Regulations for Domestic Workers

The UAE’s Domestic Workers Law (Federal Law No. 10 of 2017) protects the rights of both employers and domestic staff. Key points include:

• Working hours: Maximum 12 hours per day with rest periods.
  
  

• Weekly day off: One paid day off every week.
  
  

• Timely salary: Payment within 10 days of the due date.
  
  

• Medical care: Employers must provide health insurance and access to medical services.
  
  

• Annual leave: 30 days of paid leave after one year of service.

Violating these laws may result in penalties, fines, or suspension of the sponsor’s visa privileges.

Renewal and Cancellation

Maid visas are valid for one year and must be renewed before expiration.

Renewal Process:

• Submit updated documents (passport, Emirates ID, insurance).
  
  

• Pay renewal fees through the GDRFA or typing center.
  
  

• Renew medical test if required.

Cancellation:

If the maid leaves employment, the sponsor must cancel the visa through the GDRFA before the maid exits the UAE. Failing to cancel may result in fines or blacklisting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete or expired documents.
  
  

• Missing the renewal deadline leads to fines.
  
  

• Failing to cancel the visa properly when the maid leaves employment.
  
  

• Not purchasing valid health insurance for the domestic worker.

Avoiding these errors ensures smooth visa processing and compliance with UAE law.

Role of Typing Centers in UAE

Typing centers in Dubai play a key role in assisting sponsors with the maid visa application process. They prepare and submit all required government forms accurately, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Many residents rely on trusted service providers like SH Typing Center, which offer visa typing, Emirates ID applications, and documentation support under UAE government systems. Getting a maid visa in UAE (2025) involves multiple legal and administrative steps from eligibility checks to visa stamping. Staying informed about current rules, costs, and procedures is essential for both sponsors and domestic workers. By following the UAE’s labor and immigration laws carefully, families can ensure a lawful and transparent hiring process. For accurate documentation and compliance with UAE domestic worker visa rules, many residents rely on authorized typing centers and professional service providers.