Step-by-Step Process to Hire a Maid in Dubai
Hiring a domestic worker in Dubai through the Tadbeer system is a straightforward five-step process. First, browse the 42 MOHRE-verified Tadbeer centers in Dubai and contact 2 to 3 that match your location and budget. Second, visit the center in person or discuss your requirements via WhatsApp — specify the worker nationality, role (housemaid, nanny, cook, driver), and any language or experience requirements. Third, select your worker from the available profiles. The center will show you candidate details including nationality, age, experience, and skills. Fourth, submit your documents and pay the package fee. The center handles visa processing, medical tests, Emirates ID, and insurance. Fifth, your worker arrives at your home within 2 to 4 weeks, fully documented and ready to begin. Some centers offer same-week placement for workers already in the UAE.
Documents You Need as an Employer in Dubai
Before visiting a Tadbeer center, prepare these documents: a valid UAE residence visa (not a visit visa — you must be a resident), your Emirates ID (original and copy), a valid passport copy, a tenancy contract (Ejari or Tawtheeq for Dubai), and a salary certificate from your employer or recent bank statements showing stable income. If you are a business owner, your trade license serves as income proof. The minimum salary requirement for sponsoring a domestic worker in Dubai is approximately AED 6,000 per month for housemaids, though this threshold can vary. Some centers accept a combined household income from both spouses. All documents must be current and unexpired. The Tadbeer center will guide you on any additional requirements specific to your situation.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Maid in Dubai?
Dubai Tadbeer center packages typically cost between AED 3,000 and 6,500 for a complete 2-year visa package. This is a one-time cost covering visa, Emirates ID, medical, insurance, and MOHRE contract. Filipino maids in Dubai cost AED 4,500 to 7,000 due to high demand. Ethiopian maids range AED 3,000 to 5,000. Indian and Ugandan workers fall between AED 3,000 and 5,500. On top of the package, budget for the monthly salary: AED 1,500 to 2,500 for a housemaid, AED 2,000 to 3,000 for a nanny with childcare qualifications, and AED 2,500 to 4,000 for a driver. You also provide food and accommodation (a private room). The total first-year cost for a housemaid in Dubai, including package and 12 months of salary, typically ranges from AED 21,000 to 37,000. See our full cost breakdown for 2026.
Where to Find Tadbeer Centers in Dubai
Dubai has 42 MOHRE-verified Tadbeer centers spread across key areas including Al Quoz, Al Karama, Deira, International City, Jumeirah Village, and Business Bay. Each center specializes in different nationalities and worker types. Some focus exclusively on Filipino workers, others specialize in Ethiopian or Indian domestic workers. Our Dubai Tadbeer Centers directory lists all 42 verified centers with direct WhatsApp contact, services offered, and pricing. You can filter by location, nationality, and service type. We recommend contacting at least 3 centers to compare pricing and availability before making a decision. All centers listed on tadbeer.center are verified against the MOHRE database to ensure legitimacy.
Types of Domestic Workers Available in Dubai
Dubai Tadbeer centers offer a wide range of domestic worker roles. Live-in housemaids handle daily cleaning, laundry, cooking, and general household management. Full-time nannies provide dedicated childcare including feeding, bathing, school pickup, and developmental activities. Caregivers assist elderly or disabled family members with daily living tasks. Drivers provide family transportation, school runs, and errand services. Part-time maids are available on hourly or daily rates starting from AED 35 to 50 per hour. Some centers also offer specialized roles such as professional cooks, gardeners, and personal assistants. The most popular nationalities in Dubai are Filipino (known for English fluency and childcare skills), Ethiopian (known for dedication and affordability), and Indian (known for cooking skills and Hindi/Urdu communication).
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring in Dubai
Many first-time employers make avoidable mistakes. Never hire through unlicensed channels — social media groups, personal referrals from non-residents, or agencies without a MOHRE license. Always verify the Tadbeer center is listed in the MOHRE database. Do not pay any fees before seeing the official MOHRE contract. Be realistic about salary expectations — underpaying leads to worker dissatisfaction and high turnover. Ensure the worker's contract specifies working hours, rest days (minimum one day per week by UAE law), and overtime compensation. Finally, discuss all household expectations upfront: cleaning standards, cooking requirements, childcare responsibilities, and any dietary or cultural preferences. Clear communication from day one prevents misunderstandings later.
Watch More Video Guides
Continue learning about hiring domestic workers in the UAE with our other video guides.