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 1,200–2,200/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.