Domestic Helper Visa: Complete UAE Guide for 2026

Visa

In the UAE, a domestic helper visa is a legal residence and work permit that allows families and residents to hire household staff such as nannies, housemaids, cooks, caregivers, or other domestic helpers. Whether you want long-term full-time help or are planning to bring someone from abroad, the process is regulated by UAE authorities, and compliance with all requirements is mandatory. 

What Is a Domestic Helper Visa?

A domestic helper visa is a type of residence permit that enables employers in the UAE to legally sponsor domestic staff to live and work in their home. It includes a work permit, residency visa, Emirates ID, medical fitness checks, health insurance, and an approved employment contract. 

Many employers choose to work through licensed service centres like Tadbeer, which provide recruiting, visa processing, contract services, and compliance support — ensuring the entire visa procedure meets Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) rules. 

Eligibility: Who Can Sponsor?

To sponsor a domestic helper visa in the UAE:

• The sponsor must be a UAE resident or citizen with a valid residence visa.
• Employers must demonstrate adequate income and housing capacity. In many cases, this means earning a minimum monthly salary (often AED 25,000 or more) and providing suitable accommodation such as a multi-bedroom residence for live-in helpers.
• Only legally recruited and employed domestic workers with the correct paperwork may be hired — employing someone who claims to have their own visa or is under another sponsor is illegal and carries heavy fines.

Worker Requirements

Domestic helpers must:

• Be at least 18 years old (no underage employment).
• Hold a valid passport with adequate validity.
• Undergo a medical fitness test after entry to the UAE.
• Have health insurance provided by the employer — required by law.

Key Documents Needed

To apply for a domestic helper visa, employers typically must prepare:

• Sponsor’s passport and Emirates ID copies
• Proof of income/salary certificate
• Valid tenancy contract (Ejari) or property documentation
• Worker’s passport
• Medical test results
• Standard MOHRE employment contract signed by both parties
• Health insurance documentation
   

Employment Contract & Legal Rights

Under UAE law, every domestic helper must have a written contract approved by MOHRE. The contract outlines:

• Job role and responsibilities
• Monthly salary and payment method
• Working hours and weekly rest days
• Annual leave and leave entitlements
• Medical insurance coverage
• Terms for termination and gratuity (end-of-service benefits) 

Domestic helpers are legally entitled to:

• At least one paid rest day per week
• Daily rest hours
• Paid annual leave (typically ~30 days/year)
• Medical treatment or insurance coverage
• Gratuity pay after qualifying service
   

Costs & Processing

The cost of a domestic helper visa can vary but usually includes:

• Visa processing and typing fees
• Medical fitness test and Emirates ID
• Health insurance premium
• Standard service fees from typing centres or service providers
• Salary (paid monthly via the UAE Wage Protection System – WPS)
   

Processing time often ranges from 1–3 weeks, especially when applications are correctly submitted with all documents. Using service centres like Tadbeer can streamline the process and provide contract assistance. 

Legal Obligations of the Employer

As a sponsor, you must:

• Pay the helper’s salary on time via Wage Protection System (WPS)
• Provide suitable accommodation, meals, and insurance
• Ensure compliance with working hours and rest periods
• Renew the visa before expiry to avoid fines
   

Failure to follow legal procedures — such as employing someone without a valid visa or allowing a worker to continue on a visit visa — can lead to serious penalties for both the employer and the helper. 

 

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Conclusion

A domestic helper visa is essential for legally sponsoring household staff in the UAE. It protects the rights of both employers and workers by enforcing contracts, health insurance, legal wages, and safe working conditions. Whether you use a licensed service centre like Tadbeer or handle the process directly, understanding the requirements and compliance responsibilities will make the entire process smoother, safer, and fully lawful.