Life in Dubai is full on, with work, family, and so many places to check out, like parks or malls. Keeping your house clean on top of all that? It can feel like a big job. That’s why a maid can be a total lifesaver. But sorting out the maid visa cost in Dubai might seem a bit overwhelming. Should you do it yourself or get an agency to help? Let’s go through it in a really simple, down-to-earth way so you know what to expect and can pick what’s best for you.
What’s a Maid Visa and Why Do You Need It?
A maid visa lets you legally hire a live-in maid from places like the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia, or Ethiopia. In Dubai, it’s needed to make sure your maid is all set with things like health insurance and paid days off. How much you spend depends on whether you handle it yourself (DIY) or let an agency take care of it. Both ways have their good points, so let’s break down the costs and what you’ve gotta do.
DIY: Doing the Maid Visa on Your Own
Going DIY means you’re the one sorting everything out. It’s cheaper, but it takes a bit of your time. Here’s what the maid visa cost in Dubai looks like when you do it yourself:
- Entry Permit: Head to a typing center like Tasheel or Amer (you can find one on the UAE government website). You’ll fill out a form for your maid’s entry permit, which costs about AED 110, plus a little typing fee (like AED 20–50). If your maid’s already in Dubai, you’ll pay AED 500 more. Want it done quick? Add AED 100 for faster processing.
- Medical Check: Your maid needs a health check within 30 days of getting here. It’s just a blood test, an X-ray, and a Hepatitis B shot at a government clinic. This costs about AED 325 if you’re okay waiting a week, AED 420 for results in 48 hours, or AED 520 for same-day results.
- Emirates ID: This is about AED 140, plus a typing fee. Your maid has to give their fingerprints, which you can sometimes do at the medical center to save a trip.
- Insurance: You need to get medical insurance for your maid, which is around AED 600–1,200 a year, depending on what plan you choose.
- Visa and Worker Card: The last bit is getting the residence visa stamped in their passport and the Domestic Worker Card. This costs about AED 5,000–5,500, depending on how fast you need it. If you’re not in a rush, the card gets delivered by courier.
- Total DIY Cost: Around AED 6,200–7,500, depending on how quick you want things and the insurance plan. You’ll also need to spend a few hours at typing centers and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Why DIY Works: You save money because the agencies factor in fees, and you maintain control of the situation. It's really something special if you're fine coordinating your own stuff and don't mind running a couple errands. Why it's hard: you consider the time, and you'll need to deal with gathering your own paperwork, such as a passport, visa, salary certificate, Ejari contract and utility bill.
Agency: Letting Someone Else Take Over
If you don’t want to mess with forms or run around, an agency like Tadbeer can handle the maid visa cost in Dubai and all the steps for you. Here’s what you’re looking at:
- Agency Fees: Regardless of the visa, agencies charge for their services which usually falls between AED 7,000–12,000, and this is in addition to the visa fees. This covers them managing the entry permit, medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.
- Visa Costs: You still pay the same costs as DIY (entry permit, medical check, Emirates ID, insurance, and visa stamping), which add up to about AED 6,200–7,500.
- Total Agency Cost: You’re looking at AED 13,200–19,500, depending on the agency and how fast you want it.
- Why Agency’s Nice: It’s so easy. The agency does all the work, so you don’t have to deal with paperwork or trips to typing centers. It’s great if you’re busy or new to Dubai. Why It’s a Bit Hard: It costs more—sometimes double the DIY price. You might also have less say in how things go or who you hire.
Which One’s Better for You?
It’s all about what you’ve got more of—time or money. If you’re cool with spending a few hours and want to save some cash, DIY is the way to go. The maid visa cost in Dubai is way lower, and you can manage it with a little planning. But if you’d rather focus on work or family and don’t mind spending more, an agency makes it quick and stress-free.
Tips to Keep It Easy
- Start Early: Get going ahead of time so you don’t have to pay extra for rush processing.
- Have Your Papers Ready: Grab your documents (like your Ejari and salary certificate) so you don’t get stuck.
- Check Out Agencies: If you pick an agency, look at a few—their fees can be really different.
- Ask Questions: The GDRFA or typing centers are super friendly if you’re not sure about something.
Why It’s Worth It
Whether you use an agency or do it yourself, getting a maid visa in Dubai means less stress in your life. A maid gives you more time for family, time to enjoy the parks in Dubai, and time to just stay at home without the worry of cleaning. Plus you are giving your maid a legitimate job with benefits such as health insurance and time off to spend with their family. So take action on your own terms and your own schedule, and get ready for a tidier, happier home, and happier life in Dubai!