How to find a nanny or domestic helper in Dubai: accredited agencies, costs, legal procedures

Would you like to moving to Dubai with your children and you wonder How do I find a nanny or a domestic helper? We’ll explain everything to you.

To legally employ a nanny or domestic helper in Dubai, you must use accredited agencies, comply with the regulations, arrange for a sponsor and set aside an appropriate budget.

This article sets out each step in detail to guide you through the process step by step.

Hiring a nanny in Dubai It may seem complicated: specific laws, administrative procedures, and sometimes high costs… Yet many expats and local families go through this essential process to achieve a work-life balance. Understanding the rules and the actual costs helps you avoid mistakes and gives you greater peace of mind.

In this comprehensive guide, we will look at:

• Current regulations on domestic employment.
  
• Authorised agencies to contact.
  
• Costs relating to visas, sponsorship and salary.
  
• The legal procedures to follow.
  
• A practical tip for checking references.

Read on to find out How to hire a nanny in Dubai legally and under the best possible conditions!

Regulations governing the employment of a nanny or domestic helper in Dubai

Hiring a nanny in Dubai is convenient, but there are specific rules to follow. Before you start looking, you need tounderstanding the legal framework.

1. The laws currently in force

Let’s start with The law on domestic workers in Dubai :

• Rights of nannies / domestic helpers
  
  • Salary paid on time and a formal contract.
    
  • Custody of his identity documents.
    
  • One day off per week and twelve hours’ rest each day.
    
  • Paid annual leave (30 days).
    
  • A flight ticket every two years.
    
  • Accommodation, food and medical care are provided.
    
• Duties of a nanny / domestic helper
  
  • To do one’s work honestly and carefully.
    
  • Respect local customs and the family’s privacy.
    
  • Do not be absent without a valid reason.
    
• Employer’s obligations
  
  • Employ staff through an agency approved by the Ministry.
    
  • Provide a contract, a salary, rest periods and decent working conditions.
    
  • Do not withhold identity documents.
    
  • Domestic help cannot be sent to work for other families.
    
• Prohibitions and penalties
  
  • Employing staff without a licence or through an illegal agency = fines.
    
  • Withholding wages or documents = penalties.
    
  • Mistreatment or abuse = severely punished.

2. The employer’s obligations

Here is the employer’s main obligations when hiring a nanny or domestic helper in Dubai:

• Minimum income
  
  • The employer must prove that they have sufficient income to cover the costs (wages, accommodation, food, healthcare).
    
  • The authorities require proof of income.
    
• A written contract is required
  
  • The contract must be signed via the MoHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation).
    
  • It mentions salary, rest periods, leave, accommodation and the duration of the visa.
    
  • Any changes must be approved by the Ministry.
    
• Accommodation and meals
  
  • The employer must provide suitable, safe and clean accommodation.
    
  • The necessary food and clothing must be provided free of charge to the domestic helper.
    
• Health and insurance
  
  • The employer must provide health insurance or cover the cost of medical treatment.
    
  • The costs of visas, permits and return tickets are to be borne by the employer.
    
• Travel and holidays
  
  • A return ticket every two years.
    
  • 30 days’ paid holiday per year.
    
  • Guaranteed weekly rest periods and daily rest periods.

In summary: the employer is responsible not only for the nanny’s wages, but also for her overall well-being (accommodation, health and safety).

Agencies authorised to recruit domestic help in Dubai

For avoid scams, it’s better togo through an official body.

1. The Tadbeer centres

Here’s what you need to know about the Tadbeer centres in Dubai and in the UAE: their role, their benefits, their services:

• Role of the Tadbeer centres
  
  • Official and government-approved organisations.
    
  • They handle the entire legal process: contract, visa, healthcare and insurance.
    
• Benefits
  
  • Security: no scams – it’s all legal.
    
  • Transparency: verified profiles, with the option of an interview.
    
  • Replacement if the person is not suitable.
    
  • Protection of the rights of employees and employers.
    
