Full-time household help is one of Dubai’s defining expat expenses — and one of the most confusing to price. Under UAE law, hiring a maid or nanny must go through a MOHRE-licensed Tadbeer centre. This guide breaks down the real costs: Tadbeer packages, self-sponsorship, salaries by nationality, and the visa rules.
The short answer
A full-time live-in maid or nanny through a Tadbeer centre costs roughly AED 2,500–3,500 a month all-inclusive (salary, visa, insurance and sponsorship bundled). If you sponsor her yourself, expect a one-time cost of AED 12,000–22,000 plus a monthly salary of AED 1,500–2,500 — Filipino workers sit at the top of the range. Hourly help runs AED 120 for a half day (4 hours) or AED 200 for a full day (8 hours).
The legal route: Tadbeer explained
Under the UAE’s domestic workers law, domestic workers must be hired through a MOHRE-licensed Tadbeer centre. Hiring informally is illegal, and the fines fall on you, the employer. Tadbeer centres handle the visa, medical, Emirates ID, insurance and the standard unified contract, usually with a free replacement guarantee.
Option 1: Tadbeer monthly package (simplest)
| Package | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Tadbeer-sponsored, Ethiopia/Uganda/Kenya | ~AED 2,100–2,500 |
| Tadbeer-sponsored, Philippines | ~AED 3,499 |
| All-inclusive flexi (most nationalities) | AED 2,500–3,500 |
| 12-month committed rate | ~AED 3,000 |
Option 2: sponsor her yourself (cheapest long-term)
- One-time recruitment + visa package: AED 12,000–22,000 depending on nationality. Covers entry permit, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, insurance and the contract.
- Monthly salary after that: AED 1,500–2,500 by nationality and experience.
- Ongoing: annual leave (30 days), a return flight home every two years (AED 1,500–3,000), end-of-service benefits.
Option 3: hourly / part-time help
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Half day (4 hours) | ~AED 120 |
| Full day (8 hours) | ~AED 200 |
| Weekly (regular) | ~AED 1,120 |
| Monthly (regular) | ~AED 3,500 |
Nanny vs nursery: the crossover
A mid-range nursery runs AED 20,000–45,000 a year, while a live-in nanny all-in costs AED 40,000–62,000 a year. See our full childcare costs in Dubai breakdown. A nanny on your visa also needs household health cover — see health insurance costs in Dubai.
The true annual cost
A self-sponsored maid at AED 2,000 a month really costs ~AED 33,000–36,000 a year (salary + amortised visa + leave flight).
Fold it into the full picture with our family of four budget — and line this up with your own family visa timeline.
For more detail, see our guide on nursery fees in Dubai.
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FAQs
How much does a full-time maid cost in Dubai?
AED 2,500–3,500 a month all-inclusive through a Tadbeer centre. Self-sponsoring costs AED 12,000–22,000 one-time plus AED 1,500–2,500 a month in salary.
How much is a nanny’s salary in Dubai?
Typically AED 1,800–2,500 a month for an experienced live-in nanny if you sponsor her yourself; Filipino nannies sit at the top of the range.
What is Tadbeer and is it mandatory?
Tadbeer centres are the MOHRE-licensed agencies through which all domestic workers must legally be hired in the UAE. Hiring informally is illegal and fines fall on the employer.
How much does a maid visa cost in Dubai?
Roughly AED 8,500–14,000 as part of a two-year Tadbeer sponsorship package depending on nationality; self-sponsored, budget AED 12,000–22,000 all-in.
Is it cheaper to sponsor a maid myself or use Tadbeer monthly?
Self-sponsorship is cheaper over two years (~AED 33,000–36,000/year true cost), but requires upfront cash and paperwork. Monthly Tadbeer packages cost more but remove all admin.
How much does hourly maid service cost in Dubai?
About AED 120 for a half day (4 hours) or AED 200 for a full day (8 hours) through Tadbeer centres.