What Are the Requirements for an Indian Maid Visa in Dubai?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly Dubai, is home to a large expatriate community that includes families and individuals who employ domestic workers, including maids, nannies, and housekeepers. One of the most common nationalities for domestic help in Dubai is Indian. However, employing a maid from India involves a regulated process, including visa requirements, eligibility conditions for the employer, and government approvals.

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the requirements for an Indian maid hire visa in Dubai, whether you're a prospective employer or a domestic worker seeking employment.

Understanding the Maid Visa in Dubai

A maid visa in Dubai is officially a domestic worker visa issued under the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. It allows UAE residents to legally sponsor a domestic worker, including a maid, nanny, cook, or cleaner.

Legal Framework

As of 2022, all domestic worker sponsorships fall under Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 and are regulated by Tadbeer centers, which are authorized by MOHRE to streamline the hiring and visa process of domestic workers.

Who Can Sponsor an Indian Maid in Dubai?

Not every resident in Dubai can sponsor a maid. There are strict eligibility criteria for employers:

1. Income Requirement

The sponsor must have a minimum monthly salary of AED 25,000 (as of 2025), though this amount may vary slightly depending on updates from the UAE authorities or family size.

2. Residential Status

• Only families can sponsor domestic workers; single men are generally not allowed unless there's a legitimate need and prior approval.

• The sponsor must be a resident visa holder (UAE resident) and should provide proof of accommodation, ideally a villa or a spacious apartment.

3. Relationship

The domestic worker must not be closely related to the sponsor (e.g., not an immediate family member unless under specific approvals).

Requirements to Hire an Indian Maid

Hiring an Indian maid requires fulfilling both UAE government requirements and Indian government clearance. Here's a detailed look:

UAE Requirements

Documents Needed:

1. Passport copies of both the sponsor and maid (valid for at least 6 months).

2. Visa and Emirates ID of the sponsor.

3. Salary certificate or labor contract of the sponsor.

4. Tenancy contract (Ejari) in the name of the sponsor.

5. Medical fitness report of the maid (after arrival).

6. Photographs of both parties.

7. Application form (can be filled at a Typing Center or online).

8. Affidavit from the Indian Consulate (if required).

Visa Process:

1. Apply for an entry permit for the maid through GDRFA or a Tadbeer center.

2. Maid enters Dubai on the entry permit.

3. Medical test, Emirates ID registration, and biometrics are completed.

4. Maid’s residence visa is stamped on her passport.

5. Labor contract is signed and registered under MOHRE.

Indian Government Requirements

The Indian government has its own safeguards for Indian citizens working abroad as domestic help.

Key Requirements:

1. E-Migrate clearance: Mandatory for Indian women below the age of 30.

2. Employment contract approval from the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

3. Salary requirement: As per Indian embassy rules, the maid must be offered a minimum monthly salary of AED 1,100 or more.

4. Insurance: The employer may be required to provide life and health insurance for the maid.

5. Security deposit: In some cases, Indian consular services require a bank guarantee/security deposit to ensure the welfare of the worker.

Steps to Hire and Sponsor an Indian Maid

Here is a step-by-step process:

Step 1: Select the Hiring Route

You can either:

• Bring a maid you personally know from India.

• Use a Tadbeer center or a licensed recruitment agency.

Step 2: Apply for Entry Permit

Visit a Tadbeer center or apply online via GDRFA to initiate the maid visa entry permit. This allows the maid to legally enter Dubai.

Step 3: Ensure E-Migrate Clearance

Coordinate with the maid to obtain E-Migrate clearance from India. This may involve visiting the Protector of Emigrants (POE) office in India and submitting job offer details.

Step 4: Arrival and Medical Testing

Once the maid arrives:

• Conduct a medical fitness test at an approved medical center.

• Start Emirates ID registration and biometric process.

Step 5: Final Visa Stamping

Once all checks are complete, the residence visa is stamped on the maid's passport, valid typically for 1 year and renewable annually.

Cost of Sponsoring an Indian Maid

Here’s an approximate cost breakdown (as of 2025):

• Entry permit & visa processing: AED 6,000–7,000

• Medical test & Emirates ID: AED 1,500–2,000

• Security deposit (if required): AED 9,200 (refundable)

• Tadbeer or agency fee: AED 8,000–15,000 (depending on experience and origin)

• Monthly salary: AED 1,100–2,000 (negotiable)

Important Rules and Regulations

• Contract duration: Usually 2 years with a 6-month probation period.

• Working hours: Not more than 12 hours per day with adequate rest.

• Leave entitlement: At least one day off per week and 30 days annual leave.

• End of service benefits: One month’s salary per year of service (gratuity).

Renewal and Cancellation

• Renewal: The maid visa can be renewed annually. Documents like a renewed labor contract and valid medical fitness report are required.

• Cancellation: If employment is terminated, the visa must be canceled, and the maid must either leave the country or find a new sponsor.

Final Thoughts

Hiring an Indian maid visa Dubai is a structured process involving both Indian and UAE legal systems. For employers, it’s crucial to follow all official procedures and ensure the maid’s well-being, rights, and fair compensation. For Indian domestic workers, understanding your rights, salary expectations, and working conditions before departure is essential.

To streamline the process and avoid legal issues, consider using a reputed Tadbeer center or a licensed recruitment agency. It ensures compliance with both UAE labor laws and Indian emigration regulations.

Always check with the official UAE and Indian government websites or consult a legal professional for the latest updates before proceeding.