Hiring help at home in the UAE comes down to one early decision: do you need a **live-in maid** — a full-time helper who lives with you — or a **part-time maid** who comes a few hours a week to clean? They cost very differently, the legal rules are different, and the wrong choice is expensive to undo.
We're a directory, not an agency, so here's a straight comparison to help you choose.
## The short answer
- Choose a **live-in maid** if you need **daily, full-time help** — childcare, cooking, running the whole household. You sponsor her (directly or through a Tadbeer centre), and it's a yearly commitment.
- Choose a **part-time maid** if you mainly need **cleaning a few times a week**. You book through a **licensed cleaning company** — no sponsorship, no visa, pay by the hour.
- ⚠️ Whatever you do, **never hire a "freelance" part-time maid** with no company behind her. It is illegal in the UAE, and the fines and liability fall on you.
## Live-in maid — what it means
A live-in maid works for you full-time and lives in your home. You (or a Tadbeer centre) sponsor her visa, you pay a monthly salary, and you provide accommodation and food. It's the right choice when you need constant help — young children, elderly care, cooking, and full household management. It's also a real commitment: a yearly contract plus visa and renewal costs.
## Part-time maid — what it means
A part-time maid comes for set hours and is **employed, sponsored and insured by a licensed cleaning company** — not by you. You simply book and pay an hourly rate. It's ideal for cleaning a few hours a week without the cost and commitment of sponsorship. The key rule: it must be a **licensed company**. A "freelance" cleaner working cash-in-hand has no legal visa to do that work, and if she is injured in your home, the liability is yours.
## Cost comparison
| Live-in maid | Part-time maid (licensed company) | |
|---|---|---|
| How you hire | Sponsor her — directly or via a Tadbeer centre / agency | Book through a licensed cleaning company |
| Typical cost* | ~AED 1,500–2,500/month salary + ~AED 8,000–16,000 first-year fees, visa & insurance | ~AED 30–50 per hour, no visa or sponsorship cost |
| Visa / sponsorship | You (or Tadbeer) sponsor her | The company sponsors & insures her — not you |
| Best for | Daily full-time help: childcare, cooking, whole household | Cleaning a few hours a week |
| Commitment | Yearly (contract + visa) | Flexible, pay-as-you-go |
| Legal? | Yes, with proper sponsorship | Yes — but only through a licensed company |
*Approximate 2026 figures; live-in salary varies by nationality and experience — estimate it with our maid salary calculator, and see the full Tadbeer cost breakdown for the live-in route.
## Which should you choose? - **Live-in** if you need help most of the day, every day — especially with children or elderly parents — and you can commit to the yearly cost and providing a room. - **Part-time** if your real need is keeping the home clean a few times a week. You skip sponsorship entirely and pay only for the hours you use. Many families start part-time and move to a live-in maid only when their needs grow. If you do go live-in, here's the next decision: [Tadbeer vs a recruitment agency](https://www.gccdomestic.com/en/blog/tadbeer-vs-recruitment-agency-uae-2026/). ## The legal line you must not cross A freelance or undocumented part-time maid is **illegal** in the UAE — for her and for you. Employers caught using illegal labour face heavy fines, and you carry the liability if anything happens in your home. The safe routes are simple: a **licensed cleaning company** for part-time, or **proper sponsorship** (Tadbeer or a licensed agency) for live-in. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is a part-time maid cheaper than a live-in maid? For light needs, yes — you pay only for the hours you use (around AED 30–50/hour) with no visa, sponsorship or accommodation costs. But if you need many hours every day, a live-in maid usually works out cheaper per hour. ### Is it legal to hire a freelance part-time maid in the UAE? No. Part-time/hourly cleaning must go through a licensed cleaning company that sponsors and insures the worker. Hiring a freelance cleaner with no company is illegal and exposes you to fines and liability. ### Do I need to sponsor a part-time maid's visa? No. With part-time help from a licensed company, the company is her employer and sponsor. You only sponsor a worker if you hire a live-in maid. ### How much does a part-time cleaner cost per hour in Dubai? Typically around AED 30–50 per hour through a licensed company in 2026, depending on the company, hours booked and location. ### Can a live-in maid also clean other homes part-time? No. A live-in maid is sponsored to work only for her sponsor. Sending her to work in other homes is illegal and risks penalties for you. ## The bottom line If you need full-time, everyday help, hire a **live-in maid** and do it through proper sponsorship. If you mainly need cleaning, book a **part-time maid through a licensed company** — and never a freelancer. **Related guides:** [Full cost to hire a maid](https://www.gccdomestic.com/en/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-maid-uae-2026/) · [Tadbeer vs a recruitment agency](https://www.gccdomestic.com/en/blog/tadbeer-vs-recruitment-agency-uae-2026/) 👉 Whichever way you go, start with verified, licensed providers in the [GCC Domestic directory](https://www.gccdomestic.com/en/agencies/).