How to Hire a Domestic Worker in Dubai: Complete 2026 Guide
Step-by-step guide to legally hiring a domestic worker in Dubai through Tadbeer. Learn about costs, documents, timelines, and your legal obligations as an employer.
By AbiWorkers Compliance Team
Understanding Tadbeer: Dubai's Domestic Worker Authority
Tadbeer is the UAE government's regulatory body for domestic worker recruitment. All domestic worker hiring in Dubai must go through licensed Tadbeer centers. AbiWorkers is a Tadbeer-licensed agency, meaning your hiring process is fully compliant and legal.
Step 1: Determine Your Needs
Before starting the hiring process, identify what you need: a housemaid, nanny, cook, elderly caregiver, or driver. Each role may require different skills and nationalities.
Step 2: Choose the Right Nationality
The most common nationalities for domestic workers in the UAE are: Filipino, Indonesian, Ethiopian, Indian, and Sri Lankan. Each has different pricing, skill sets, and cultural considerations.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
As an employer, you'll need: Emirates ID, passport copy, salary proof (bank statements or salary certificate), and a completed application form.
Step 4: Worker Selection and Interview
Browse verified worker profiles, review their experience and skills, and conduct interviews. AbiWorkers offers AI-powered matching to help you find the right fit.
Step 5: Visa and Processing
Once you've selected a worker, the Tadbeer center handles visa processing, medical fitness tests, and Emirates ID issuance. This typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Step 6: Contract Signing and Arrival
Sign the standard domestic worker contract, pay the agreed fees, and your worker arrives ready to start. AbiWorkers handles the entire arrival logistics including airport pickup.
Costs to Expect
Total costs vary by nationality and agency, typically ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000. This includes visa fees, agency fees, medical tests, and insurance.
Legal Obligations as an Employer
You must provide: monthly salary on time, accommodation, food, health insurance, annual leave (30 days), and a return ticket home every 2 years. Failure to comply can result in fines and legal action.
AbiWorkers handles the entire process end-to-end, ensuring full compliance with UAE labor law.