The use of a maid or nanny in Dubai can help make life a little bit easier for families with busy schedules. Knowing the financial data and legal needs, including maid visa costs in Dubai, will keep you aligned with the local regulations. This blog looks into costs, taxes and vital information for Dubai residents seeking to sponsor a maid or nanny visa.
Understanding the Maid Visa in Dubai
A domestic worker visa, also known as a maid visa, allows residents to hire someone for day-to-day tasks such as cleaning, cooking, or childcare. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is responsible for managing the necessary steps, including applying for entry permits and medical clearance. Similar to the maid visa, a nanny visa specifically focuses on childcare duties. Both visas are typically valid for one to two years, depending on the employer. Renewals must be completed on time to avoid penalties or legal issues.
Costs of Hiring a Maid or Nanny in Dubai
In Dubai, employers must pay the fees for hiring a maid or nanny. These costs can differ, but here’s a simple breakdown of the typical expenses:
- Visa Application Fees: Getting a maid visa costs about AED 300–500, depending on the fees set by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Medical Tests: Maids need a health check, which costs around AED 300–500.
- Emirates ID: You’ll pay AED 100–200 each year for the maid’s Emirates ID.
- Health Insurance: Employers must provide medical insurance for the maid, costing AED 700–1,500 per year.
- Security Deposit: You may need to pay a refundable deposit of AED 2,000, which you get back when the maid leaves the UAE.
- Salary: The maid’s minimum salary depends on her home country’s embassy rules, usually between AED 1,400–2,500 per month.
For a nanny visa, the costs are similar, but salaries are often higher, ranging from AED 1,500–5,000 per month because nannies focus on childcare. Always check the latest fees with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) or GDRFA, as costs can change.
Taxation and Maid Visa Sponsorship
The absence of taxes on personal incomes makes Dubai a state filled with great benefits for its dwellers. However, the sponsors of a maid still have some financial responsibility. The maid visa cost in Dubai includes a 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on some services, like medical tests or agency fees if you use a typing centre. These are minor fees individually, but they escalate the entire price. Sponsors are required to remit the maid’s salary by the due date, not later than 10 days from that date, according to the UAE labour regulation. Sponsors will be liable to penalties if they fail to make payments within time.
Simplified Maid and Nanny Sponsorship Rules in Dubai
To sponsor a maid or nanny in Dubai, you must meet these conditions:
- Hold a valid UAE citizen’s visa or residence permit.
- Earn at least AED 25,000 per month, or AED 15,000 if you provide housing.
- Be married.
- Provide a two-bedroom apartment or house for the maid.
- Ensure the maid is at least 18 years old, from an Asian country, and passes a medical exam.
- For a nanny, provide proof that childcare is needed (the same rules apply).
Renewal and Cancellation Costs
Maid and nanny visas need renewal every one or two years. Renewing a maid’s visa requires the same financial steps as the initial application, including fees for medical tests, Emirates ID, and insurance. If you no longer need the maid’s services, you must cancel the visa through MoHRE or GDRFA. Cancellation is typically free if you provide the maid’s passport and Emirates ID. The maid must leave the UAE to receive her security deposit refund.
Tips for Dubai Residents
To keep your maid’s visa costs in Dubai manageable, regularly check the latest requirements on the MoHRE or GDRFA websites. Confirm current regulations by visiting these sites. When planning to hire a maid or nanny, include expenses like salary, insurance, and taxes in your budget. Keep all financial transactions documented to avoid legal issues. Ensure the maid has weekly days off and a comfortable living environment. Hiring a maid or nanny is convenient, but it comes with responsibilities. Understanding the costs and rules helps Dubai residents make informed decisions and simplifies the process.
