Hiring a nanny or housemaid in Dubai requires a legal domestic worker visa. This guide explains everything you need to know in 2026: eligibility, documents, fees, contracts, and legal obligations. Whether you're a first-time sponsor or renewing a visa, following the correct process is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure your nanny's rights are protected under UAE law.

Latest 2026 Updates

Important Changes:

Tadbeer centers now operate under MOHRE's unified Domestic Worker Service Centers program
All domestic worker visas are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022
Enhanced WPS salary payment system for select nationalities
Stricter enforcement of worker rights and rest periods
Updated medical fitness requirements at authorized centers

What is a Nanny Visa in Dubai?

A nanny visa is a type of residence visa issued under the UAE's domestic worker visa system. It allows families in Dubai to hire nannies, housemaids, or caregivers for childcare and household support.

Processing Authority: Processing is done via Tadbeer centers, which now operate under MOHRE's (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) unified Domestic Worker Service Centers program, along with GDRFA for residency approvals. Tadbeer is the official government-regulated channel for domestic worker recruitment and visa processing.

Legal Framework: All domestic worker visas are governed under UAE Domestic Workers Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022), which outlines rights, obligations, and protections for both sponsors and workers.

Who Can Sponsor a Nanny? (Sponsor Eligibility)

Sponsor Requirements Checklist

Essential Requirements:

Must hold a valid Dubai residence visa and Emirates ID
Minimum monthly income: AED 10,000 (or AED 6,000-7,000 with proof of accommodation ownership)
Must provide suitable accommodation for the domestic worker
Sponsor must be a family head (married male or female head of household)
Must agree to comply with domestic worker law: timely salary, rest days, leave, and health insurance

Who Cannot Sponsor

Bachelors or unmarried men (generally not allowed to sponsor domestic workers)
Sponsors without proof of adequate housing or minimum income threshold
Expired residence visa holders
Those with previous violations of domestic worker regulations

Nanny / Domestic Worker Eligibility

General Requirements:

Age requirement: 18-60 years (exceptions require special approvals)
Must pass medical fitness tests in Dubai
Must have a valid passport (6+ months validity)
No criminal record
Worker must sign a domestic worker contract with the sponsor
6-month probation period applies (sponsor can request replacement during this time under Tadbeer terms)

Nationality-Specific Restrictions

Important: Different nationalities have varying requirements:

Philippines workers: Require POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) contract approval and embassy clearance
Some nationalities: Minimum age 30 years for female domestic workers
Country-specific bans: Some nationalities restricted to female housemaids only
Embassy approval: Certain countries require home country embassy verification
Age limits: Vary by nationality (stricter for some Asian countries)

Note: Check with Tadbeer or your typing center for nationality-specific requirements before starting the application.

Documents Required

For the Sponsor:

Passport copy & valid residence visa page
Emirates ID
Salary certificate or employment contract (showing minimum AED 10,000 monthly income)
Tenancy contract (Ejari) or property title deed
Recent DEWA/utility bill
Marriage certificate (for family status verification)
Passport-size photos
Bank statements (may be required in some cases)

For the Worker:

Passport copy (6+ months validity)
Passport-size photos (white background)
Entry permit (if coming from outside UAE)
Medical fitness certificate
Emirates ID application form
Signed MOHRE domestic worker contract
Security deposit or bank guarantee (if required by nationality or agency)
Home country clearance/approval (for certain nationalities)

Step-by-Step Process for a Nanny Visa in 2026

Step 1: Open Sponsor File & Apply Through Tadbeer

Start at a Tadbeer service center (now part of MOHRE's unified system) or official typing center.

Options available:

Individual sponsorship application
Tadbeer recruitment packages (with worker matching)
2-year full sponsorship packages
Live-in domestic worker contracts

Step 2: Entry Permit or Status Change

If the nanny is outside the UAE, an entry permit is issued
If already inside Dubai, apply for status change from existing visa

Step 3: Medical Fitness Test

The nanny must undergo a medical test at an authorized Dubai health center. Tests include:

Blood tests (infectious diseases)
Chest X-ray
General physical examination

Step 4: Emirates ID & Health Insurance

Enroll for biometrics and issue Emirates ID
Sponsors must provide mandatory health insurance (comprehensive coverage required)

Step 5: Sign MOHRE Domestic Worker Contract

A standardized contract must state:

Job duties and scope of work
Monthly salary amount
Working hours and rest periods
Weekly rest days
Annual leave entitlements
End-of-service benefits
Probation period (6 months)

Step 6: Visa Stamping & Emirates ID Delivery

Once approved:

Nanny's residence visa is stamped on the passport
Emirates ID is issued and delivered
Visa validity: Typically 1 year (renewable annually)
Some Tadbeer packages offer 2-year validity options

Working Hours & Daily Rest

12 hours of daily rest minimum
8+ continuous hours of rest during the night
Maximum working hours structured to ensure adequate rest
At least 1 paid weekly rest day

