How Much Does a Full Time Maid in Dubai Cost?

Business Apr 20, 2025 38 Add to Reading List

In the fast-paced lifestyle of Dubai, hiring domestic help is not a luxury—it's a practical necessity for many families. With busy work schedules, school runs, and social commitments, maintaining a home can become overwhelming. That’s why more and more residents are turning to full-time maid in Dubai to keep their households running smoothly.

But before hiring a maid full-time, the most common question people ask is: How much does it cost? This blog breaks down the different aspects of hiring a full-time maid in Dubai, including salary, visa fees, agency costs, and other related expenses—helping you make an informed decision.

1. Two Main Options to Hire a Full-Time Maid in Dubai

There are two common routes when it comes to hiring a full-time maid in the UAE:

Direct Hire (Sponsoring a Maid)
Hiring Through a Maid Agency

Each option comes with its own set of costs, legal obligations, and benefits. Let’s take a closer look at both.

2. Cost of Sponsoring a Full-Time Maid in Dubai

If you choose to sponsor a maid directly, you become their legal employer and are responsible for their visa, accommodation, and salary. Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved:

A. Visa & Immigration Costs

Maid Visa Fee: AED 5,000 – AED 6,000 (approximately)
Medical Test & Emirates ID: AED 1,500 – AED 2,000
Health Insurance: AED 700 – AED 2,000 per year (mandatory)
Security Deposit (Refundable): AED 2,000 (to be paid to the immigration office)
Typing & Processing Fees: AED 500 – AED 800

Total Visa-related Costs: Around AED 9,000 – AED 12,000 annually.

B. Monthly Salary of a Full-Time Maid

The salary depends on the maid’s nationality, experience, and duties.

Filipino Maid: AED 1,500 – AED 2,500/month
Indian/Nepali/Sri Lankan Maid: AED 1,200 – AED 2,000/month
Indonesian Maid: AED 1,000 – AED 1,800/month

Average Monthly Salary: Around AED 1,800
Yearly Salary: AED 21,600 and above

C. Other Expenses

Accommodation: You must provide a separate room or adequate living space.
Food: Either provide meals or give a food allowance.
Annual Leave: 30 days paid vacation annually.
Airfare: Return ticket to the maid's home country every 2 years.

???? Total Estimated Yearly Cost (Direct Hire)

Expense	Estimated Cost (AED)
Visa, Medical, Insurance	9,000 – 12,000
Salary (Annual)	21,600 – 30,000
Other Benefits (Food, Travel)	3,000 – 6,000
Total	33,600 – 48,000

3. Cost of Hiring a Full-Time Maid Through an Agency

If you prefer less paperwork and more convenience, you can hire a full-time live-in maid through a licensed agency. In this case, the agency handles all visa, legal, and administrative tasks. However, this comes at a premium.

A. Agency Monthly Packages

Monthly Rate: AED 3,500 – AED 6,000
This includes the maid’s salary, visa, insurance, and agency management fees.

B. Flexibility and Ease

You don’t need to worry about legal sponsorships.
The agency will provide a replacement if the maid doesn’t work out.
Ideal for families who want flexibility and peace of mind.

C. Total Estimated Yearly Cost (Agency Hire)

Expense Type	Estimated Cost (AED)
Monthly Package	3,500 – 6,000
Annual Total	42,000 – 72,000

Although the cost is higher, you save time and effort in paperwork, visa processing, and employee management.

4. Rules and Regulations for Hiring Maids in Dubai

To legally hire a full-time maid in Dubai, here are a few guidelines:

A. Eligibility for Sponsorship

To sponsor a maid:

The sponsor must be a family (not a single bachelor).
The sponsor must earn at least AED 25,000 per month or AED 6,000–AED 10,000 with accommodation provided.
The maid must be from a country approved by the UAE government (e.g., Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia).

B. Legal Contracts

The contract must clearly mention salary, work hours, rest days, and benefits.
Domestic workers are entitled to weekly rest days, annual leave, sick leave, and end-of-service benefits under the UAE Domestic Labor Law.

5. Things to Consider Before Hiring

Hiring a full-time maid is a big responsibility. Here are some things to keep in mind:

A. Trust and Background Checks

Whether you sponsor directly or go through an agency, always:

Verify the maid’s references
Conduct background checks if possible
Arrange a trial period to evaluate compatibility

B. Cultural Sensitivity

Respect and mutual understanding go a long way in building a healthy working relationship.

C. Work Hours and Breaks

According to UAE labor laws:

Maids should not work more than 12 hours a day.
They must be given 8 hours of rest, including at least one day off per week.

D. Communication and Expectations

Set clear expectations from day one:

Duties (cleaning, cooking, babysitting, etc.)
Timings
House rules

This avoids confusion and creates a respectful working environment.

6. Alternatives to Full-Time Maids

If you don’t need daily help, consider these options:

Part-Time Maid Services: AED 30 – AED 50/hour via cleaning companies
On-Demand Apps: Book maids by the hour (such as JustMop, UrbanClap, etc.)
Live-Out Maids: Work during the day but do not live with you

These alternatives are more flexible and cost-effective for smaller households.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a full-time maid in Dubai can cost anywhere from AED 33,000 to AED 72,000 annually, depending on whether you choose to sponsor directly or go through an agency. While the cost may seem high, the convenience, comfort, and peace of mind that come with having reliable domestic help often outweigh the financial commitment.

Make sure to weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your budget, household needs, and lifestyle. Whether you go for a sponsored maid or an agency-provided one, always follow UAE regulations and treat your domestic worker with fairness and respect.