• Services offered
  
  • Recruitment and placement of domestic staff (nannies, housekeepers, cooks).
    
  • Administrative procedures: visas, permits, Emirates ID.
    
  • Training and guidance for female employees.
    
  • Health insurance and compulsory medical examinations.
    
  • Temporary or part-time roles.
    
  • Assistance with disputes.

In summary: Tadbeer is the safest and most convenient way to hire a nanny or domestic helper in Dubai.

2. Other agencies approved by the MoHRE

As well as the Tadbeer centres, there aremore than 100 agencies accredited by the MoHRE in the Emirates. Some are based in Dubai and provide nannies, domestic helpers, cooks and drivers.

• Benefits
  
  • Legal procedures (contracts, visas, insurance).
    
  • Transparency of charges and the option of a replacement.
    
  • Direct supervision by the MoHRE to prevent abuse.
    
• Please note
  
  • Some agencies are having their licences revoked if they do not follow the rules.
    
  • Always check that the licence is valid on the MoHRE’s official website.
    
  • Never use informal channels or unauthorised social media platforms.

In summary: there are several options available, but you should always check that the agency holds a valid MoHRE licence before signing.

How much does it cost to hire a nanny in Dubai?

Once the regulations are in place, the big question remainsthe cost.

1. Visa and sponsorship fees

The amounts may vary depending on the agency, the employee’s nationality, or whether you use a Tadbeer service or a private agency.

• Main costs
  
  • Visa and documents: 5,000 to 8,500 AED
    
  • Medical examination: 300 to 500 AED
    
  • Emirates ID: 200 to 400 AED
    
  • Health insurance: 600 to 1,500 AED per year
    
  • Security deposit: approx. 2,000 AED
    
  • Administrative fees: 200 to 500 AED
    
• Renewal
  
  • Every 1 to 2 years, depending on the contract.
    
  • Includes: visa, insurance, medical examination, Emirates ID, administrative fees.

The Tadbeer Centres offer transparent packages that prevent any unpleasant surprises.

In summary: allow for 7,000 to 10,000 AED for the initial visa, followed by regular renewals every 1 to 2 years.

2. Insurance and related expenses

Here is what you need to know and plan for regarding insurance and related expenses when hiring a nanny in Dubai :

• Medical expenses
  
  • Compulsory medical examination: approximately 250 to 500 AED.
    
  • Any vaccinations: 40 to 50 AED.
    
• Administrative formalities
  
  • Emirates ID: 170 to 400 AED.
    
  • Processing fee (typing centre): 200 to 500 AED.
    
• Security deposit : Around 2,000 AED, which is often refunded if everything is in order.
  
• Compulsory health insurance
  
  • Basic plan “Key Benefits”: 550 to 1,500 AED per year, depending on the cover and the insurer.

In summary: allow for 3,000 to 4,500 AED on top of the visa fee, just for medical costs, insurance and deposits.

3. Average salary

Here is the average salary range for a nanny or domestic helper in Dubai, depending on whether she lives with you (live-in) or not (live-out):

• Live-in (she lives with you) : AED 1,500 to AED 3,500 depending on experience, nationality and duties.
  
• Live-out (she commutes from home or lives elsewhere) : AED 3,500 to AED 6,000+ depending on level of responsibility, distance and skills.

Salaries may vary depending on a number of factors:

• Experience as a domestic helper.
  
• Nationality (Some nationalities may be required to meet higher standards, depending on their skills or language proficiency).
  
• Spoken language, ability to look after children, kitchen chores, etc.
  
• If you provide board and lodging (in the case of live-in work) => this may justify a lower salary.
  
• If she has to commute every day (live-out) => no more travel expenses, so a higher salary.

Visas and sponsorship in Dubai: legal procedures you need to know about

Let’s take a look now the administrative procedures.

1. Requirements for becoming a sponsor

Here are the Requirements for sponsoring a nanny or domestic helper in Dubai :

• Who can become a sponsor?
  
  • Only foreign residents holding a valid visa can sponsor.
    
