Updated 15 October 2026. An earlier version of this article said the UAE had introduced a legal minimum wage of AED 1,500–3,000 by nationality. That was wrong: the UAE has no minimum wage for domestic workers. This version sets out what the law says.
The law in one line
Domestic work in the UAE is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022, which replaced Federal Law 10/2017. MOHRE issues the work permits and handles disputes (600 590 000).
Working hours and rest
- Daily rest: at least 12 hours a day, 8 of them consecutive (Federal Decree-Law 9/2022).
- Weekly rest: one paid rest day every week.
- Annual leave and a return ticket home, as set in the MOHRE contract.
- Sick leave: up to 30 days a year, 15 on full pay and 15 on half pay (Art. 10).
Pay
- The UAE has no minimum wage for domestic workers. The salary is whatever the MOHRE contract states, and you must pay that.
- Pay the salary within 10 days of its due date (Federal Decree-Law 9/2022).
- Some sending countries set their own floor, which the contract has to meet for the worker to leave home:
- Philippines: USD 400 a month for Gulf contracts (about AED 1,470). The USD 500 floor announced in August 2025 was not applied in the GCC.
- India: a minimum referral wage; check the current figure on emigrate.gov.in.
- Other countries: ask the agency or the embassy before you sign.
- End of service: final dues within 10 days of the contract ending (Art. 19); for gratuity see our guides on Article 22.
Who can hire
- Worker: at least 18; upper limit 60, with exceptions (MOHRE).
- Employer: MOHRE lists no minimum age. Expatriate sponsors must show a family income of at least AED 25,000 a month, a valid residence permit and proof of housing. A Tadbeer centre is the other route, with its own packages.
Before you hire
- Use a licensed Tadbeer centre or a MOHRE-licensed agency. Browse agencies.
- Read the contract: salary, rest day, leave and duties are all in it.
- Keep salary records (bank transfer or WPS).
Sources: Federal Decree-Law 9/2022; MOHRE domestic-worker permit service page; DMW advisories (Philippines). Checked 15 October 2026. GCC Domestic is an independent directory, not a government service.