The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program that allows eligible individuals, such as investors, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and outstanding talents, to live and work in the country for up to 10 years. One of the key benefits of this visa is the ability to sponsor family members and domestic workers, including maids.

If you are a Golden Visa holder in the UAE and wish to sponsor a maid, it is essential to understand the legal process, requirements, and costs involved. This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of how to legally sponsor a maid in the UAE under the Golden Visa program.

1. Can Golden Visa Holders Sponsor a Maid in the UAE?

Yes, Golden Visa holders in the UAE are allowed to sponsor domestic workers, including maids, under specific conditions set by the UAE government. The process follows similar regulations as those applicable to standard residency visa holders, with a few additional benefits for Golden Visa holders.

Sponsoring a maid ensures that you have legally registered household help, avoiding any legal issues while providing security and stability for both the employer and the domestic worker.

2. Eligibility Criteria for Sponsoring a Maid

To sponsor a maid in the UAE, Golden Visa holders must meet the following criteria:

• Valid Golden Visa: The sponsor must hold an active UAE Golden Visa with at least six months of validity remaining.
• Minimum Salary Requirement: While standard residents need a minimum salary Golden Visa holders may have more flexibility, depending on their profession and financial standing.
• Accommodation Requirement: The sponsor must provide suitable accommodation for the maid, which may be within the household or employer-provided accommodation.
• Approved Nationality: The maid must be from one of the permitted countries, such as India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nepal, or Bangladesh.
• Direct Hiring Restrictions: Some maids must be hired through a licensed agency, while direct sponsorship from their home country may require additional approvals.

3. Documents Required for Sponsoring a Maid

Golden Visa holders must prepare the following documents for maid sponsorship:

Documents Required from the Sponsor:

• Copy of the Golden Visa
• Copy of the Emirates ID
• Tenancy contract (Ejari) for accommodation proof
• Bank statements (last three to six months)
• Salary certificate (if applicable)
• Labor contract (if employed)

Documents Required from the Maid:

• Passport copy (valid for at least six months)
• Visa copy (if already in the UAE)
• Passport-sized photos
• Medical fitness certificate from an approved UAE health center
• Previous visa cancellation proof (if applicable)

4. Step-by-Step Process to Sponsor a Maid in the UAE

Step 1: Apply for an Entry Permit

The first step in sponsoring a maid is obtaining an Entry Permit (also known as a work visa). This can be done through:

• The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the emirate where the sponsor resides.
• Tadbeer Centers, which are government-approved domestic worker service centers.

Cost: The entry permit fee varies based on visa type and processing speed, typically ranging from AED 2,000 to AED 3,000.

Step 2: Medical Fitness Test & Emirates ID Registration

Once the maid enters the UAE on the entry permit, they must undergo a medical fitness test at an approved government health center. This includes:

• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• Screening for infectious diseases

If the maid is medically fit, the sponsor can apply for the Emirates ID and medical insurance, both of which are mandatory for visa stamping.

Step 3: Apply for the Residency Visa

After passing the medical test, the sponsor must apply for the maid’s residency visa through the GDRFA or a Tadbeer center.

The residency visa allows the maid to stay and work legally in the UAE under the sponsor’s name. The visa duration typically ranges from one to two years, with renewal required before expiry.

Cost: The total cost for residency visa stamping, medical tests, Emirates ID, and insurance can range from AED 5,000 to AED 7,000.

Step 4: Sign the Employment Contract

A standard employment contract must be signed between the sponsor and the maid, outlining:

• Salary and payment terms
• Work hours and days off
• Living conditions and benefits
• End-of-service benefits

This contract must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

Step 5: Obtain Medical Insurance

Medical insurance is mandatory for all domestic workers in the UAE. The sponsor must enroll the maid in an approved health insurance plan, which typically costs AED 600 to AED 1,500 per year, depending on coverage.

Step 6: Visa Stamping on the Passport

Once all formalities are completed, the maid’s visa will be stamped on her passport, officially granting her legal residency in the UAE under the sponsor’s name.

5. Costs Involved in Sponsoring a Maid

The total cost of sponsoring a maid in the UAE under a Golden Visa can range may vary

6. Renewing or Cancelling a Maid’s Visa

Renewal Process

The maid’s visa must be renewed before expiry to maintain legal status in the UAE. The renewal process is similar to the initial visa application and includes:

• Medical test
• Visa fee payment
• Emirates ID renewal

Cancellation Process

If a sponsor wishes to cancel the maid’s visa, they must:

1. Apply for visa cancellation through GDRFA or Tadbeer.
2. Provide a return ticket if the maid is leaving the UAE.
3. Obtain clearance of pending dues (if any).

After cancellation, the maid must exit the country within the grace period or apply for another visa.

7. Key Benefits of Sponsoring a Maid on a Golden Visa

Golden Visa holders enjoy several advantages when sponsoring a maid in the UAE, including:
✔ Long-Term Sponsorship: Unlike standard residency visas, Golden Visa holders do not need to renew their visa frequently, reducing administrative hassle.
✔ More Flexibility: Some standard residency visa restrictions may not apply to Golden Visa holders.
✔ No Local Sponsor Needed: Golden Visa holders can directly sponsor their domestic workers without a UAE national as a local sponsor.

Sponsoring a maid in the UAE as a Golden Visa holder is a straightforward process, provided all legal requirements are met. By following the proper steps, ensuring compliance with UAE labor laws, and budgeting for associated costs, you can legally hire and sponsor a maid to assist with household duties while maintaining a smooth and stress-free experience.

If you need expert assistance with maid sponsorship, MAF Businessmen Services can help streamline the process, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish. Contact us today for professional guidance!