"I want a maid in Dubai" can mean three very different things: someone for a few hours a week, a full-time helper who goes home at night, or a live-in maid you sponsor yourself. Each has a different cost, commitment and — crucially — a different legal route. Here is how part-time, full-time and live-in maid arrangements in Dubai compare in 2026, and how to choose.
The three options at a glance
| Option | Best for | Typical cost | You sponsor the visa? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-time / hourly | A few hours, a few days a week | ~AED 35–55/hour | No — the company does |
| Full-time (live-out) | Daily help, worker lives elsewhere | Monthly salary + agency fee | Sometimes (via agency) |
| Live-in | Full-time, lives with the family | AED 5,000–17,000 setup + salary | Yes — you are the sponsor |
Part-time / hourly maid
The most flexible option, and the most misunderstood. In Dubai, a part-time maid must be supplied by a licensed cleaning or domestic-services company that sponsors her visa. The worker comes for an agreed number of hours; you pay the company, typically AED 35–55 per hour.
⚠️ Hiring an hourly "freelance" maid who sponsors herself elsewhere — or is on someone else's visa — is illegal. Both you and the worker face penalties. Flexibility is fine; the worker must still be legally employed by a licensed company.
Full-time, live-out maid
A full-time helper who works daily but lives in her own or shared accommodation. This suits families who need substantial daily help but lack live-in space. Depending on the arrangement, the visa may be sponsored by the agency or by you. Costs combine a monthly salary with agency/service fees.
Live-in maid (you sponsor)
The traditional arrangement: a full-time maid who lives with the family, sponsored on your visa through a Tadbeer center. It offers the most availability and, over time, often the lowest hourly cost — but it carries the most responsibility (sponsorship, accommodation, salary via WPS, insurance). Setup runs AED 5,000–17,000; see the full cost breakdown. Note you must be eligible to sponsor a visa first.
Which should you choose?
- A few hours a week, want zero paperwork → part-time through a licensed company.
- Daily help but no live-in room → full-time live-out via an agency.
- Need full-time, have the space, want one dedicated person → live-in, sponsored by you.
Whichever you pick, the non-negotiable is the same: the worker must be legally employed through a MOHRE-licensed channel. Verify any provider before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to hire a part-time maid in Dubai?
Yes — as long as she is supplied by a licensed cleaning or domestic-services company that sponsors her visa. Hiring a freelance or "own-visa" hourly maid privately is illegal and penalises both parties.
How much does a part-time maid cost in Dubai?
Typically AED 35–55 per hour through a licensed company, with the exact rate depending on hours, frequency and the provider.
What is the difference between a live-in and live-out maid?
A live-in maid lives with the family and is sponsored on your visa; a live-out maid works full-time but lives elsewhere, often sponsored by the agency. Live-in offers more availability; live-out needs no spare room.
Do I need to sponsor a part-time maid's visa?
No. With part-time and hourly arrangements, the licensed company sponsors the worker. You only become a visa sponsor if you hire a live-in maid directly.
Which is cheapest — part-time, full-time or live-in?
For occasional help, part-time is cheapest. For full-time needs, a live-in maid usually has the lowest effective hourly cost despite higher setup fees, because the salary covers many more hours.
All arrangements must run through MOHRE-licensed providers. Compare verified options: UAE domestic-worker directory →