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

Are you planning to move to Dubai with your children and wondering how to find a nanny or domestic help? We will explain everything you need to know.

To legally hire a nanny or domestic helper in Dubai, you must go through approved agencies, comply with regulations, arrange for sponsorship, and have an adequate budget.

This article details each step to guide you step by step.

Hiring a nanny in Dubai can seem complicated: specific laws, administrative procedures, sometimes high costs... However, many expatriates and local families go through this essential step to balance their professional and family lives. Knowing the rules and the actual costs helps you avoid mistakes and gives you peace of mind.

In this comprehensive guide, we will look at:

• Current regulations on domestic employment.
  
• Approved agencies to contact.
  
• The costs associated with visas, sponsorship, and salaries.
  
• The legal steps 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 conditions!

Regulations on hiring a nanny or domestic helper in Dubai

Hiring a nanny in Dubai is convenient, but subject to specific rules. Before starting your search, youneed to understand the legal framework.

1. Applicable laws

Let's start with the law on domestic help in Dubai:

• Rights of nannies/domestic helpers
  
  • Salary paid on time and official contract.
    
  • Keeping his identity papers.
    
  • One day off per week and twelve hours of rest each day.
    
  • Paid annual leave (30 days).
    
  • Airline ticket every 2 years.
    
  • Accommodation, food, and medical care provided.
    
• Duties of the nanny/domestic helper
  
  • Do your job honestly and carefully.
    
  • Respect the customs of the country and the family's privacy.
    
  • Do not be absent without a valid reason.
    
• Employer obligations
  
  • Employ through an agency approved by the department.
    
  • Provide contracts, wages, rest periods, and decent working conditions.
    
  • Do not retain identity documents.
    
  • Domestic help cannot be sent to work for other families.
    
• Prohibitions and penalties
  
  • Employing without a permit or through an illegal agency = fines.
    
  • Withholding wages or documents = penalties.
    
  • Mistreatment or abuse = severely punished.

2. Employer obligations

Here are the main obligations of employers when hiring a nanny or domestic helper in Dubai:

• Minimum income
  
  • The employer must prove that they have sufficient income to cover expenses (salary, housing, food, healthcare).
    
  • Proof of income is required by the authorities.
    
• Written contract required
  
  • The contract must be signed via the MoHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization).
    
  • He mentions salary, rest periods, holidays, accommodation, and visa duration.
    
  • Any changes must be approved by the department.
    
• Accommodation and food
  
  • The employer must provide suitable, safe, and clean accommodation.
    
  • Food and clothing must be provided free of charge for domestic help.
    
• Health and insurance
  
  • The employer must provide health insurance or cover medical expenses.
    
  • The costs of visas, permits, and return tickets are the responsibility of the employer.
    
• Travel and vacations
  
  • Round-trip ticket every two years.
    
  • 30 days of paid leave per year.
    
  • Guaranteed weekly rest and daily rest periods.

In summary: the employer is responsible not only for the nanny's salary, but also for her overall well-being (housing, health, safety).

Agencies authorized to recruit domestic help in Dubai

To avoid scams,it is bestto go through an official organization.

1. Tadbeer Centers

Here is what you need to know about Tadbeer Centers in Dubai and the UAE: their role, benefits, and services:

• Role of Tadbeer Centers
  
  • Official organizations approved by the government.
    
  • They handle the entire legal process: contract, visa, health, insurance.
    
• Benefits
  
  • Security: no scams, everything is legal.
    
  • Transparency: verified profiles, interview option.
    
  • Replacement if the person is not suitable.
    
  • Protection of employee and employer rights.
    
• Services offered
  
  • Recruitment and placement of domestic help (nannies, housekeepers, cooks).
    
  • Administrative processing: visa, permit, Emirates ID.
    
  • Employee training and orientation.
    
  • Medical insurance and mandatory examinations.
    
  • Temporary or part-time services.
    
  • Assistance in case of 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

In addition to Tadbeer centers, thereare more than 100 agencies approved by the MoHRE in the Emirates. Some are based in Dubai and offer nannies, housekeepers, cooks, and drivers.

• Benefits
  
  • Legal procedures (contracts, visas, insurance).
    
  • Transparency of fees and possibility of replacement.
    
  • Direct supervision by the MoHRE to prevent abuse.
    
• Caution
  
  • Some agencies lose their license if they do not comply with the rules.
    
  • Always verify the valid license on the official MoHRE website.
    
  • Never use informal advertisements or unauthorized social networks.

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

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

After regulation, the big questionremains: the 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 + documents: AED 5,000 to 8,500
    
  • Medical test: AED 300 to 500
    
  • Emirates ID: AED 200 to AED 400
    
  • Health insurance: AED 600 to AED 1,500 per year
    
  • Security deposit: approx. AED 2,000
    
  • Administrative fees: AED 200 to 500
    
• Renewal
  
  • Every 1 to 2 years, depending on the contract.
    
  • Includes: visa, insurance, medical test, Emirates ID, administrative fees.

Tadbeer centers offer transparent packages that avoid unpleasant surprises.

