Introduction

Managing your domestic worker's visa in Dubai doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether your housemaid's visa is expiring, you're hiring a new domestic helper, or transferring sponsorship from another employer, understanding the right process saves you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

In 2026, the UAE continues to streamline domestic worker visa procedures through digital platforms, but many families still struggle with knowing which process applies to their situation. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about maid visa renewal, replacement, and transfers specifically for Dubai residents.

Understanding the Three Types of Maid Visa Changes

Before diving into procedures, let's clarify the three distinct processes you might encounter:

Visa Renewal applies when your current domestic worker's residence visa is expiring, and you want to continue employing them. This is the most straightforward process and typically occurs every two years.

Visa Replacement becomes necessary when you're hiring a new domestic worker to replace your current one, or when your worker has left and you want to bring someone new under your sponsorship quota.

Visa Transfer happens when you're taking over sponsorship of a domestic worker who is already in the UAE and currently sponsored by another employer. This process has specific rules and restrictions that differ significantly from the other two.

Understanding which category your situation falls into determines the documents you'll need, the costs involved, and the timeline for completion.

Maid Visa Renewal in Dubai: Complete Process

Renewing your domestic worker's visa is generally the simplest of the three processes, but it requires careful timing and attention to specific requirements.

When to Start the Renewal Process

You can begin the renewal process up to 60 days before your worker's current visa expires. Starting early gives you buffer time for any unexpected delays and ensures your domestic helper maintains legal status throughout the transition.

Step-by-Step Renewal Process

The renewal process follows a structured sequence that must be completed in order:

Medical Fitness Test serves as the foundation of your renewal application. Your domestic worker must undergo a medical examination at a MOHRE-approved center in Dubai. The test screens for communicable diseases and ensures the worker meets health standards for continued employment. Results typically arrive within 48-72 hours, and the medical certificate remains valid for three months.

Emirates ID Renewal must align with the visa renewal timeline. If your worker's Emirates ID is also expiring, you'll need to renew both simultaneously. Book an appointment at an Emirates ID center or authorized typing center that offers this service. The biometric data collection takes about 15-20 minutes, and the new card usually arrives within two weeks.

Medical Insurance must be active and valid for the entire visa period. Dubai regulations require domestic workers to have comprehensive health insurance coverage. If your current policy is expiring, renew it before submitting your visa application. The insurance must meet minimum coverage requirements set by Dubai Health Authority.

Employment Contract Update may be necessary if any terms have changed since the original contract. Review the current contract with your worker and ensure all details remain accurate. Both parties must sign any updated agreements before submission.

Residency Visa Application represents the final step. Once you've completed the previous requirements, submit your renewal application through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) portal or through an authorized typing center.

Documents Required for Renewal

Gather these documents before starting the process:

Worker's current passport (valid for at least six months)
Copy of worker's existing residence visa
Your Emirates ID and passport copy
Recent passport-sized photographs of the worker (white background)
Updated medical fitness certificate
Valid medical insurance policy
Tenancy contract or property ownership documents
Salary certificate or bank statements proving income requirements

Renewal Timeline and Costs

The complete renewal process typically takes 5-7 working days once all documents are submitted, though this can extend to two weeks during peak periods. Total costs for renewal in 2026 range from AED 3,500 to AED 5,000, covering government fees, medical tests, Emirates ID, typing services, and insurance premiums.

When You Need a Replacement Visa

Replacement visas become necessary in several scenarios that Dubai families commonly face. Understanding when and how to obtain a replacement ensures you maintain your household's domestic support without gaps.

Common Replacement Scenarios

Your current domestic worker has completed their contract and returned home, and you want to hire a new worker. This is the most straightforward replacement situation. Your worker has absconded or terminated employment unexpectedly, leaving you without household help. In this case, you must first officially cancel the previous visa before applying for a replacement. You're hiring your first domestic worker and have never sponsored one before. While technically not a "replacement," the process follows similar steps to bringing in a new worker.

The Replacement Process

Obtaining a replacement visa involves canceling the previous worker's visa (if applicable) and then following the standard new visa issuance process. This includes obtaining work permit approval from MOHRE, processing entry permits, and completing all medical and residency formalities.

