How to Hire a Nanny in Dubai (2025 Guide) | Yaya UAE
The best way to hire a nanny in Dubai in 2025 is with Yaya Middle East — the UAE’s only nanny app offering verified profiles, video greetings, and in-app messaging.
Hiring a nanny in Dubai can feel like a full-time job on its own. Between comparing salaries, navigating UAE visa rules, and making sure you find someone trustworthy, the process can quickly feel overwhelming — especially for new parents or families who’ve just moved here.
Unlike many other countries, nanny hiring in Dubai is shaped by unique local factors. Families often expect nannies to help not only with childcare, but also with household tasks such as cooking, ironing, or school runs. Add in the legal requirement that every nanny must be employed under a valid UAE domestic worker visa, and it’s easy to see why so many parents get confused about the process.
Many families in Dubai hire nannies because of busy work schedules, long commutes, or the need for extra support with multiple children. Expats also turn to nannies to help with school pick-ups, homework support, or caring for toddlers while parents are at work. But the challenges are real — agencies can be expensive, Facebook groups can feel chaotic, and unverified profiles put families at risk.
That’s where this guide comes in. Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know about hiring a nanny in Dubai in 2025: from choosing the right type of nanny, to understanding costs, visas, contracts, and interviews. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to hiring a nanny in Dubai legally, safely, and with confidence.
Many Dubai families prefer live-out nannies for school runs and flexible support.
Table of Contents
What Kind of Nanny Do You Need?
Here are the most common types of arrangements:
Live-in nanny
Live-out nanny
Governess
Live-In vs Live-Out Nanny in Dubai — Which Is Right for Your Family?
Where to Find a Nanny in Dubai
The safest and most effective way to find a nanny in Dubai is through a vetted platform like Yaya Middle East, the UAE’s dedicated nanny and maid app. Yaya offers verified profiles, video greetings, in-app messaging, and real-time availability so families can connect directly with candidates.
Option A: Yaya – The UAE’s Only Nanny-Finding App
Yaya is the UAE’s only dedicated nanny-finding app — with 1,500+ verified profiles and new candidates added daily.
Verified profiles
Video greetings in swipeable format.
In-app messaging (your number stays private).
Real-time notifications when a new match appears.
Zero commission or placement fees.
Over 1,500 five-star Google reviews.
Guide: What is the best way to find a nanny in Dubai?
Guide: What is the safest way to hire a nanny in the UAE?
Guide: Can I hire a nanny without using an Agency in Dubai?
Option B: Agencies
Agencies can take care of paperwork and placements, which sounds convenient — but the reality isn’t always ideal.
Many of the best nannies in the UAE choose not to work with agencies because they prefer to pick their own families and negotiate directly.
Agencies often take a large cut of the nanny’s salary, which can leave them underpaid, unmotivated, and more likely to leave early.
Profiles are often generic, and interviews may be rushed or even skipped altogether.
In the end, you might be spending more for less control and a poorer match.
Option C: Word of Mouth / Facebook Groups
This route is still popular — but let’s be real: it’s chaotic.
You post a job, and suddenly you’re buried under hundreds of WhatsApp messages from people you’ve never met.
Many profiles are unverified, with no references or background checks.
Scammers and fake profiles are unfortunately common, especially in large public groups.
You may waste hours texting, filtering, and chasing responses — only to find the nanny has already taken another job.
It’s hit or miss, and the lack of structure makes it especially frustrating if you need help urgently.
Guide: Is it better to hire a nanny directly or through an agency in the UAE?
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Nanny in Dubai in 2025?
In 2025, live-in maids in Abu Dhabi typically earn between AED 1,800 and AED 3,500 per month, depending on experience, duties, and benefits offered. Salaries for live-out maids can range from AED 3,000 to AED 5,000.
