Many families in the UAE hire maids who are already working locally.
But when a domestic worker changes employers, both sides must follow a strict legal procedure known as a maid visa transfer.
In 2025, the UAE has updated its MOHRE rules to make this process faster — yet still compliant and transparent.
This complete guide by INAYA Domestic Workers Ajman explains every step you need to take, from cancellation to approval, without fines or delays.
💡 What Is Maid Visa Transfer?
A maid visa transfer allows a domestic worker already in the UAE to legally move from one sponsor (employer) to another without leaving the country.
It’s common when:
- A maid finishes her contract and the current family cannot renew it.
- An employer relocates or leaves the UAE.
- A maid finds a new household offering better terms.
Instead of reapplying for a new visa, visa transfer keeps the worker’s residence record active while updating sponsorship details through MOHRE.
🧾 Eligibility for Maid Visa Transfer
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Contract Completion | Must have completed the initial 2-year term. |
| Employer Approval | Current sponsor must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC). |
| Valid Residence Visa | Maid’s visa should have at least 15 days before expiry. |
| Clean Legal Record | No pending fines, absconding reports, or complaints. |
| Health & Insurance | Must have active health insurance at the time of transfer. |
🟩 Tip: Always verify the maid’s visa status on ICP Smart Services before starting the transfer.
🧭 Step-by-Step Maid Visa Transfer Process (2025 Updated)
Step 1 – Get NOC from Current Employer
The current sponsor must provide a No Objection Certificate confirming they agree to the maid visa transfer.
This must be printed on company/individual letterhead and signed.
Step 2 – Cancel Old Labour Card
The existing labour card and employment contract are cancelled through the MOHRE portal.
INAYA Domestic Workers assists both parties to ensure smooth cancellation without penalties.
Step 3 – Apply for New Sponsorship
The new employer (or agency) submits a transfer application via TASHEEL or MOHRE online portal, attaching:
- Maid’s passport copy
- NOC
- Old visa page
- Medical certificate
- New contract
Step 4 – Medical & Biometrics
If the maid’s previous medical report is older than 6 months, a new fitness test is mandatory.
Step 5 – Emirates ID & Visa Stamping
Once MOHRE approves the transfer, the maid’s Emirates ID is updated and visa stamped under the new sponsor’s name.
✅ Processing time: 7 – 10 working days (average).
💼 Documents Required for Maid Visa Transfer
| From Maid | From Employer | From Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Passport copy | Passport & Emirates ID | Trade license (if corporate) |
| Visa page | Salary certificate | Contract & offer letter |
| Medical certificate | Tenancy contract (Ejari) | Application form |
| Passport-size photo | NOC from old sponsor | Insurance proof |
INAYA handles all documentation on your behalf — ensuring zero rejection chances.
📊 Maid Visa Transfer Cost Breakdown (Approximate 2025)
| Item | Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Cancellation | 250 | Paid by current sponsor |
| Medical Fitness Test | 400 | New report required |
| Typing & MOHRE Fees | 350 | Online processing |
| Emirates ID | 370 | 2-year validity |
| Insurance | 600 | Mandatory before approval |
| Total Estimated Cost | 1,900 – 2,200 AED | Varies by Emirate |
💡 Good to Know: INAYA Domestic Workers includes many of these costs within their transfer assistance package, saving families both time and money.
🔁 INAYA vs Self-Transfer – Which Is Easier?
| Criteria | INAYA Domestic Workers | Self-Handled Process |
|---|---|---|
| Paperwork | Managed by agency | Manual, time-consuming |
| Error Rate | Very low | High (common rejections) |
| Processing Speed | 5–7 days | 10–14 days |
| Legal Assistance | Included | None |
| Replacement Support | 6 months free | Not applicable |
🟩 Verdict: It’s always safer to process maid visa transfers through licensed agencies like INAYA Domestic Workers Ajman.
⚙️ Common Mistakes to Avoid During Visa Transfer
- Letting the visa expire before applying for transfer.
- Submitting incomplete NOC or unsigned documents.
- Ignoring medical renewal before submission.
- Hiring through unlicensed brokers.
- Not updating Emirates ID after transfer approval.
These errors can cause rejection or even legal fines.
📈 Growth in Maid Visa Transfers (2020 – 2025)
| Year | Approved Transfers | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7,800 | — |
| 2021 | 9,500 | +22 % |
| 2023 | 11,400 | +20 % |
| 2025 | 13,600 + | +18 % |
📊 Insight: Ajman & Dubai together account for 60 % of UAE’s maid visa transfer cases, reflecting growing demand for flexible hiring.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I transfer my maid’s visa before the contract ends?
Only with written approval (NOC) from the current sponsor and MOHRE consent.
Q2. Do I need to cancel the old visa first?
Yes. Cancellation happens automatically as part of the transfer procedure.
Q3. Who pays for the maid visa transfer?
Usually the new sponsor, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Q4. Does the maid need to exit the country?
No, internal transfer can be completed without exit.
Q5. Can INAYA assist if my maid’s visa expired recently?
Yes, INAYA handles overstayed visa cases with legal clearance support.
💬 Real Client Experience
“We found a great helper through INAYA who was already working in Abu Dhabi.
They managed the entire maid visa transfer within a week — no stress, no extra cost.
I highly recommend their service.”
— Mariam K., Ajman
🏁 Final Thoughts – Make Visa Transfers Simple & Legal
The maid visa transfer process may sound complicated, but with expert help, it becomes smooth and error-free.
Licensed agencies like INAYA Domestic Workers Ajman ensure full legal compliance, transparent fees, and reliable post-hire support.
If you’re planning to transfer a maid’s visa in 2025, visit
INAYA Domestic Workers Ajman — your trusted partner for professional, legal, and fast domestic worker services across UAE.
