Two legal routes, one simple decision. Compare Private Sponsorship and Tadbeer, see the real costs, and get free guidance from our visa team within 24 hours.
Both a private maid visa and a Tadbeer visa are fully compliant under UAE law. Pick the route that fits - or let us recommend one.
The residence visa is issued directly under your name - your family is the official sponsor and manages the process.
A government-approved centre is the official sponsor and runs the visa process. The worker serves your family under a service agreement.
Not sure which fits? Tell us your situation and we'll recommend one
Ten things families ask about most, compared at a glance.
| Feature | Private | Tadbeer |
|---|---|---|
| Visa sponsor | The family, directly | The Tadbeer centre |
| Employment relationship | Employed directly by you | Employed via the centre |
| Visa processing | Under your sponsorship | Managed by the centre |
| Admin responsibility | You handle renewals & docs | Centre handles most of it |
| Salary management | Paid directly by you | Per the service contract |
| Insurance & documents | Arranged separately | Often included in package |
| Replacement options | You re-recruit | May be available by package |
| Employer control | Full control of terms | Depends on the contract |
| Best suited for | Families wanting direct hire | Families wanting it managed |
| Framework | Family residence visa | Government-approved centre |
Eight official steps handled by you under Private, or by the centre under Tadbeer.
Employment entry permit issued under MOHRE.
For workers already inside the UAE.
Blood, X-ray and fitness clearance.
Biometrics and ID registration.
Mandatory cover for the visa period.
MOHRE-registered worker contract.
Residence visa stamped on the passport.
Salary account and ATM card setup.
Typical timeline: 2-4 weeks end to end, or 7-10 working days with fast-track.
A maid visa in Dubai is the residence visa that lets a UAE family legally employ a maid, nanny or housekeeper at home. There are two routes: a private maid visa, where the family sponsors the worker directly, and a Tadbeer visa, where a government-approved Tadbeer centre sponsors on the family's behalf. Both are recognised by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Tadbeer is the UAE's official domestic worker service programme. A Tadbeer Dubai centre handles the maid visa, Emirates ID, medical test, health insurance, WPS salary payroll and the employment contract so families avoid the paperwork. Whether you're searching for "Tadbeer visa", "Tadbeer Dubai" or a standard "maid visa Dubai", the legal requirements are the same; only the sponsor changes. Maid Finder works with licensed Tadbeer centres across Dubai and the wider UAE.
The cost of a maid visa in Dubai depends on the route. A private maid visa runs about AED 6,000-11,000+ for the first year, while a Tadbeer visa package is around AED 7,000-12,000 for a two-year visa with everything bundled. Renewal of a maid visa or Tadbeer visa is typically AED 6,000-9,000 each cycle. Maid Finder helps you compare both, choose the right Tadbeer centre, and complete your maid visa or nanny visa quickly - usually within 2-4 weeks.
Each role may carry its own visa requirements we'll confirm them for your hire.
Cleaning, cooking, laundry
Infant & child care
Household management
School runs & errands
Meals & kitchen
Elderly & personal care
Share a few details and a visa specialist will reach out within 24 hours with the right route, a clear cost, and your next steps.
Costs, Tadbeer, renewals and the process answered.
A maid visa (officially a domestic worker residence visa) lets a UAE resident legally sponsor a maid or domestic worker to live and work in their home. You can apply through Private Sponsorship where your family is the direct sponsor or through a Tadbeer centre, which manages the process for you. Maid Finder walks you through both options step by step.
It depends on the route. Private Sponsorship typically costs AED 6,000-11,000+ for a 1-year visa including government fees, Emirates ID, medical fitness and health insurance. A Tadbeer all-inclusive package usually runs AED 7,000-12,000 for a 2-year visa. Maid Finder partner pricing can include packages with medical insurance included.
Renewal must be done before the current visa expires. It involves a new medical fitness test, Emirates ID renewal, health insurance renewal and updated MOHRE registration. Private sponsors renew directly; Tadbeer families have it handled by the centre. Maid Finder's partners offer end-to-end renewal assistance from AED 6,000-9,000.
A full package typically covers: entry permit, change of status (if already in the UAE), medical fitness test, Emirates ID, residence visa stamping, health insurance, employment contract, WPS salary account, and optionally a travel NOC and end-of-service coverage. Tadbeer packages bundle all of these into one cost.
Yes if the worker has completed their current visa contract and both parties agree. The process involves a change of status and may require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the previous sponsor. Maid Finder's visa partners can guide you through the transfer as part of a full application.
Tadbeer is the UAE government's official domestic worker service programme under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Tadbeer centres are licensed intermediaries that manage visa sponsorship, employment contracts, WPS salary transfers, medical insurance and ongoing support so families carry far less paperwork.
