How to Hire a Nanny in Dubai (2025 Guide) | Yaya UAE
Hiring a nanny in Dubai can feel like a full-time job on its own. If you’re trying to hire a nanny in Dubai in 2025, you’re likely juggling salary research, visa rules, and the challenge of finding someone trustworthy. As a mum who’s been through it, I totally get it. That’s why I’ve put together this complete guide to hiring a nanny in the UAE in 2025 — to help make the process smoother, safer, and (hopefully) a little less stressful.
Many Dubai families prefer live-out nannies for school runs and flexible support.
Whether you’re new to the UAE or just new to hiring, this guide covers everything you need to know — from where to find a nanny to what you’ll need legally and financially.
What Kind of Nanny Do You Need?
Before diving in, let’s get clear on what you’re actually looking for — because in the UAE, the word “nanny” means a lot more than it might elsewhere in the world.
In many countries, a nanny’s role is solely focused on childcare. But here in the UAE, it’s very common — almost expected — that a nanny also helps with household chores. That’s why most families are really hiring a “nanny/maid” hybrid, even if they primarily need help with the kids.
For example, if your children are at nursery or school during the day, many nannies will use that time to:
Tidy up playrooms and bedrooms
Do the family’s laundry or ironing
Help with cleaning or meal prep
Assist with organizing wardrobes, toys, and more
Here are the most common types of arrangements:
A live-in nanny who stays in your home
A live-out nanny who commutes daily
A governess (less common) focused on academics and tutoring
It’s important to be clear about your family’s needs upfront. For newborns, you may want someone with specific infant experience. If your kids are older and at school most of the day, you might need someone who can help manage the home as well.
More on this topic: Live-In vs Live-Out Nanny in Dubai — Which Is Right for Your Family?
Where to Find a Nanny in Dubai
You’ve got options — but none as simple, transparent, and family-focused as Yaya, especially if you’re looking to hire a nanny in Dubai without overpaying agency fees.
Yaya – The UAE’s Only Nanny-Finding App
Yes, the only one! Yaya is a mobile app made specifically for parents in the UAE, with over 1,300+ verified nanny profiles and new ones added every single day of the week.
With Yaya, you can:
Browse profiles based on experience, language, location, and visa type
Watch video greetings in a swipeable, Instagram-style format
Export nanny profiles as PDFs to share with your partner or keep for later
Message directly in-app — no need to share your phone number
Get real-time notifications when a new profile matches your needs
Contact candidates instantly — no middlemen, no agency delays
Pay zero commission or placement fees — ever
Yaya has over 1,500 five-star Google reviews, making it the most trusted platform in the country for nanny hiring.
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.
You may also end up paying steep placement fees, sometimes without any guarantee of a long-term fit.
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.
Facebook Groups or Word of Mouth
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.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Nanny in Dubai in 2025?
Nanny salaries in Dubai continue to rise — especially for live-out roles.
Type of Nanny | Monthly Salary (AED) |
|---|---|
Live-in Nanny | 2,000 – 3,500 |
Live-out Nanny | 3,500 – 5,000 |
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)
Legal Requirements: Sponsoring a Nanny
If you’re hiring a live-in or live-out nanny, you’ll need to sponsor her visa — and Yaya makes this part easy.
According to MOHRE, families who sponsor domestic helpers must provide a legal employment contract, visa, and health insurance
Sponsorship Checklist:
Minimum salary: AED 6,000–10,000/month
Valid Ejari or tenancy contract
Emirates ID and visa processing (~AED 5,000–7,000)
Health insurance and medical screening
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/
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.
What Should Be in Your Nanny Contract?
A solid nanny contract protects both parties. Be sure to include:
Salary and payment terms
Working hours and rest days
List of duties (childcare, cleaning, cooking)
Sick leave and holiday policy
Notice period and termination terms
Accommodation or transport support if needed
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
Read our full guide to nanny interviews
Pro tip: On Yaya, you can view nanny video greetings before even messaging — so you know who you’re meeting.
Transitioning a Nanny into Your 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)
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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I hire a nanny in Dubai without using an agency?
A: Yes! With Yaya, you connect directly with verified nannies — no commission or middlemen.
Q: Is it legal to hire a nanny with her own freelance visa?
A: No. Freelance visas don’t allow domestic work. Families should always sponsor their nanny to avoid fines.
Q: How long does it take to get a nanny visa in Dubai?
A: With Maids.cc (via Yaya), it takes around 8 working days, fully done on WhatsApp.
Q: What’s the average nanny salary in Dubai in 2025?
A: Live-in: AED 2,000–3,500. Live-out: AED 3,500–5,000. Learn more here.
Q: Do I need a contract even if the nanny has her own visa?
A: Yes, always. A contract protects both parties and outlines clear expectations.
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
1,300+ 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.