Maid Visa Dubai and Housekeeping Visa: Complete 2026 Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Maid Visa Dubai & Housekeeping Visa in 2026 – Requirements, Process, Costs, and Market Insights.

Dubai’s bustling expatriate population and busy households make hiring domestic help a necessity, but legal employment requires a maid visa Dubai or housekeeping visa. These visas allow foreign domestic workers—including housemaids, nannies, and caregivers—to live and work in the UAE legally while protecting both the worker and the sponsor under Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022. Sponsors must meet eligibility criteria such as a minimum monthly salary of AED 25,000, UAE residency, adequate accommodation, and a clean legal record. Golden Visa holders enjoy added benefits like 2-year visas and unlimited sponsorship privileges. Required documents include passports, Emirates ID, medical certificates, good conduct certificates (for certain nationalities), and signed employment contracts complying with MoHRE standards.

The process for obtaining a housekeeping visa or maid visa Dubai is now streamlined, often taking only about five days with four core documents. Steps include hiring through licensed agencies or Tadbeer centers, obtaining a MoHRE work permit, completing medical tests, and registering for Emirates ID with residency stamping. Costs vary from AED 1,300–17,000 depending on direct hire or full agency packages, covering visa fees, medical exams, Emirates ID, deposits, and recruitment charges. Market trends show strong growth, with domestic worker applications surging 66% in June 2024 and 50%+ growth projected into 2026, making it a lucrative opportunity for agencies and a must-follow guide for households seeking legal and hassle-free domestic help.