The UAE Golden Visa program has brought incredible benefits to foreign investors, skilled professionals, and even students who wish to live long-term in the United Arab Emirates. Among these benefits is the ability to sponsor family members, giving Golden Visa holders the flexibility to build a life in the UAE. But what about hiring household help? Can Golden Visa holders sponsor a maid? This question is increasingly relevant as more people choose to make the UAE their permanent home and seek support in managing household tasks. Here’s what you need to know about sponsoring a maid as a Golden Visa holder in the UAE.

What Is a Golden Visa in the UAE?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that grants foreigners a stay of 5 or 10 years, with the possibility of renewal. It was introduced to attract investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and individuals with specialized talents to live and work in the UAE long-term. Golden Visa holders enjoy a range of benefits, such as the ability to sponsor family members and greater flexibility in their employment or investment activities within the country.

The Golden Visa does not require a traditional UAE sponsor, which means the visa holder enjoys a greater level of autonomy. This autonomy extends to family sponsorship, and in many cases, it includes the ability to sponsor a domestic worker, such as a maid. However, there are specific guidelines and requirements to be aware of when sponsoring a maid as a Golden Visa holder.

---

Can Golden Visa Holders Sponsor a Maid?

Yes, Golden Visa holders in the UAE are generally permitted to sponsor a maid, just as other UAE residents can. Sponsoring a maid is subject to several rules and requirements, including financial and legal obligations. The following factors play a role in determining whether a Golden Visa holder can sponsor a maid:

1. Accommodation: Sponsors are required to provide adequate living quarters for the maid. This often means having a separate room within the sponsor’s residence to ensure the maid has a private and comfortable space.
2. Financial Capability: The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income to afford a maid’s salary, accommodation, medical insurance, and other expenses associated with employing domestic help. Golden Visa holders typically meet this requirement due to the financial stability required to qualify for the visa itself.
3. Maid’s Eligibility: The UAE has specific regulations regarding which nationalities are eligible to work as domestic help. As a sponsor, you must ensure that the maid you hire meets these eligibility criteria.
4. Legal Process: The process of sponsoring a maid involves paperwork, medical examinations, and government approvals. Golden Visa holders are responsible for handling these administrative tasks to complete the sponsorship process.

In short, Golden Visa holders can sponsor a maid, provided they meet these requirements and follow the proper legal procedures.

---

Steps to Sponsor a Maid as a Golden Visa Holder

The process of sponsoring a maid in the UAE involves several steps. Here’s a breakdown of the process Golden Visa holders can follow to ensure they comply with all legal requirements:

1. Determine Eligibility: First, confirm that you meet the financial and accommodation requirements for sponsoring a maid. It’s advisable to consult with relevant UAE authorities, such as the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), to ensure that your specific circumstances align with sponsorship regulations.
2. Select the Right Candidate: You may hire a maid through a reputable agency or choose to sponsor a maid who is already in the UAE but may require a transfer of sponsorship. Make sure that the maid’s nationality aligns with UAE regulations for domestic workers.
3. Submit the Application: Golden Visa holders need to submit an application for the maid’s employment visa through a typing center or an online portal managed by the GDRFA or Amer Centers. This application includes the maid’s personal details, job contract, and passport information.
4. Pay Visa Fees and Deposit: Sponsoring a maid involves certain fees, including a deposit, which varies depending on the emirate and the government requirements. Golden Visa holders must pay these fees as part of the application process.
5. Medical Examination and Emirates ID: Once the application is approved, the maid must undergo a medical examination to check for fitness to work. After passing the medical test, you can apply for an Emirates ID, which is mandatory for all UAE residents.
6. Labor Contract: The UAE requires a standard labor contract for domestic workers. This contract outlines the maid’s salary, working hours, benefits, and other terms of employment. It is important to ensure both parties agree to the contract to avoid legal disputes in the future.
7. Visa Stamping: After all requirements are met, the maid’s visa will be stamped in her passport, allowing her to legally work and reside in the UAE.

Following these steps carefully is essential to ensure that both the sponsor and the maid are compliant with UAE labor laws.

---

Costs Involved in Sponsoring a Maid

Sponsoring a maid in the UAE does come with costs, and Golden Visa holders should be prepared to cover these expenses. Some of the primary costs involved include:

• Visa Fees: This includes the initial application fee, processing fees, and visa stamping charges.
• Salary: The minimum salary for a maid in the UAE varies by nationality and experience. As a sponsor, you are obligated to pay the agreed-upon monthly salary, which generally ranges between AED 1,500 and AED 3,500 depending on experience.
• Medical Insurance: Sponsors must provide health insurance for their maid, which can range from AED 600 to AED 1,000 annually, depending on the plan.
• Accommodation and Food: Sponsors are responsible for providing accommodation and meals or a food allowance for the maid.
• Annual Return Ticket: Many labor contracts include an annual return ticket to the maid’s home country, which should be covered by the sponsor.

By understanding and budgeting for these costs, Golden Visa holders can ensure they meet their financial obligations while hiring household help.

---

Important Considerations

Golden Visa holders should be aware of certain legal and ethical considerations when sponsoring a maid in the UAE:

1. Rights and Responsibilities: It’s essential to understand the legal rights and responsibilities of both the sponsor and the maid under UAE law. Domestic workers have the right to fair treatment, a safe working environment, and regular time off.
2. Renewal and Cancellation: If the maid’s contract is not renewed, the visa should be canceled before the end of its validity period to avoid fines. Golden Visa holders must handle these logistics carefully.
3. Respect for Cultural Differences: It’s important to foster a respectful and understanding environment. Many maids come from different cultural backgrounds and may need time to adjust to their new surroundings.

---

Yes, a Golden Visa holder in the UAE can sponsor a maid, provided they meet the specific requirements and obligations set by UAE law. Sponsoring a maid involves a detailed application process, legal requirements, and financial considerations, but it offers Golden Visa holders the flexibility to manage their household needs effectively. By following the proper procedures and maintaining a respectful, lawful arrangement, Golden Visa holders can enjoy the benefits of domestic help while contributing to a positive and fair work environment.

Contact Us Today fill out the Form Here