The Cost of Hiring a Maid in UAE

Thinking about hiring a maid in the UAE? You’re not alone! Many families across the Emirates turn to extra help at home to manage their bustling lives. But when it comes to choosing between full-time and part-time maids or nannies, the decision can really hinge on your budget and daily needs. In this post, we’ll dive into the details of both options, providing you with the latest cost comparisons and some handy tips to help you figure out what’s best for your household. Ready to get started? Let’s break it down and help you make that informed choice.

Full-time Maid Costs in UAE

For those considering hiring a full-time maid in UAE, the annual cost remains substantial. Let’s look what you can expect to spend annually, so you have a clear picture of what you’re signing up for.

First off, salaries for full-time maids can range from AED 1,500 to AED 5,000 each month depending on whether you want a live-in or live-out maid as well as their experience. But the costs don’t stop at salary. There are a few other expenses you’ll need to plan for:

• Sponsorship and Service Fees: When securing a maid through an agency like Maids.cc, the upfront cost for a two-year visa is AED 8,500. However, it’s important to note that this is not the full picture. There is an additional monthly service fee of AED 263 over the two years. While the initial visa cost might seem like a one-time payment, the ongoing monthly charges bring the total to a higher amount than the upfront visa cost alone (roughly AED 15,000)
• Health Insurance: This is mandatory, and the costs can vary depending on coverage. Roughly, expect to spend somewhere in the ballpark of AED 500 per year. With certain tadbeer agencies, health insurance could already be included in the upfront or service costs.
• Annual Return Flight: Your maid’s bi-annual ticket back home is another cost to consider. Prices vary widely depending on where they’re flying to. It’s not just a nice perk—it’s a legal requirement.
• Living Expenses: If your maid is living with you, you’ll need to cover their room and board. This includes everything from housing to meals. If they’re not living with you, you might have to increase their salary to help them cover their own living costs.

All these expenses add up, so it’s important to budget carefully. Hiring a full-time maid is a substantial investment, but for many, the convenience and support they provide are well worth it. Let’s dive deeper into how these costs can affect your household budget and what it means for your daily life.

Cost of Hiring a Full-time Maid in UAE

This equates to approximately AED 51,000 per annum to hire a full-time live-out maid in UAE (with a monthly salary of AED 3,500 and sponsored through a Tadbeer agency) or approximately AED 39,000 per annum for a full-time live-in maid in UAE (with a monthly salary of AED 2,500 and sponsored through a Tadbeer agency).

For those interested in a more detailed analysis of the financial implications of hiring a full-time nanny or maid, our comprehensive guide offers extensive insights. Check out our article How much does it cost to hire a Nanny in UAE for a case study on how a typical family would break down all the costs.

Part-time Maid Costs in UAE

Part-time domestic help serves as a cost-effective solution for those requiring occasional support around their homes. By opting for services through platforms like Yaya Middle East, or other registered agencies in UAE, clients gain the advantage of flexible scheduling to suit their specific needs without committing to the long-term financial and logistical responsibilities associated with full-time help.

The rates for part-time domestic help typically vary from AED 30 to AED 50 per hour. This range depends on several factors:

• Type of Services Required: Basic cleaning tasks may cost less, while more specialized services like deep cleaning, cooking, or childcare might be priced higher.
• Duration and Frequency of Service: Longer sessions or more frequent visits can often attract a reduced rate per hour, offering better value to the homeowner.
• Expertise of the Domestic Help: More experienced or specialized workers, such as those capable of caring for elderly family members or those with specific skills like gourmet cooking, may command higher wages.

Let’s take two examples to illustrate the cost differences: For two sessions per week, each lasting three hours, the annual cost for a part-time maid in UAE ranges from AED 9,360 at AED 30 per hour to AED 15,600 at AED 50 per hour. This arrangement offers a significant saving compared to the AED 51,000 generally required for full-time live-out domestic help annually.

In the UAE, hiring a part-time maid provides families and individuals with the flexibility to customize the help they receive according to their specific needs—whether that means a few hours of general cleaning each week or more extensive assistance during busier times. This adaptability is also advantageous for budgeting, as it allows expenses to match actual usage instead of committing to a fixed salary.

Verdict: Full-time vs. Part-time Maids

Choosing between full-time and part-time domestic help often depends on a family’s specific needs and budgetary limitations. Full-time help offers continuous support and is essential for families that require consistent, comprehensive assistance, particularly those with young children or elderly members. However, employing full-time domestic staff means taking on full legal responsibility for them during the contract period and potentially sacrificing some privacy at home.

On the other hand, part-time help provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness for those who need support on a less frequent basis, such as weekly cleaning tasks. Yet, part-time maids may not always be available for immediate assistance; tasks might need to wait until their next scheduled visit. Part-time help may also be less suitable for managing large events, which could require hiring additional staff, and might not always be available for spontaneous childcare needs.

Understanding the costs and responsibilities associated with hiring a full-time or part-time maid in the UAE is essential for making a well-informed decision that best suits your family’s lifestyle and financial situation. This balanced approach will help ensure that the level of domestic support you choose enhances your family’s quality of life while respecting your privacy and budget.