Emirates Maid Visa 2026 – Sponsor Requirements, Worker Rights, Costs & Step-by-Step Application

Hiring a maid, nanny or domestic worker in the UAE can transform your household’s day-to-day life—but it comes with clear rules, documents, fees, and a formal Emirates maid visa process. This 2026 guide covers who can sponsor, what documents you need, worker rights, costs, and a clean step-by-step application flow you can follow today. Throughout the guide, we’ve included natural anchors for Emirates Visa and Emirates Visa Online to support internal linking.

What Is the Emirates Maid (Domestic Worker) Visa?

The Emirates maid visa (domestic worker residency) authorizes a UAE resident or citizen (the sponsor) to legally employ a foreign domestic worker (the employee) for household roles such as housekeeping, nanny care, cooking, elderly care and similar in-home support. The visa is issued under UAE immigration and domestic worker regulations, typically via GDRFA/ICP channels, and is linked to a standard employment contract that sets hours, pay, rest, leave and benefits.

Who Can Sponsor a Maid in the UAE? Eligibility 2026

Final approval is discretionary and may vary by emirate and current policy. Always file with complete, accurate documentation.

Income, Housing & Family Status

• Income threshold: Sponsors must meet a minimum monthly income (thresholds vary by emirate).

• Accommodation: Suitable live-in housing for the worker (private space).

• Family status: Typically married residents/families are eligible to sponsor; bachelors are usually not permitted.

• Compliance history: Clean immigration record; no previous hiring violations.

Nationality & Age Bands for Domestic Workers

• Workers must be of legal working age (commonly 30+; some corridors may allow slightly different ranges as updated).

• Recruitment is limited to approved source countries; corridors and rules can change—submit per the latest GDRFA/ICP guidance.

Documents Required for the Maid Visa (Sponsor & Worker)

Sponsor Documents Checklist

• Passport & residency page (for UAE residents) / Emirates ID

• Salary certificate or labor contract; recent bank statements

• Tenancy contract / Ejari (or housing proof)

• Marriage certificate (attested), where applicable

• Health insurance coverage details for the worker (per emirate rules)

• Any no-objection letters if required by your jurisdiction

Domestic Worker Documents Checklist

• Valid passport (6+ months), recent passport-size photos

• Education/experience proof where relevant to role (optional but useful)

• Medical fitness clearance (post-arrival; see below)

• Police clearance / good conduct (if requested per corridor rules)

Tip: Keep scans clear, color, uncropped; mismatched names/dates cause delays.

Emirates Maid Visa Fees, Validity & Processing Time

• Government fees & typing/Amer charges: Vary by emirate and service center.

• Security deposit/guarantee: May apply based on nationality/corridor.

• Medical + Emirates ID + insurance: Budget for these separately.

• Validity: Commonly 1 year, renewable (check your approval letter).

• Processing time: Typically several working days once documentation is complete; allow extra time for seasonal peaks or clarifications.

Worker Rights & Employer Obligations (Domestic Workers Law)

The UAE’s domestic worker framework protects both parties. Key standards generally include:

• Written contract with clear role, pay, and benefits

• Timely salary (by due date; via traceable channels)

• Weekly rest day and daily rest (with a continuous rest block)

• Annual paid leave (commonly 30 days)

• Medical insurance provided by sponsor

• Round-trip ticket (typically every two years)

• Safe accommodation & meals supplied by sponsor

• Retention of personal documents: Passports/IDs should not be withheld without consent

Always follow your emirate’s current execution rules and the latest published contract template.

How to Apply for an Emirates Maid Visa – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Entry Permit & Work Contract

1. Open a file at an authorized Amer/typing center or online portal.

2. Choose domestic worker category and prepare the employment contract with agreed salary, role, and benefits.

3. Submit sponsor & worker documents (see checklists).

4. Pay initial fees and obtain the entry permit (if the worker is outside UAE).

Step 2: Medical Fitness, Biometrics & Emirates ID

1. Upon arrival (or if in-country), book the medical fitness test (blood tests/chest X-ray at approved centers).

2. Apply for Emirates ID (biometrics/photograph).

3. Arrange health insurance for the worker as mandated.

Step 3: Residency Stamping & Domestic Worker Card

1. Submit medical/ID results and finalize residency stamping.

2. Obtain the domestic worker card (if applicable in your emirate).

3. Provide the worker copies of the contract, residency, and ID; onboard responsibly.

Internal anchors to place naturally: Emirates Visa,  (use as keyword anchors—no URLs shown).

How to Renew or Cancel a Maid Visa

Renewal Timeline & Requirements

• Start renewal several weeks before expiry.

• Repeat medical fitness, insurance, and ID renewal as required.

• Clear any fines and ensure salary/benefit compliance before filing.

Cancellation & Final Exit

• If employment ends, process cancellation at GDRFA/ICP or at the airport (as permitted).

• Provide flight ticket and ensure visa deactivation is completed; keep receipts.

• Return any deposits once the exit is verified.

Common Reasons for Rejection & How to Avoid Them

• Income/tenancy proof missing or below threshold

• Unclear scans, passport expiry < 6 months, mismatched data

• Medical fitness issues or incomplete insurance details

• Attempting to hire on a tourist visa instead of a domestic worker residency

• Contract inconsistencies (salary/role not matching policy)

Fix it fast: re-scan documents clearly, correct names/dates, and align the contract with current rules.

Risks of Unofficial Agents & Tourist-Visa Hiring

• Tourist visas do not authorize employment—risk fines, rejection, and ban.

• Unofficial agents may file incomplete or non-compliant applications.

• Use approved channels to avoid status problems and delays.

Why Use a Professional Service (Speed, Accuracy, Compliance)

A compliant filing saves time and protects both parties. With expert assistance you get:

• Correct category selection and contract prep

• Error-free forms & photo/passport specs

• Real-time status tracking and quick clarifications

• Advice on renewal, cancellation, and policy updates

CTA: Start your application with Emirates Visa for guided documentation and faster, cleaner approvals.

How to Apply (CTA) – Start Your Emirates Maid Visa in 2026

Ready to move forward?

• Gather your sponsor and worker documents.

• Follow the Step-by-Step section above.

• Use our internal guides on  Emirates Visa Online for streamlined filing and updates.

Apply now and onboard your domestic worker legally and confidently in 2026.