Domestic Worker Permit
Definition
Specialised work permit for household staff — maids, drivers, nannies, cooks. The family or employer applies through the Tadbeer route rather than the standard MOHRE work-permit channel.
Also known as
- Household Staff Visa
- Domestic Employment Visa
Attributes
| Regulator | MOHRE |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | UAE |
| Applicable law | UAE Labour Law |
| Governing authority | Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation |
| Service provider | Tadbeer |
| Visa Type | Residency Visa |
| Type | Work Permit |
| Country | UAE |
What it is
A Domestic Worker Permit is a specialised UAE work permit covering household staff — maids, nannies, drivers, cooks, gardeners. Unlike standard MOHRE-issued work permits, domestic-worker permits are processed through the Tadbeer service-centre network under federal Domestic Workers Law (Federal Law No. 10 of 2017). The sponsor is the family, not a company. The permit covers a 2-year residency tied to the household.
Key characteristics
- Sponsor
- Individual UAE resident / family
- Channel
- Tadbeer service centres (not MOHRE/Tasheel)
- Duration
- 2 years, renewable
- Roles covered
- Maid, nanny, driver, cook, gardener, etc.
How it works
The process for obtaining a Domestic Worker Permit involves the following steps:
1. **Employer/Family Application:** The employer or family initiates the application through the Tadbeer service center. 2. **Document Submission:** Required documents, including passports, employment contracts, and other supporting papers, are submitted to Tadbeer. 3. **Medical Examination:** The prospective domestic worker undergoes a medical examination conducted by a designated medical center. 4. **Background Check:** A background check is performed to ensure the worker's suitability. 5. **Visa Issuance:** Upon approval, the Domestic Worker Permit is issued by the relevant immigration authority, typically the GDRFA or MOHRE. 6. **Visa Stamping:** The permit is stamped in the passport, allowing the worker to enter the UAE. 7. **Residency:** The worker can then commence employment and reside in the UAE under the permit.
Types of Domestic Worker Permit
| Type | Description | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Household Staff Visa | This is a visa specifically for employment as a domestic worker. | Suitable for individuals needing assistance with household chores, childcare, or other domestic tasks. |
| Tadbeer-Facilitated Visa | The Tadbeer service center handles all aspects of the application process. | Recommended for ease of application and compliance with regulations. |
Examples
Many families in Dubai and Abu Dhabi utilize the Domestic Worker Permit to employ household staff. For instance, a family in Dubai might sponsor a domestic worker to assist with childcare and household chores. Similarly, an employer in Sharjah might hire a driver or nanny for their employees' children. The process ensures that domestic workers are legally employed and comply with UAE labor laws, providing a structured and regulated system for employing household staff.
Why it matters
Domestic-worker permits run on a different legal track from corporate work permits. Confusing the two leads to rejected applications and forced re-submissions through Tadbeer.
Common misconceptions
Misconception
Domestic workers are always employed illegally.
Reality
While some illegal employment exists, the Domestic Worker Permit provides a legal framework for employing domestic staff in the UAE.
FAQs
- What's the income threshold to sponsor a maid in Dubai?
- Sponsors typically need a minimum salary of AED 6,000 per month plus suitable accommodation. Specific thresholds vary by emirate and Tadbeer centre — confirm at application. The sponsor's residency must be valid for at least one year forward.