  • Single men often face more restrictions than families.
    
• Minimum income requirement
  
  • The employer must provide evidence of a minimum monthly salary of between 6,000 and 10,000 AED, depending on status and emirate.
    
  • Some banks or contracts may require recent payslips.
    
• Compulsory accommodation
  
  • You must provide the childminder with decent and safe housing.
    
  • In the case of a live-in nanny: A private room is required.
    
• Other conditions
  
  • To be the official sponsor of the household (contract signed via Tadbeer or an authorised agency).
    
  • Provide health insurance, a return ticket at the end of the contract, food and a monthly salary.

In summary: to become a sponsor, you must be legally resident in Dubai, have a sufficient income, and provide accommodation, insurance and ensure that the nanny’s rights are respected.

2. Required documents

Here is the List of documents required to sponsor a nanny in Dubai :

• From the employer’s perspective (you)
  
  • A valid passport and residence visa.
    
  • Emirates ID.
    
  • A payslip or employment contract proving your income.
    
  • Tenancy agreement (Ejari) or proof of accommodation.
    
• From the employee’s perspective (nanny)
  
  • A valid passport (valid for at least 6 months).
    
  • Passport-sized photographs in the official format.
    
  • Medical certificate (compulsory fitness test on arrival).
    
  • Entry visa issued by the agency or sponsor.
    
• Shared documents
  
  • Official employment contract (signed via Tadbeer or an authorised agency).
    
  • Compulsory health insurance.
    
  • Airline ticket (often required for initial entry or at the end of a contract).

In summary: you must provide proof of your income and accommodation, supply the nanny’s documents, and sign an official contract approved by the MoHRE.

3. Step-by-step procedure

Here is A step-by-step guide to obtaining and renewing a nanny’s visa in Dubai :

• Obtaining a visa
  
  • Prepare documents (employer’s and nanny’s paperwork).
    
  • Apply for an entry permit via MoHRE or Tadbeer.
    
  • The nanny’s arrival + medical check-up.
    
  • Fingerprints for the Emirates ID.
    
  • Signing of the official MoHRE contract.
    
  • Take out compulsory health insurance.
    
  • Visa stamped → the nanny can start work.
    
• Renewal
  
  • Every 1 to 2 years.
    
  • New medical test, Emirates ID and health insurance.
    
  • Contract renewed + administrative fees.
    
• Termination or transfer
  
  • The employer must provide a return ticket upon termination of the contract.
    
  • It is possible to transfer the sponsor via MoHRE.

In summary: a formal process comprising seven simple steps, to be repeated regularly for renewal.

Checking a nanny’s references in Dubai: essential advice

Beyond the legal aspects, trust is essential.

• Why is it essential?
  
  • You are entrusting your home and your children to this person.
    
  • Carrying out a background check ensures trust and security.
    
• How can I check?
  
  • Ask for written references from previous employers.
    
  • Call at least two families directly to confirm their experience and reliability.
    
  • Check whether it has been processed by a MoHRE-approved agency (statutory audit guarantee).
    
  • Check their official documents (passport, visa, previous contract).
    
• Watch out for the pitfalls
  
  • Be wary of profiles found on social media without any evidence to back them up.
    
  • Don’t settle for mere WhatsApp messages or vague recommendations.

In short: checking references is an essential safeguard for your loved ones and the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Ready to hire your nanny in Dubai with complete peace of mind?

You have now reached the end of this guide.

You now know What laws govern domestic employment in Dubai?, which authorised agencies to contact, how much to budget for the visa and your salary, and what legal procedures to follow. You’ve also learnt a key tip for checking references and avoiding unpleasant surprises.

In short, hiring a nanny in Dubai becomes much easier once you’re familiar with the rules, costs and best practices. With this information, you can move forward with confidence and ensure you make the right choice.

And if you’d like to take your setup a step further, find suitable accommodation or investing in a profitable property in Dubai, our Dubai Real Estate agency provides you with a bespoke service.

→ Discover our property services and enjoy our local expertise to make your plans a reality today!