Guide · Requirements and documents
Requirements to Work in Dubai for Kenyans
What you need before applying for a domestic job in Dubai, the rest of the UAE, Qatar or Bahrain through Smartmaids Group — for housemaids, house help, nannies, Arabic cooks, home drivers, caregivers and home tutors.
Who can apply
- Kenyan citizenship
- A valid passport
- Aged 22–45
- Relevant domestic work experience
- Medical certificate
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Willingness to work abroad on a 2-year contract
- First timers can apply
Documents you need
- Valid passport with at least 2 years remaining
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Medical Examination Certificate
- Professional certificate, where applicable
- Studio video introduction (requested after your application is reviewed)
For the online application you only upload your passport, a passport-size photo and a full-length photo. The other documents are needed at the next stage.
Extra requirements by country
- UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi): Attested Police Clearance Certificate. For jobs in the UAE your Police Clearance Certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct) must be attested. Our team will guide you through it.
- Bahrain: Wafid medical examination. For jobs in Bahrain you need a Wafid medical examination. Appointments are booked through the Wafid website. wafid.com (opens in a new tab)
Requirements by job
- Housemaids and house help: housekeeping experience in a private home helps; first timers can apply.
- Nannies: experience caring for children, and contact details of previous employers for references.
- Arabic cooks: experience cooking Arabic dishes; your cooking skills are checked in our office.
- Home drivers: a valid driving licence. With a Kenyan licence the employer pays for your GCC licence.
- Caregivers: experience caring for elderly or dependent people; mention any caregiving or first-aid certificate.
- Home tutors: teaching or tutoring experience; certificates are verified in our office.
Ready? Apply online, or read how to get a job in Dubai from Kenya step by step.
FAQ
Requirements: common questions
What is the age limit to work in Dubai as a housemaid?
Smartmaids Group accepts applicants aged 22–45 for all domestic jobs in Dubai, the rest of the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain.
What documents do I need to work in Dubai?
A valid passport with at least 2 years remaining, recent passport-sized photographs, a Police Clearance Certificate (attested for the UAE), a Medical Examination Certificate and, where applicable, a professional certificate. A studio video introduction is requested after your application is reviewed.
Does my Police Clearance Certificate need to be attested?
Yes, for jobs in the UAE the Police Clearance Certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct) must be attested. Our team will guide you through it.
Which medical examination do I need for Bahrain?
For jobs in Bahrain you need a Wafid medical examination, booked through the Wafid website (wafid.com).
Do I need experience to work in Dubai?
Relevant domestic work experience helps, but first timers can apply. Choose “First Timer” on the application form.