Recruiting a domestic worker in Dubai can seem daunting for the first time, but with the relevant information it can be a simple process. Whether you need help with cleaning, cooking, childcare and elderly care, Dubai has a comprehensive, regulated service to supporting residents find reliable and qualified domestic help.

This 2025 guide breaks down the basics in a clear and easy way, especially for first-time employers who want to make informed and confident decisions.

Understanding the Legal Framework

Before you hire, you should be aware that the UAE has strict labour laws to protect employers as well as domestic workers. Beginning in 2025, domestic workers in Dubai will be covered under Federal Law No. 10 of 2017, which specifies the obligations of employers and rights of workers. You must either hire through a licensed registered maid agency in Dubai or sponsor the worker through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). This is a way of legally having the maid and avoids potential penalties.

Key Requirements for First-Time Employers

As a new employer, here’s what you need to know:

You must be a UAE resident with a valid Emirates ID.

Your monthly income should typically be at least AED 25,000.

The worker must have appropriate accommodation in your home.

You're responsible for paying visa fees, insurance, and other legal costs.

Domestic workers are entitled to rest days, paid leave, and a safe working environment.

Choosing the Right Worker for Your Needs

Consider what type of assistance your home requires because some families want full-time, live-in help and other families only need part-time help. Be clear about what tasks need to be done and be sure to ask candidates about their skills and experience. Plus, communication needs to be considered; language, whether or not the two of you would be culturally compatible and where you both stand in expectations of daily routines are all worth discussing on the front-end. A good match starts with an open and respectful conversation.

Pros and Cons of Hiring Through an Agency

For first-time employers, going through a licensed maid agency in Dubai can take a lot of stress out of the process. However, like any option, it comes with its pros and cons.

Pros:

Time-saving: Agencies handle all the paperwork, including visa processing, medical tests, Emirates ID, and contract formalities.

Verified profiles: Workers are usually background-checked and medically screened before being listed.

Training provided: Many agencies offer basic training in housekeeping, childcare, or elderly care.

Replacements offered: If the first hire doesn’t work out, agencies often provide replacements within a limited period.

Legal compliance: Reputable agencies ensure everything is done according to UAE labour laws, so you stay protected.

Cons:

Higher cost: Agency fees and service charges can make this option more expensive compared to hiring independently.

Limited choices: Some agencies offer only a small pool of candidates, so you might not find a perfect fit right away.

Less personal control: You may have less flexibility in negotiating terms directly with the domestic worker.

If you’re someone who prefers a worry-free, guided process—especially when doing this for the first time—then an agency is usually the safer and more convenient choice.

Final Thoughts

There are legal steps, practical preparation and courteous etiquette to be considered when hiring a domestic worker in Dubai. If this is your first time hiring a domestic worker, there is no need to rush through the process. It takes time to grasp the procedures, and you will have to think critically about what you are going to do. Using an agency is helpful, especially when you are looking for trained, vetted professionals. Users and experts alike have mentioned Housekeeping Co as a highly rated service provider for first-time employers to easily find reliable, trained domestic staff.