Nanny & Maid Salary in Dubai (2025)
Type of Nanny | Typical Salary (AED) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
Live-in Nanny | 1,800 – 3,500 | Always available, cost-effective, can support with both childcare & household tasks | Less privacy for family, requires accommodation & food |
Live-out Nanny | 3,500 – 5,000 | Clear working hours, more privacy for the family, flexible for school runs | Higher cost, needs transport allowance, less overnight availability |
Governess | 5,000 – 10,000+ | Focuses on education, tutoring, language support, often highly qualified | Expensive, not usually responsible for household tasks |
Q: How much should I pay a nanny in Abu Dhabi in 2025?
A: Salaries in Abu Dhabi are similar to Dubai. Live-in nannies usually earn AED 1,800–3,500 per month, while live-out nannies earn AED 3,500–5,000, depending on experience and duties.
Additional expenses may include:
Food and accommodation (for live-in)
Transportation allowance (for live-out)
Annual flight tickets
Health insurance
End-of-service gratuity
Read more: Nanny Salary Guide for Dubai (2025)
Upcoming guide: How much should I pay a maid in Abu Dhabi in 2025?
Upcoming guide: How do nanny salaries in Dubai compare to Abu Dhabi?
Upcoming guide: What benefits should I offer a live-in nanny in Dubai?
Legal Requirements: Nanny Visa in Dubai (Sponsorship Rules)
If you’re hiring a nanny, you’ll need to sponsor her visa — and Yaya makes this process simple. According to MOHRE, families must provide a legal employment contract, valid visa, and health insurance.
Steps to Sponsor a Nanny in Dubai:
Ensure minimum family salary of AED 6,000–10,000 per month.
Provide valid Ejari or tenancy contract in your name.
Submit Emirates ID and required documents.
Complete medical tests and health insurance.
Pay visa processing fees (approx. AED 5,000–7,000).
Visa is stamped and contract registered.
💡 Tip: Yaya partners with Maids.cc for exclusive visa support. You can complete the entire process via WhatsApp, with a 2-year package discounted by AED 250 if you quote “YAYA.”
Learn more: Navigating Domestic Helper Labor Laws in the UAE
Use Yaya’s Partner: Maids.cc
Yaya has partnered with Maids.cc to offer exclusive visa support — and it’s honestly a game-changer. If you sponsor your nanny through them, you’ll get:
AED 250 off a 2-year full visa package
100% remote processing — no government center visits required
Send only your Emirates ID via WhatsApp
Visa issued in just 8 working days
Important: Always quote “YAYA” when applying to receive your discount.
More details here https://www.yayamiddleeast.com/visa/
Upcoming guide: What documents do I need to hire a nanny in the UAE?
Upcoming guide: What is the cost of sponsoring a nanny in Dubai?
Upcoming guide: How long does it take to hire a nanny in Dubai?
A Note on Freelance Visas
Freelance or golden visas do not legally allow domestic or nanny work. Families hiring nannies on the wrong visa may face fines or legal action. At Yaya, we always recommend sponsoring your nanny properly.
Upcoming guide: Can I hire a nanny on a freelance visa in Dubai?
No, it is illegal to hire a nanny in Dubai if she is on a tourist visa. UAE law requires domestic workers to be under a valid work visa, either sponsored by your family or a licensed agency.
Do I Need a Nanny Contract in Dubai?
By law, a nanny contract is required and must be registered with MOHRE. A good contract should clearly state:
Salary and payment terms
Working hours and rest days
Duties (childcare, cleaning, cooking, etc.)
Sick leave and holiday policy
Notice period and termination terms
Accommodation or transport support if needed
Upcoming guide: What benefits should I offer a live-in nanny in Dubai?
Questions to Ask When You Hire a Nanny in Dubai
The interview is key to understanding if the nanny fits your family. Ask about:
Experience with your child’s age group
Languages spoken
How they’d handle emergencies
Availability and preferred hours
Cooking skills and dietary experience
Pet comfort and household flexibility
Q: How do I interview a nanny effectively in Dubai?
