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Nanny agency in Dubai or hire directly?
Last updated: November 2026
A nanny agency in Dubai shortlists candidates and often handles the visa, but charges a placement fee that is commonly several thousand dirhams per hire. Hiring directly costs far less: with Find Nanny and Maid you pay a one-time AED 199 to 299 to contact every candidate yourself, then handle interviews and the visa transfer on your own. Choose an agency if you want a replacement guarantee and no paperwork; choose direct hire if you want lower cost and full control over who you pick.
Side by side
| Factor | Nanny agency | Direct hire through Find Nanny and Maid |
|---|
| Upfront fee | Placement fee, often several thousand AED | AED 199 to 299, one payment |
| Who chooses | Agency sends a shortlist | You browse every profile and choose |
| Visa paperwork | Often included or offered for a fee | You do it, usually a visa transfer |
| Replacement if it fails | Usually a guarantee period | You search again while your access is active |
| Salary negotiation | Agency may set the rate | Agreed directly with the nanny |
When an agency makes sense
- You are new to the UAE and have never sponsored a domestic worker.
- You need a nanny recruited from abroad rather than someone already in Dubai.
- You want a written replacement guarantee.
When hiring direct makes sense
- You want to see every available candidate, not a shortlist of three.
- You prefer a nanny already in the UAE who can transfer her visa and start soon.
- You would rather spend the saved fee on her salary or benefits.
Is Find Nanny and Maid an agency?
No. It is an online database of nannies and maids, running since 2007. Families pay once for access, contact candidates themselves and employ them directly. There is no commission on the salary and no middle man between you and the nanny.
Checks to do yourself when hiring direct
- See her passport and current visa page, and confirm who her sponsor is.
- Call at least one previous employer.
- Do a paid trial day before signing.
- Put salary, hours, day off and duties in a written contract registered through MOHRE.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a nanny agency charge in Dubai?
Placement fees vary by agency and by whether the nanny is recruited locally or from abroad, and are commonly several thousand dirhams. Ask what the fee includes: visa, medical, replacement period.
What is the cheapest way to hire a nanny in Dubai?
Hiring a nanny who is already in the UAE directly and transferring her visa. Database access with Find Nanny and Maid starts at AED 199.
Do I get a replacement if the nanny leaves?
Agencies usually offer a guarantee period. With direct hire you search the database again; choose the 2 or 3 month plan if you want time for a second search.
Is it legal to hire a nanny without an agency in the UAE?
Yes. UAE residents can sponsor a domestic worker themselves through MOHRE or a Tadbeer centre, or take over her existing visa.
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