Steps to Hire a Maid or Nanny for Expats UAE

For expatriates living in the UAE, managing household tasks alongside work can be overwhelming. Many expats choose to hire maids or nannies to help maintain a well-organized home. However, expats face specific legal and procedural steps when hiring household help. This blog will guide you through the necessary steps for expats to hire a maid or nanny, whether through personal sponsorship or using Tadbeer VISA.

1. Two Sponsorship Options for Expats

Expats in the UAE can hire maids or nannies under two different sponsorship options: personal sponsorship or Tadbeer sponsorship. Both have different procedures, costs, and benefits.

1.1 Personal Sponsorship for Expats

As an expat with valid UAE residency, you can personally sponsor a maid or nanny. However, this comes with specific legal requirements and costs.

• Salary Requirement: Expats must have a minimum monthly salary of AED 25,000 to sponsor a maid or nanny. This ensures that expats have the financial means to support the worker.
• Documents Needed: You’ll need to submit a salary certificate, proof of residence, and family ID to open a sponsorship file.
• Visa and Recruitment Costs: The visa fee for the maid is approximately AED 8,500, and recruitment costs vary depending on the worker’s nationality.
• Salary of the Maid/Nanny: The maid or nanny’s salary depends on their experience, nationality, and the tasks they will perform. Salaries typically range from AED 1,000 to AED 3,500 per month.

1.2 Tadbeer Maid Visa

If personal sponsorship is too complicated or doesn’t fit your situation, Tadbeer offers a convenient alternative. Tadbeer is a government-approved service center designed to facilitate hiring maids and nannies for UAE residents, including expats.

• Easy Process for Expats: You only need to submit a copy of your Emirates ID, and Tadbeer handles the rest.
• Flexible Contracts: Expats can choose contracts ranging from 1 to 24 months, depending on their household needs.
• Monthly Fees: The fees start at AED 2,099 per month, which includes the maid's visa, salary, and other benefits.
• No Visa Hassle: Under Tadbeer’s sponsorship, all visa processing, renewals, and government paperwork are handled by the company.

2. Comparison of Sponsorship Options for Expats

Here’s a breakdown of the main differences between personal sponsorship and Tadbeer sponsorship for expats:

Aspect	Personal Sponsorship (Expats)	Tadbeer Sponsorship (Expats)
Minimum Salary Requirement	AED 25,000 per month	No minimum salary requirement
Visa Costs	AED 8,500 (approximate)	Included in the monthly fee
Recruitment Fees	Based on worker's nationality and agency fees	Included in monthly package
Contract Duration	No specific contract duration required	Contracts from 1 to 24 months
Government Handling	Expats handle visas, renewals, and other paperwork	Tadbeer manages all legal and visa processes
Control Over Employment	Expats have full control over the worker’s employment	Tadbeer has administrative control over the worker

 

3. Steps to Hire a Maid or Nanny for Expats Under Personal Sponsorship

If you decide to sponsor a maid or nanny personally as an expat, follow these steps:

3.1 Meet the Salary Requirement

As mentioned earlier, expats must earn at least AED 25,000 per month to be eligible for personal sponsorship.

3.2 Gather the Required Documents

Ensure you have the following documents ready:

• Salary certificate from your employer
• Proof of residence, such as your tenancy contract
• Family ID (if applicable)

3.3 Open a Sponsorship File

Visit a typing center or government service office to open a sponsorship file for the maid or nanny. This is an essential legal step.

3.4 Pay Visa Fees

The visa processing costs approximately AED 8,500, which covers visa issuance, medical checks, and Emirates ID registration for the worker.

3.5 Recruit and Finalize Employment

You can now recruit a maid or nanny either through a recruitment agency or by hiring someone already in the UAE. Make sure to agree on the salary and terms of employment.

4. Steps to Hire a Maid or Nanny for Expats Under Tadbeer Sponsorship

For expats preferring Tadbeer’s streamlined services, the process is simpler:

4.1 Submit Your Emirates ID

Send a copy of your Emirates ID to Tadbeer to begin the hiring process.

4.2 Select Your Contract Duration

Choose a contract period ranging from 1 month to 24 months. Tadbeer representatives can assist you in selecting the right duration based on your needs.

4.3 Pay the Monthly Fee

Tadbeer’s fees start at AED 2,099 per month. This covers the maid or nanny's salary, visa, medical insurance, and other legal requirements.

4.4 Choose a Maid or Nanny

Tadbeer offers a pool of pre-screened candidates. You can interview potential maids or nannies and choose the one who fits your household's needs best.

5. Benefits of Using Tadbeer Sponsorship for Expats

For many expats in the UAE, Tadbeer is the preferred option for hiring maids or nannies because of its convenience and flexibility. Here’s why:

• No Minimum Salary Requirement: Unlike personal sponsorship, Tadbeer has no salary threshold, making it more accessible to expats with varied income levels.
• Complete Legal Support: Tadbeer handles all legalities, including visa processing, contract renewals, and medical insurance, so you can focus on your household needs.
• Flexible Contracts: Whether you need a maid or nanny for a few months or years, Tadbeer’s contract flexibility ensures you only commit for the time you need help.
• Pre-Screened Candidates: Tadbeer’s selection process ensures that all maids and nannies are vetted and trained, giving you peace of mind about who you’re hiring.

6. Which Sponsorship Option is Best for Expats in the UAE?

Choosing between personal sponsorship and Tadbeer sponsorship depends on your financial situation, preferences, and the level of control you want over the maid or nanny’s employment.

• Personal Sponsorship is ideal for expats with a higher salary who want full control over the hiring process and employment terms.
• Tadbeer Sponsorship is a hassle-free option that is perfect for expats who prefer flexibility and do not want to deal with visa and legal procedures.

Conclusion: Simplifying the Maid Hiring Process for Expats

Hiring a maid or nanny in the UAE as an expat can seem daunting at first, but with the right information, the process becomes manageable. Whether you opt for personal sponsorship or choose to go through Tadbeer, both options provide a legal and structured way to hire household help. By following these steps and choosing the option that fits your needs, you can find a reliable maid or nanny to assist with your household duties.

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FAQs for Expats Hiring Maids or Nannies in the UAE

1. Do expats need a minimum salary to sponsor a maid or nanny in the UAE?

Yes, expats must earn at least AED 25,000 per month to sponsor a maid or nanny under personal sponsorship.

2. How much does it cost to hire a maid or nanny through Tadbeer?

Fees for hiring through Tadbeer start at AED 2,099 per month, covering the worker's visa, salary, and other benefits.

3. Can expats hire maids or nannies for short-term contracts?

Yes, Tadbeer offers flexible contracts ranging from 1 to 24 months, allowing expats to hire for both short-term and long-term needs.

4. What is the visa cost for expats sponsoring a maid or nanny personally?

The visa cost for personal sponsorship is around AED 8,500, which includes processing fees and medical checks.

5. Does Tadbeer handle visa renewals for maids or nannies?

Yes, Tadbeer manages all visa processing and renewals, relieving expats of the need to handle legal paperwork.