In summary: allow for AED 7,000 to 10,000 for the initial visa, then regular renewal 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
  
  • Mandatory medical test: approximately AED 250 to 500.
    
  • Possible vaccinations: AED 40 to 50.
    
• Administrative formalities
  
  • Emirates ID: AED 170 to 400.
    
  • Processing fee (typing center): AED 200 to 500.
    
• Security deposit: Approximately AED 2,000, often refunded if everything is in order.
  
• Mandatory health insurance
  
  • Essential Benefitsbasic plan: AED 550 to AED 1,500 per year, depending on coverage and insurer.

In summary: expect to pay between AED 3,000 and AED 4,500 on top of the visa fee, just for medical expenses, insurance, and deposits.

3. Average salary

Here is the average salary range for a nanny/domestic helper in Dubai, depending on whether they live in your home (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 comes from her own home or lives elsewhere): AED 3,500 to AED 6,000+ depending on responsibility, distance, and skills.

Salary may vary according to several criteria:

• Experience in domestic help.
  
• Nationality (certain nationalities may require more, depending on skills or language).
  
• Language spoken, ability to look after children, kitchen duties, etc.
  
• If you provide room and board (in the case of live-in work) => this may justify a lower salary.
  
• If she has to commute every day (live-out) => higher transportation costs, therefore higher salary.

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

Now let's look at the administrative steps.

1. Conditions for becoming a sponsor

Here are the requirements to sponsor a nanny or domestic helper in Dubai:

• Who can sponsor?
  
  • Only foreign residents with a valid visa can sponsor.
    
  • Single men often have more restrictions than families.
    
• Minimum income required
  
  • The employer must provide proof of a minimum monthly salary of AED 6,000 to AED 10,000, depending on the status and emirate.
    
  • Some banks or contracts may require recent proof of income.
    
• Mandatory housing
  
  • The nanny must be provided with decent and safe accommodation.
    
  • In the case of a live-in nanny: a private bedroom is required.
    
• Other conditions
  
  • Be the official sponsor of the household (contract signed via Tadbeer or an approved agency).
    
  • Provide health insurance, return ticket at the end of the contract, food, and monthly salary.

In summary: to be a sponsor, you must be legally resident in Dubai, have sufficient income, and guarantee accommodation, insurance, and respect for the nanny's rights.

2. Required documents

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

• Employer side (you)
  
  • Valid passport and residence visa.
    
  • Emirates ID.
    
  • Salary certificate or employment contract proving your income.
    
  • Rental agreement (Ejari) or proof of accommodation.
    
• Employee side (nanny)
  
  • Valid passport (at least 6 months).
    
  • Passport photos in official format.
    
  • Medical certificate (mandatory fitness test upon arrival).
    
  • Entry visa issued by the agency or sponsor.
    
• Common documents
  
  • Official employment contract (signed via Tadbeer or an approved agency).
    
  • Mandatory health insurance.
    
  • Airline ticket (often required for initial entry or end of contract).

In summary: you must prove your income and housing situation, provide the nanny's documents, and sign an official contract approved by the MoHRE.

3. Step-by-step procedure

Here is the step-by-step procedure for obtaining and renewing a nanny visa in Dubai:

• Obtaining a visa
  
  • Prepare documents (employer and nanny paperwork).
    
  • Request an entry permit via MoHRE or Tadbeer.
    
  • Arrival of the nanny + medical examination.
    
  • Fingerprints for Emirates ID.
    
  • Signing of the official MoHRE contract.
    
  • Take out compulsory health insurance.
    
  • Visa stamped → the nanny can start.
    
• Renewal
  
  • Every 1 to 2 years.
    
  • New medical test, Emirates ID, and health insurance.
    
  • Renewed contract + administrative fees.
    
• Termination or transfer
  
  • The employer must provide a return ticket if the contract ends.
    
  • It is possible to transfer the sponsor via MoHRE.

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

Checking a nanny's references in Dubai: essential advice

Beyond the legal aspect, trust is essential.

• Why is it essential?
  
  • You entrust your home and your children to this person.
    
  • Checking someone's background 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 through a MoHRE-approved agency (guarantee of legal control).
    
  • Consult his official documents (passport, visa, previous contract).
    
• Beware of pitfalls
  
  • Be wary of profiles found on social media without proof.
    
  • Don't settle for simple WhatsApp messages or vague recommendations.

In summary: checking references is essential protection 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 reached the end of this guide.

You now know which laws govern domestic employment in Dubai, which licensed agencies to contact, how much to budget for the visa and salary, and which legal procedures to follow. You have also discovered an essential tip for checking references and avoiding unpleasant surprises.

In summary, hiring a nanny in Dubai becomes much simpler when you know the rules, costs, and best practices. With this information, you can move forward with confidence and secure your choice.

And if you want to take your move further, find suitable accommodation, or invest in a profitable property in Dubai, our agency Dubai Real Estate will assist you with a tailor-made service.

→ Discover our real estate services and take advantage of our local expertise to make your projects a reality today!