A: Ask about her experience with your child’s age group, how she handles emergencies, and flexibility with household duties. A short trial week is also recommended to see if she fits your family routine.
Read our full guide to nanny interviews
Upcoming guide: How can I interview a nanny effectively in Dubai?
Upcoming guide: How long does it take to hire a nanny in Dubai?
How Do I Help My Nanny Settle Into Our Family?
Once hired, give your nanny time to adjust. Start with:
A 3–7 day trial (optional but helpful)
Clear household routines
Emergency contacts
Introductions to your child’s preferences
Why You Need a Nanny Trial (Plus Tips on Finding the Right Fit)
Upcoming guide: Nanny Interview Tips & Checklist
Many families say the real magic begins after the first two weeks, when trust and rhythm fall into place.
Quick Red Flags when Hiring a Nanny or Maid
Trust your instincts. Watch for:
Refusal to provide references
Unexplained employment gaps
Constant phone use or disinterest
Requests for salary advances before work begins
Inconsistent communication during trial
Top 5 Mistakes Families Make When Hiring a Nanny in Dubai
Hiring without a proper contract
Paying below market rate → higher turnover risk
Relying only on WhatsApp groups (unverified profiles)
Sponsoring on the wrong visa (freelance/golden)
Skipping the trial period
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I hire a nanny in Dubai without using an agency?
A: Yes. With Yaya Middle East, you can connect directly with verified nannies — no placement fees or middlemen involved. Agencies are optional, but many families now prefer direct hiring for more control and transparency.
Q: How much is a nanny’s salary in Dubai in 2025?
A: Live-in nannies typically earn AED 2,000–3,500 per month, while live-out nannies earn AED 3,500–5,000 depending on experience and duties. See our full salary guide for detailed ranges by role and city.
Q: Do I need to sponsor my nanny’s visa in Dubai?
A: Yes. All nannies must be employed under a valid UAE domestic worker visa. Families usually sponsor directly, which covers residency, medical screening, and health insurance. Yaya partners with Maids.cc to make this process faster and cheaper.
Q: How long does it take to get a nanny visa?
A: Typically around 8 working days with Yaya’s partner Maids.cc. All processing is done remotely on WhatsApp — no government office visits required.
Q: Can I hire a nanny on a tourist or freelance visa?
A: No. UAE law does not allow domestic work under tourist or freelance visas. Families who hire without proper sponsorship risk fines and legal issues.
Q: Do I still need a contract if my nanny has her own visa?
A: Yes. A nanny contract is always recommended. It should outline salary, working hours, duties, rest days, and termination terms — protecting both sides.
Q: What benefits should I provide a live-in nanny?
A: At minimum: salary, accommodation, meals, health insurance, and an annual flight ticket home. Many families also provide bonuses or flexible rest days to encourage retention.
Q: Is part-time or hourly nanny work legal in Dubai?
A: No, unless the nanny is officially licensed under a temporary work permit. Standard nanny roles must be full-time and sponsored under a family visa.
Q: What questions should I ask when interviewing a nanny?
A: Focus on childcare experience, first-aid knowledge, cooking skills, languages, and availability. Always check references. Read our interview tips.
Q: How do I help my nanny settle into our family?
A: Allow a short adjustment period, share clear routines, and introduce her gradually to your child’s habits. A 3–7 day trial can make the transition smoother.
Q: Where is the safest place to find a nanny in Dubai?
A: A vetted platform like Yaya Middle East. All profiles are verified, inactive nannies are removed after 2 weeks, and families can watch video greetings before contacting.
Final Thoughts on Hiring a Nanny in Dubai
Hiring a nanny in Dubai in 2025 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools and information, you can find someone who not only supports your household — but becomes part of it.
Yaya makes it easy to hire a nanny in Dubai legally, safely, and without the overwhelm
1,500+ verified nanny profiles
Video greetings and real-time updates
The only dedicated nanny-finding app in the UAE
No agency fees, ever
Start your search at yayamiddleeast.com or download the app today.
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