Hiring a Maid in the UAE: What Families Should Know About Sponsorship and Agency Options

Hiring a domestic worker in the UAE is a regulated process governed by federal labour laws and immigration rules. Families planning to employ a maid must navigate visa applications, salary payments, medical insurance and end-of-service obligations. The most common decision employers face is whether to sponsor a domestic worker privately or to hire through a licensed agency.

Understanding how these models differ in cost, timelines and legal responsibility can help households choose the option best suited to their needs.

Common hiring models in the UAE

Domestic workers in the UAE are typically hired through one of three approaches: private sponsorship, traditional agencies, or integrated service platforms that manage the process centrally.

Under private sponsorship, the employer acts as the sponsor and employer of record. The total cost of a two-year visa often reaches around Dh17,000, including government fees, medical tests, insurance and deposits. Employers are required to visit multiple government offices, submit extensive documentation and personally manage renewals, salary payments and compliance.

Traditional maid agencies usually offer lower upfront visa fees, often around Dh8,500 for two years, but typically require security deposits of up to Dh5,000, post-dated cheques and multiple physical visits. Visa processing may take up to 30 days, and employers remain responsible for end-of-service benefits, airfare and additional administrative costs.

Centralised agency-managed models combine visa processing, payroll and compliance into a single system. These arrangements generally reduce processing time, automate salary transfers and limit the employer’s exposure to unexpected costs, although fees and coverage vary depending on the provider.

Cost, time and administrative effort

The most significant difference between private sponsorship and agency hiring lies in the administrative burden. Private sponsors must handle paperwork, renewals and payments themselves, increasing the time commitment and risk of delays or non-compliance.

Agency-managed hiring reduces physical visits to typing centres and government counters, with documentation, visa issuance and salary payments handled through a structured process. This approach is often favoured by working families seeking predictability and time savings.

Legal responsibilities under UAE law

Domestic worker employment is regulated under Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022, which requires employers to provide:

• Medical insurance
• Timely payment of wages
• End-of-service gratuity
• Return air tickets at the end of the contract
  
  

When hiring through an agency, many of these obligations are administered on the employer’s behalf in line with Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) requirements. In private sponsorship arrangements, the employer is personally responsible for compliance with wage protection systems, insurance coverage and visa renewals.

Documentation and eligibility

Private sponsorship generally requires proof of tenancy (Ejari), salary certificates, bank statements and attested documents. Expatriates must typically earn Dh25,000 or more per month to qualify as sponsors.

Agency hiring often simplifies documentation requirements, as agencies coordinate submissions, medical testing and Emirates ID issuance as part of the service.

Which option is right for families?

Private sponsorship may appeal to households seeking direct control over employment arrangements and costs, but it comes with higher administrative responsibility and potential compliance risks.

Agency-based hiring prioritises convenience, structured processes and regulatory assurance, making it a practical choice for families who prefer a managed solution with fewer administrative demands.

Final takeaway

Hiring a maid in the UAE involves more than securing a visa. Families must consider long-term legal obligations, administrative effort and cost transparency. While private sponsorship remains a viable option for eligible employers, agency-managed hiring offers a streamlined alternative for those prioritising ease, time savings and compliance with UAE labour regulations.

 
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