Dubai is a popular destination for expatriates, and many families require domestic help to manage their homes efficiently. If you are planning to hire a maid in Dubai, you must obtain a maid visa. In 2025, the process is streamlined through the MAF Domestic Workers Services Center, making it easier and more efficient for employers. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of applying for a maid visa in Dubai. How to Apply for Maid Visa in Dubai 2025

Understanding the Maid Visa in Dubai

A maid visa is a residence visa issued to a domestic worker by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. The visa allows a foreign domestic worker to legally reside and work in Dubai under the sponsorship of an employer.

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsoring a Maid

Before applying for a maid visa, you must meet specific eligibility requirements:

• The sponsor must be a UAE resident with a valid residence visa.
• The sponsor’s monthly salary must meet the minimum requirement set by the authorities (usually AED 25,000 or more for professionals).
• The maid must be from an approved country, such as India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Bangladesh, or the Philippines.
• The maid must be at least 18 years old.
• The sponsor must have adequate accommodation and be capable of providing a maid’s salary and benefits.

Step-by-Step Process How to Apply for Maid Visa in Dubai 2025

Step 1: Choose a Domestic Worker

The first step is to decide whether to hire a new maid from abroad or a transfer maid already in the UAE. MAF Domestic Workers Services Center provides assistance in selecting verified and qualified domestic workers.

Step 2: Submit the Visa Application

Once you have selected the maid, you need to submit a visa application at the MAF Domestic Workers Services Center. You will need the following documents:

• Sponsor’s Emirates ID copy
• Sponsor’s passport copy
• Maid’s passport copy (valid for at least six months)
• Maid’s passport-size photograph (with a white background)
• Sponsor’s residence visa copy
• Employment contract and salary certificate (if applicable)
• Tenancy contract (Ejari) of the sponsor’s residence

Step 3: Pay the Application Fees

At the MAF Domestic Workers Services Center, you will be required to pay the applicable visa fees, including:

• Entry permit fees
• Medical test fees
• Emirates ID application fees
• Residency stamping fees

Step 4: Entry Permit Issuance

If the maid is outside the UAE, an entry permit (also known as an eVisa) will be issued. The maid will use this to enter Dubai legally. If the maid is already in the UAE, a visa status change application must be processed.

Step 5: Medical Test and Emirates ID Registration

Once the maid arrives in Dubai, they must undergo a mandatory medical examination at an approved medical center. The tests include:

• Blood test for infectious diseases (HIV, hepatitis, etc.)
• Chest X-ray for tuberculosis

After passing the medical test, the maid must register for an Emirates ID at an authorized typing center or at the MAF Domestic Workers Services Center.

Step 6: Visa Stamping

Once the medical results are cleared, the visa will be stamped in the maid’s passport. This process involves submitting the passport to the GDRFA and paying the necessary visa stamping fees.

Step 7: Signing the Employment Contract

The employer and maid must sign an official employment contract stating the terms of employment, salary, benefits, working hours, and other conditions as per UAE labor laws. This contract must be registered with the MAF Domestic Workers Services Center.

Step 8: Medical Insurance Registration

As per UAE laws, domestic workers must be covered under a valid health insurance plan. Employers must purchase a medical insurance policy for their maid from an approved provider.

Step 9: Final Approval and Residency Issuance

Once all the steps are completed, the maid will receive a UAE residence visa, allowing them to work legally in Dubai.

Renewing the Maid Visa

A maid visa is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually. The renewal process is similar to the initial application and involves:

• Renewing the employment contract
• Conducting a new medical test
• Renewing medical insurance
• Paying the visa renewal fees

Cancelling a Maid Visa

If you no longer require the services of your maid, you must cancel the visa. This process involves:

• Booking a flight for the maid’s departure
• Obtaining a visa cancellation application from GDRFA
• Settling pending salary dues and benefits
• Submitting the maid’s passport for visa cancellation
• Ensuring the maid exits the UAE or transfers to another sponsor

Key Benefits of Using MAF Domestic Workers Services Center

• Hassle-free processing: The center provides a one-stop solution for all visa-related processes.
• Verified domestic workers: Ensures that all workers meet legal requirements and undergo proper screening.
• Legal compliance: Ensures that all contracts and documents adhere to UAE laws.
• Time-saving services: Quick processing of visas, renewals, and other services.

Applying for a maid visa in Dubai through MAF Domestic Workers Services Center is a straightforward process if you follow the correct steps. Ensuring compliance with UAE labor laws and regulations is essential to avoid legal complications. By using the services of MAF, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience in hiring a domestic worker.

If you have any queries regarding the maid visa application, reach out to MAF Domestic Workers Services Center for professional assistance.