Tadbeer is the network of MOHRE-authorised domestic-worker service centres in the UAE — the official, licensed way for families to recruit, sponsor and manage a maid, nanny, cook, driver or carer. Whether you want a full-service package (the centre sponsors the worker and you pay monthly) or a one-time recruitment, every legal domestic hire in the UAE runs through a licensed Tadbeer centre under the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE).
This guide explains what Tadbeer is, exactly what the centres do, what it costs, how the process works, and how to find and verify a genuinely licensed centre near you.
What Is Tadbeer?
"Tadbeer" (تدبير) is MOHRE's official framework of privately operated, government-authorised service centres that handle domestic-worker recruitment and employment in the UAE. Since the 2022 reform (Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on Domestic Workers), the old government-run counters were replaced by these licensed private centres, which now deliver the full service end-to-end under MOHRE supervision.
In short: a Tadbeer centre is the legal, regulated bridge between a UAE family and a domestic worker — covering the visa, the contract, the medical, the orientation and ongoing support, so the household stays fully compliant with UAE law.
What Do Tadbeer Centres Do?
A licensed Tadbeer centre manages the entire domestic-worker lifecycle. Core services include:
- Recruitment & selection — sourcing maids, nannies, cooks, drivers and carers, often with CVs and interviews.
- Work permit & visa processing — the MOHRE work permit, entry permit, Emirates ID and residence visa.
- MOHRE-approved contracts — the standard domestic-worker employment contract, in a language the worker understands.
- Medical fitness & insurance — the mandatory medical test and health insurance arrangement.
- Tawjeeh orientation — pre-employment cultural and rights orientation for the worker.
- Accommodation & replacement — temporary housing (in the full-service model) and a replacement guarantee if the placement doesn't work out.
- Dispute resolution & support — a regulated channel if issues arise between the family and the worker.
The Two Tadbeer Service Models
| Model | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Full-service (Tadbeer-sponsored) | The centre sponsors the worker; you pay a monthly package. The centre handles visa, insurance, replacement and admin. | Flexibility, no long-term sponsorship, easy replacement |
| Recruitment (you sponsor) | The centre recruits and processes the worker, but the visa is on your sponsorship. You pay a one-time recruitment fee. | Long-term placement, lower ongoing cost |
How Much Does Tadbeer Cost?
Costs vary by the worker's nationality, the model you choose, and the centre. As a guide, the full-service monthly package typically ranges from around AED 2,500–3,500/month, while one-time recruitment fees (plus the visa, medical and insurance) are usually billed as a package. Always ask the centre for a written, itemised quote before signing.
For a detailed, current breakdown of visa, medical and permit charges, see our Tadbeer maid visa cost in the UAE (2026) guide.
How the Tadbeer Process Works (Step by Step)
- Choose a licensed centre and your service model (full-service or recruitment).
- Select a worker from the centre's available profiles, or request a specific nationality/role.
- Sign the MOHRE-approved contract and pay the agreed package.
- Visa & medical — the centre processes the work permit, medical fitness test and Emirates ID.
- Tawjeeh orientation — the worker completes the required orientation.
- Placement & support — the worker joins your household, with replacement and dispute support available.
Tadbeer vs Hiring Through a Private Agency
All legal domestic hiring in the UAE goes through MOHRE-licensed channels — and Tadbeer is the licensed channel. The practical choice is usually between Tadbeer's full-service (monthly) model and a recruitment-only arrangement. For a full comparison, read Tadbeer vs recruitment agency: which is better?
How to Find & Verify a Licensed Tadbeer Centre
Only deal with centres that are genuinely MOHRE-licensed. You can:
- Browse government-verified centres in our UAE Tadbeer & domestic-worker agencies directory — every listing links to its official MOHRE page.
- Verify a specific centre's licence yourself with our how to verify a Tadbeer centre is MOHRE-licensed checklist.
- Find a centre near you by emirate in Tadbeer centres by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tadbeer run by the government?
Tadbeer centres are privately operated but government-authorised and supervised by MOHRE. They replaced the older government-run service in 2022.
Can I hire a maid in the UAE without Tadbeer?
For a fully legal, sponsored domestic worker, you must go through a MOHRE-licensed channel — which is the Tadbeer system. This protects both you and the worker under UAE law.
Does Tadbeer offer a replacement if it doesn't work out?
Yes — licensed centres provide a replacement guarantee within a set period, especially under the full-service model. Confirm the exact terms in writing.
How do I file a complaint against a Tadbeer centre?
You can raise it with MOHRE. See our guide on how to file a complaint against a Tadbeer centre.
Can I open my own Tadbeer centre?
Yes, with MOHRE licensing and a UAE-national ownership structure. See how to start a Tadbeer business.