The maid visa cost in Dubai depends on who sponsors the maid. Through a MoHRE-approved Tadbeer centre like Derby, a 2-year maid visa costs AED 7,139 + VAT plus AED 160 a month (VAT included), or AED 9,499 (VAT excluded) as one lump sum. Sponsoring a maid yourself typically adds up to AED 17,000 or more once every fee is counted.
Below we break down exactly what you pay for, what is included, the costs people forget, and how to choose the cheapest route for your family.
Key facts
- Derby 2-year maid or nanny visa: AED 7,139 + VAT plus AED 160/month (VAT included) agency fee.
- Derby Lump-Sum Package: AED 9,499 (VAT excluded), one payment, no monthly fee.
- Private sponsorship: typically AED 17,000+ and 6+ government office visits (Derby's comparison).
- Expat private sponsors usually pay a refundable deposit (listed by Tadbeer as AED 2,000).
- Same price and same online process across all UAE emirates.
How much does a maid visa cost in Dubai?
There are three common ways to get a visa for a housemaid or nanny in Dubai. The price gap between them is bigger than most families expect.
| Route | Typical 2-year cost | Office visits |
|---|---|---|
| Derby monthly plan (Tadbeer) | AED 7,139 + VAT, plus AED 160/month (VAT included) agency fee | None – fully online |
| Derby Lump-Sum Package (Tadbeer) | AED 9,499 (VAT excluded), no monthly fee | None – fully online |
| Other maid visa companies | Around AED 8,500+ | Varies |
| Private (self) sponsorship | Typically AED 17,000+ in total | 6+ visits |
With the monthly plan, you pay AED 7,139 + VAT for the visa, plus AED 160 × 24 months = AED 3,840 (VAT included) in agency fees, so the two-year total is AED 10,979 plus VAT on the AED 7,139 only. The Lump-Sum Package suits families who prefer to pay once and forget about it. Either way, you pay the same whether you live in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or any other emirate.
For a detailed comparison of the two sponsorship models, read our guide to private sponsorship vs a maid visa company.
What the housemaid visa cost includes
A cheap headline price means little if half the steps are extra. Here is what each Derby package covers.
| Included | Monthly plan | Lump-Sum Package |
|---|---|---|
| 2-year visa (entry permit or change of status) | Yes | Yes |
| Medical fitness test | Yes | Yes |
| Emirates ID | Yes | Yes |
| 2-year health insurance | Yes | Yes |
| Travel NOC | Yes | Free travel NOC and travel assistance |
| ILOE (job loss insurance) | Ask our team | Included |
| Monthly agency fee | AED 160/month (VAT included) | None |
| Dedicated customer support | Yes | Yes |
In Dubai, Derby customers also get free concierge: we pick up and drop off your maid for her medical test, Emirates ID biometrics and other appointments. Salaries are paid through WPS-protected payroll, and your maid receives her own ATM card. *T&Cs apply to the Lump-Sum Package.
Cost of sponsoring a maid in Dubai yourself
If you sponsor a domestic worker under your own file, you pay each government step separately and handle the paperwork yourself. Exact amounts change from time to time and depend on the emirate, the length of the visa and whether the maid is inside or outside the UAE, so treat the list below as a guide to what you will pay for rather than a fixed price list.
| Cost item | What it is |
|---|---|
| Sponsor file and MoHRE work permit | Opening a sponsor file and getting the domestic worker work permit approved |
| Entry permit or change of status | Lets the maid enter the UAE, or switch her status if she is already here |
| Refundable deposit | Asked of expatriate sponsors; listed by Tadbeer as AED 2,000 |
| Medical fitness test | Mandatory test at an approved government health centre |
| Emirates ID | ID card application plus biometrics appointment |
| Health insurance | Compulsory cover for the maid for the length of the visa |
| Residence visa stamping | Final residence visa issued in the maid's passport |
| Typing and service centre charges | Fees charged per application at typing or service centres |
Add it all up and Derby's own comparison puts private sponsorship at typically AED 17,000 or more, with six or more trips to government offices. On top of the money, there are eligibility rules: MoHRE asks expatriate employers to show family income of at least AED 25,000 a month and proof of housing. See our full list of maid visa requirements in Dubai.
Residents sponsoring privately also typically receive a one-year work permit, according to MoHRE, which means renewing and paying again sooner. A 2-year visa through a Tadbeer centre avoids that.
Other costs to budget for (beyond the maid visa fees)
The visa is only part of the cost of having a maid. Under the UAE's domestic workers law (Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022), the employer also has ongoing responsibilities. Budget for:
- Monthly salary – agreed in the employment contract and paid on time.
- Accommodation, food and clothing – for a live-in maid, unless the contract says otherwise.
- Medical care – covered by the health insurance included in Derby's packages.
- Return ticket – the law requires a return ticket home for annual leave once every two years.
- Renewal – when the 2-year visa ends, you will need a renewal. Derby quotes renewals and transfers on request.
How to keep your uae maid visa cost low
Use this checklist before you commit to any provider:
- Compare the two-year total, not the headline price. Add every monthly fee, insurance and service charge.
- Check what is included. Medical, Emirates ID, insurance and the travel NOC should all be in the price.
- Count office visits. Every trip costs time off work and transport. Derby's process is fully online, including signing the contract.
- Choose a MoHRE-approved Tadbeer centre. Licensed centres must follow MoHRE rules. Learn more in our Tadbeer maid visa guide.
- Ask about payment options. Derby offers split payments with 0% interest.
- Look for current deals. Check our latest offers before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a maid visa cost in Dubai in 2026?
It depends on the route. Through Derby, a 2-year maid visa costs AED 7,139 + VAT plus an agency fee of AED 160 per month (VAT included), or AED 9,499 (VAT excluded) as a one-time lump sum. Sponsoring a maid privately typically comes to AED 17,000 or more once all fees and costs are added up, based on Derby's own comparison.
Is it cheaper to sponsor a maid yourself or use a Tadbeer centre?
For most families, a Tadbeer centre works out cheaper and simpler. Private sponsorship involves several separate government fees, a refundable deposit, health insurance and typically six or more office visits. A Tadbeer package bundles these into one price.
Does the maid visa cost include health insurance?
Both Derby packages include 2-year health insurance for the maid, along with the entry permit or status change, medical test and Emirates ID. If you sponsor privately, insurance is a separate cost you arrange yourself.
Is there a deposit when sponsoring a maid in Dubai?
Expatriate sponsors who sponsor a domestic worker themselves are generally asked for a refundable deposit, listed by Tadbeer as AED 2,000. Check the current amount when you apply, as it can change.
Can I pay for my maid visa in instalments?
Yes. Derby offers a monthly plan where you pay AED 7,139 + VAT for the 2-year visa plus AED 160 per month (VAT included), and split payment options with 0% interest are available.
Still unsure which option suits you? Contact our visa team or call 058 588 3080 for a free, no-obligation quote.