The key difference from renewal is that you'll need to go through the full visa issuance process rather than simply extending an existing visa. This means additional scrutiny of your eligibility as a sponsor and meeting current income requirements.

Timing Considerations

One important factor many families overlook: there's typically a waiting period after canceling a domestic worker's visa before you can apply for a replacement. This cooling-off period helps prevent exploitation and gives authorities time to process the cancellation properly. Plan for this gap when managing your household staffing needs.

Transferring Your Domestic Worker's Sponsorship

Sponsorship transfers represent the most complex of the three processes, with specific regulations designed to protect both workers and employers.

When Transfers Are Permitted

The UAE has strict rules about when domestic worker sponsorship can be transferred. Generally, transfers are allowed when:

The current sponsor agrees to release the worker from their sponsorship. Without this consent, transfers become significantly more difficult or impossible unless the worker can prove specific circumstances like abuse or non-payment of wages.

The worker has completed at least two years with their current sponsor, or the sponsor agrees to early release. This rule protects employers who invest in bringing workers to the UAE while also giving workers mobility after a reasonable period.

Both the releasing sponsor and receiving sponsor meet eligibility requirements for sponsoring domestic workers, including minimum income thresholds and suitable accommodation.

Transfer Process Requirements

The sponsorship transfer process involves coordination between multiple parties and government entities. Here's what you need to navigate:

No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current sponsor stands as the most important document. Without it, the transfer process cannot proceed through standard channels. The NOC must be notarized and submitted as part of your application.

New Employment Contract between you and the worker must be prepared, signed, and submitted to MOHRE for approval. This contract establishes the terms of employment under your sponsorship.

Status Adjustment Application changes the worker's residency status from the previous sponsor to your sponsorship. This involves canceling the old visa and issuing a new one under your name without the worker leaving the UAE.

Fresh Medical Examination is required even if the worker recently completed one. The medical certificate must be current at the time of transfer application.

Transfer Costs and Timeline

Sponsorship transfers in Dubai typically cost between AED 7,999 and AED 18,000 depending on whether you handle it yourself or use professional services. Government fees, medical tests, Emirates ID issuance, typing center charges, and insurance all contribute to the total cost.

The timeline for completing a transfer ranges from 2-4 weeks when all documents are in order and both parties cooperate fully. Delays often occur when obtaining the NOC or if documentation requires corrections.

Cost Breakdown: What You'll Actually Pay in 2026

Understanding the full financial picture helps you budget appropriately and avoid surprises. Here's what each process actually costs:

Visa Renewal Costs

Item	Approximate Cost
Medical Fitness Test	AED 300-500
Emirates ID Renewal	AED 370
Medical Insurance (Annual)	AED 750-1,200
Visa Renewal Fee	AED 1,200-1,500
Typing Center Services	AED 300-500
Status Application Fee	AED 500-700
Total Range	AED 3,500-5,000

Replacement Visa Costs

Replacement visas involve the full cost of bringing a new worker, which includes:

MOHRE work permit: AED 300-500
Entry permit: AED 500-700
Medical tests and Emirates ID: AED 1,000-1,500
Visa issuance: AED 1,200-1,800
Insurance: AED 750-1,200
Agency fees (if using recruitment): AED 8,000-15,000

Total: AED 12,000-20,000 depending on recruitment method and agency involvement.

Transfer Costs

As mentioned earlier, transfers typically run AED 7,999-18,000, with professional service providers often charging towards the higher end but handling all paperwork and follow-ups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from others' experiences saves you time and money. These are the most frequent mistakes Dubai families make with maid visa processes:

Waiting Until the Last Minute ranks as the number one problem. Starting your renewal process days before expiration leaves no room for delays or corrections. Many families find themselves scrambling when medical test results are delayed or documents need revision. Begin at least 30 days before expiration.

Assuming All Medical Centers Are Equal leads to wasted time. Only MOHRE-approved medical centers can conduct the required fitness tests. Going to a random clinic means you'll need to repeat the test at an approved facility. Check the MOHRE website for the current list of approved centers.