With a Tadbeer maid visa, the centre not the family is the official sponsor. The maid lives and works with your family under a service agreement, but her residency is tied to the centre. Private Sponsorship makes the family the direct sponsor with more control over employment terms. Tadbeer suits families wanting a hands-off, managed service.
Usually an all-inclusive package covering visa, medical, Emirates ID, health insurance, WPS payroll and contract - generally AED 7,000-12,000 for a 2-year package depending on the centre and services. Some centres also charge a monthly service fee. Use the form above to get a quote.
Tadbeer Dubai is a network of government-approved centres across the city including Sheikh Zayed Road, Deira, Al Quoz and Mirdif. To find one near you, use the MOHRE website or Google Maps. Maid Finder's partners work with multiple centres to find the most convenient location.
The official enquiry line is the MOHRE hotline: 800 60 (toll-free in the UAE). Individual centres also have direct lines listed on the MOHRE portal. Maid Finder's visa team can connect you with the right centre just use the consultation form above.
Tadbeer centres mainly handle visa processing, contracts and administration, though many also offer placement from their database. For the widest choice of verified profiles, Maid Finder gives you access to hundreds of pre-screened candidates alongside full visa guidance.
Tadbeer maids are domestic workers whose visa and employment are managed through a centre. Tadbeer housekeeping is a professional cleaning service some centres offer, with trained staff for larger properties. Both run through Tadbeer Dubai centres, and Maid Finder can help you pick the right fit.
Yes a Tadbeer nanny is a childcare professional whose visa and employment are managed by a centre rather than your family directly. It's popular with families who want a professional nanny without the admin of direct sponsorship. Maid Finder lists nannies eligible for both routes and can advise on the best one.
Standard processing takes 2-4 weeks from entry permit to residence visa stamping. Fast-track can reduce this to 7-10 working days, depending on the worker's location, medical results and documents. Maid Finder's partners offer a dedicated PRO officer to fast-track applications.
For Private Sponsorship you typically need: the sponsor's valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, salary certificate or bank statement, tenancy contract or title deed, passport photos, and the worker's passport copy. For Tadbeer, the centre handles most documentation. We can prepare a full checklist for your route.
Sponsors must meet a minimum monthly salary set by MOHRE - generally at least AED 6,000-10,000 (this can vary and change). Families who don't meet the threshold can still hire through a Tadbeer centre, which has its own criteria. Always confirm current requirements with MOHRE or a specialist.
Yes health insurance is mandatory for all domestic workers under UAE law, for the full duration of the residence visa. Private sponsors arrange it separately; a Tadbeer package typically includes cover. Maid Finder's partner packages include a fully sponsored visa with medical insurance included.
Yes under the Tadbeer framework the worker is exclusively assigned to the contracting family for the duration of the service agreement, even though the centre is the official sponsor. You get the exclusivity of a private employee with the convenience of a managed service.
If a worker fails the medical during the application, the entry permit or visa may be rejected, and they usually can't be sponsored until cleared on re-test. Families using a Tadbeer centre benefit from the centre's support in managing failed-medical cases as part of its PRO services.
Start at least 23 months before the visa expiry to avoid overstay fines and keep your worker's status continuous. Renewal includes medical, Emirates ID and insurance renewal. Maid Finder's partners handle the full process end-to-end contact us for a quote.
Renewal typically costs AED 6,000-9,000 depending on government fees, medical, Emirates ID and insurance. Tadbeer renewals are handled by the centre under the original agreement. Use the form to get a detailed breakdown.
Yes if the worker's services are no longer needed or they wish to leave. Private sponsors submit a cancellation to MOHRE and GDRFA; Tadbeer centres manage it. End-of-service dues, final salary settlement and an exit stamp are required. Maid Finder's PRO partners assist with full cancellations.
A Tadbeer visa is a 2-year UAE residence visa for domestic workers sponsored by a government-approved centre, renewable each cycle. It specifically covers domestic categories maids, nannies, housekeepers, cooks, drivers and caregivers. Maid Finder partners offer complete 2-year packages with insurance included.
Maid Finder is a recruitment and visa guidance platform working with government-approved Tadbeer partners and licensed visa providers. We connect families with verified workers and guide you on both Tadbeer and Private Sponsorship. Our partners are fully MOHRE-compliant and can process your application from start to finish.
If you already know your worker and want direct control, Private Sponsorship usually fits best. If you'd rather hand off the paperwork, renewals and compliance entirely, Tadbeer is the easier choice. Tell us your situation in the form above and we'll recommend the right one for you.
Browse verified maids and nannies on Maid Finder, then let us guide the visa - Private or Tadbeer, whichever fits your family.