Domestic Worker Residence Visa
Household workers (maids, drivers, nannies, cooks) sponsored by a UAE-resident family.
The Domestic Worker Residence Visa is a UAE work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~AED 5,000-7,000 (sponsor-borne, incl. permit, medical, Emirates ID)) and processing time (~2-4 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Domestic Worker Residence Visa is for
Household workers (maids, drivers, nannies, cooks) sponsored by a UAE-resident family.
Renewable while employed by the household; gives no permanent residence or citizenship route.
Domestic Worker Residence Visa - eligibility criteria
- Sponsor (employer) meets minimum income requirement
- Standard domestic-worker contract via Tadbeer
- Pass medical fitness test
- Valid passport and approved nationality list
- Health insurance provided by sponsor
Domestic Worker Residence Visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Domestic Worker Residence Visa (United Arab Emirates) is ~AED 5,000-7,000 (sponsor-borne, incl. permit, medical, Emirates ID), with an indicative processing time of ~2-4 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at UAE Government (u.ae).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Sponsor applies via MOHRE / Tadbeer service centres |
| Length of stay | 1-2 years, renewable |
| Work rights | Work only for the sponsoring household |
| Study rights | Not applicable |
| Government fee | ~AED 5,000-7,000 (sponsor-borne, incl. permit, medical, Emirates ID) |
| Processing time | ~2-4 weeks |
| Route to PR | Renewable while employed by the household; gives no permanent residence or citizenship route. |
Pathway & next steps
Renewable while employed by the household; gives no permanent residence or citizenship route.
Many applicants also compare Work Visa · Employment / Work Residence Visa, Family Spouse · Family Residence Visa - Spouse. Run a free VisaChief check to see which UAE route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Domestic Worker Residence Visa pitfalls we fix
Domestic Worker Residence Visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Domestic Worker Residence Visa cost?
The Domestic Worker Residence Visa government fee is ~AED 5,000-7,000 (sponsor-borne, incl. permit, medical, Emirates ID). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at UAE Government (u.ae) before applying.
How long does the Domestic Worker Residence Visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-4 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Domestic Worker Residence Visa lead to permanent residence?
Renewable while employed by the household; gives no permanent residence or citizenship route.
Can I work on the Domestic Worker Residence Visa?
Work rights: Work only for the sponsoring household.
Who can apply for the Domestic Worker Residence Visa?
Household workers (maids, drivers, nannies, cooks) sponsored by a UAE-resident family.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Arab Emirates government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- UAE Government (u.ae) - official United Arab Emirates immigration authority