Overlooking Insurance Requirements causes application rejections. Your medical insurance must meet minimum coverage standards and remain valid for the entire visa period. Budget policies that don't meet requirements will be rejected, forcing you to purchase new coverage.

Not Keeping Digital Copies of all documents creates unnecessary stress. If you need to reference or resubmit something, having scanned copies on your phone or cloud storage saves trips to typing centers or government offices.

Trying to Transfer Without Proper Authorization wastes time and money. If you're attempting a sponsorship transfer without the current sponsor's NOC, you'll face rejection. Assess your situation realistically and follow proper channels.

Mixing Up Renewal and Replacement Processes happens more often than you'd think. Families sometimes try to use the renewal process when they actually need a replacement visa, or vice versa. This leads to rejected applications and delays.

How to Choose Between Renewal, Replacement, or Transfer

Decision-making becomes clearer when you understand which option applies to your specific situation.

Choose Renewal When:

Your current domestic worker is performing well and wants to continue
The current visa is expiring within the next 60 days
No major employment terms are changing
You want the quickest, most economical option

Choose Replacement When:

Your current worker has left or will be leaving
You're hiring your first domestic helper
You want to bring a worker from their home country
You have time for the full visa issuance process (4-8 weeks)

Choose Transfer When:

You've found a domestic worker already in Dubai who you want to employ
The worker has permission from their current sponsor
You want to skip the overseas recruitment process
The worker meets all requirements and has proper documentation

Sometimes the choice isn't entirely yours. For example, if your current worker wants to leave but you need household help, replacement is your only option. If you're taking over a worker from a friend moving out of Dubai, transfer is the required process.

Working with Professional Services vs. DIY

This decision impacts your experience, timeline, and budget significantly.

DIY Approach Benefits

Handling the process yourself through MOHRE's online portal and GDRFA services saves money on service fees. If you're comfortable with government websites, have time to make multiple trips if needed, and understand the requirements clearly, DIY can work well for straightforward renewals.

The digital transformation of UAE government services has made many processes more accessible to individuals. You can track applications, upload documents, and receive updates without visiting physical offices for many steps.

When Professional Services Make Sense

Complex Situations like transfers with NOC complications, replacement visas with timing constraints, or cases involving worker absconding benefit from professional expertise. Service providers navigate bureaucratic requirements daily and know how to handle obstacles.

Time-Constrained Families where both parents work demanding jobs often find professional services worth the cost. Rather than taking time off for medical appointments, typing center visits, and government office trips, you pay someone to handle these tasks.

First-Time Sponsors often appreciate guidance through their initial maid visa process. Understanding the system once helps you make informed decisions for future renewals.

Peace of Mind has value that's hard to quantify. Professional services typically guarantee completion and handle any issues that arise, removing stress from your shoulders.

At Imdad HR, we specialize in domestic worker visa services across Dubai, handling everything from initial applications to renewals and transfers. Our team stays current with regulation changes and processes hundreds of applications monthly, giving us the expertise to handle even complex situations smoothly.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Managing maid visa renewal, replacement, and transfers in Dubai requires understanding which process applies to your situation, gathering the right documents, and following procedures carefully. The good news? Once you know the steps, the process becomes manageable and predictable.

Your immediate next steps depend on your timeline: If your worker's visa expires in the next 60 days, start the renewal process now. Don't wait for the last minute—book the medical test this week and gather your documents.

If you're planning to hire a new domestic worker, decide whether recruitment from overseas or transfer of an existing worker makes more sense for your situation and timeline.

If you're considering a transfer, verify that the current sponsor will provide an NOC and confirm the worker meets all requirements before investing time and money in the process.

Need expert help with your domestic worker visa process? Imdad HR handles all aspects of maid visa services in Dubai, from new applications to renewals and complex transfers. Our team manages the entire process while you focus on your family and career. Contact us today for a consultation and let us simplify your domestic staffing needs.

Blog|28 Dec 2025

Maid Visa Renewal, Replacement & Transfers in Dubai: What Families Need to Know in 2026

Introduction

Understanding the Three Types of Maid Visa Changes