Leave Entitlements

30 days paid annual leave per year (after first year of service)
30 days sick leave per year (as per law)
Air ticket every 2 years to home country (commonly provided by sponsor)

Wages & Salary Payment System

Payment Requirements:

Salary must be paid on time (within 10 days of due date)
WPS (Wage Protection System): Required for some nationalities - salary transferred via bank
Cash payment: Allowed for other nationalities with signed receipt
End-of-service gratuity applies as per MOHRE rules, based on basic salary and years of service

Probation Period:

First 6 months considered probation
Either party may terminate with notice during this period
Sponsor can request worker replacement through Tadbeer if needed

Visa Fees & Costs in 2026

Approximate Fee Breakdown:

Service	Estimated Cost (AED)
Entry Permit	300 - 500
Visa Stamping	500 - 750
Medical Fitness Test	300 - 500
Emirates ID	370 - 670
Tadbeer Service Charges	2,000 - 5,000
Health Insurance (Annual)	650 - 1,500
Security Deposit/Bank Guarantee	2,000 - 5,000 (refundable, if required)
Annual Leave Ticket	1,000 - 3,000 (varies by destination)

Total Estimated Cost: AED 7,000 - 15,000+ (first year, excluding salary and accommodation)

Note: Costs vary depending on:

Worker's nationality
Service package chosen (basic vs. premium Tadbeer packages)
Whether security deposit or bank guarantee is required
Insurance coverage level

Additional Sponsor Responsibilities:

Monthly salary (varies by nationality and agreement)
Food and accommodation
Medical care and health insurance
Annual leave ticket every 2 years
End-of-service benefits

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Tadbeer Hiring Packages & Options

1. Individual Sponsorship

Sponsor finds and hires worker independently
Process visa through Tadbeer
Full responsibility for recruitment

2. Tadbeer Recruitment Packages

Tadbeer matches sponsor with qualified workers
Pre-screened candidates
Includes training and orientation
6-month guarantee/replacement option

3. 2-Year Full Sponsorship Packages

Comprehensive package with visa validity up to 2 years
All-inclusive services
Worker replacement guarantee during probation
Higher upfront cost but more convenience

4. Live-In Contract Options

Full-time live-in domestic worker
Part-time or hourly arrangements (less common)
Shared sponsorship (rare, requires special approval)

Renewal, Transfer & Cancellation

Renewal

Apply 30-45 days before visa expiry
Update health insurance and medical fitness certificate if needed
Pay renewal fees (similar to initial costs minus recruitment)
Ensure all salary payments are up to date

Transfer

Possible with MOHRE approval if the nanny changes employers
Worker must complete contract term or mutual agreement
New sponsor must meet eligibility requirements
Transfer fee applies

Cancellation

Sponsor must officially cancel visa through MOHRE/Tadbeer
Provide all final dues (salary, gratuity, leave balance)
Arrange return ticket to worker's home country
Cancel Emirates ID and health insurance
Complete exit process within 30 days

Risks & Mistakes to Avoid

Common Violations:

Delaying wage payments → Can lead to MOHRE complaints and legal action
Withholding worker passport → Illegal under UAE law (serious offense)
Not providing weekly rest/annual leave → Breach of Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022
Using unlicensed agencies → Risk of fraud, fake workers, and heavy fines
Not renewing on time → Overstay fines (AED 25-100 per day)
Not paying through WPS (when required) → MOHRE violations
Inadequate health insurance → Non-compliance with mandatory coverage
Not respecting probation terms → Can lead to disputes and complaints
Failing to provide security deposit (when required) → Processing delays
Not keeping wage records → Problems during disputes or renewals

Quick Checklist for Sponsors

Confirm income eligibility (minimum AED 10,000/month or AED 6,000 with owned accommodation)
Prepare all sponsor & worker documents
Check nationality-specific requirements and restrictions
Apply via Tadbeer service center (MOHRE's unified system)
Get medical fitness approval at authorized center
Sign standardized MOHRE domestic worker contract
Provide mandatory health insurance coverage
Pay security deposit or bank guarantee (if required)
Complete Emirates ID & visa stamping
Set up WPS salary transfer (if required) or signed receipt system
Pay salary on time & keep detailed wage records
Provide 12 hours daily rest, 8+ continuous night rest, and weekly rest day
Respect 6-month probation period terms
Renew visa 30-45 days before expiry

Need Help with Nanny Visa Processing?

If you're planning to sponsor a nanny in Dubai, the process involves multiple government requirements, legal compliance, and proper documentation.

Dubai Visa Center guides you through every step:

Expert consultation on eligibility and requirements
Document preparation and verification
Tadbeer/MOHRE application processing
Nationality-specific requirement handling
Fast-track processing options
100% compliance with UAE Domestic Workers Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022)

Contact Dubai Visa Center today for professional nanny visa services and hassle-free processing.