How to Legally Hire a Housekeeper in Switzerland
How to hire a housekeeper correctly in Switzerland — covering minimum wage, AHV registration, compulsory accident insurance and the contract.
Quick answer: Register the housekeeper with your cantonal compensation office (Ausgleichskasse), pay social-security contributions, respect the minimum wage set by the standard employment contract (NAV), and take out compulsory accident insurance. A written contract is strongly recommended.
Minimum wage (NAV for domestic work)
The federal standard employment contract sets minimum wages — from 2026 around CHF 20.35 per hour for unskilled staff, more with experience or a vocational qualification. The NAV applies across Switzerland except the Canton of Geneva. A holiday supplement is added on top.
Registering with the compensation office (AHV)
In private households almost every wage is subject to contributions — the usual small-earnings exemption does not apply. Register the role with your cantonal compensation office (e.g. SVA Zürich). For smaller wages, the simplified accounting procedure is a good fit.
Social-security contributions
AHV/IV/EO and ALV (unemployment insurance)
Family-allowance contribution (depends on the canton)
Withholding tax (Quellensteuer) for foreign employees without a settlement permit
Compulsory accident insurance
Every housekeeper must be insured against accidents. From 8 hours per week, non-occupational accident cover is also compulsory. Note that Suva does not insure household work — choose another approved insurer.
Contract, holidays and wage components
A written contract is not always mandatory but strongly recommended; SECO provides a model contract. At least four weeks of holiday per year apply.
Practical steps
Set the workload and tasks
Agree the wage in line with the NAV
Sign a written contract
Register with the compensation office
Take out accident insurance
Run payroll and pay contributions
Contributions and procedures can change — confirm the current rules directly with the AHV and SECO.
👉 Find available housekeepers in Zurich here.
Conclusion
Hiring legally protects both sides, creates transparency and avoids fines. With the simplified accounting procedure, the administrative effort is manageable.
Official sources
Rules and figures can change — check the official sources:
See also
How much it costs — hourly rate and on-costs.
Hiring an international housekeeper — what families should know.
Is it safe? Avoid fraud — ID and permit checks.
Live-in vs live-out — which suits your home.
Make the admin easy: once you've hired, a Swiss service like Clino can handle the monthly payroll, the employment contract and the AHV registration for a flat CHF 19.90/month — you stay the employer, it just takes the paperwork off your desk.
See also
FAQ
Is a written contract mandatory?
Not always, but strongly recommended. SECO provides a model contract. A written contract protects both sides and prevents disputes.
Do I have to register small wages too?
Yes. In private households almost every wage is subject to contributions; the usual small-earnings exemption does not apply. Register the role with your compensation office.
What is the simplified accounting procedure?
A simplified route for smaller wages where AHV/IV/EO, unemployment insurance and withholding tax are settled once a year through the compensation office.
Do I need accident insurance?
Yes, it is compulsory. From 8 hours per week, non-occupational accidents must also be covered. Note that Suva does not insure household work.
What is the minimum wage?
The NAV for domestic work sets minimum wages — from 2026 around CHF 20.35 per hour for unskilled staff, more with experience or a qualification. Check the current figures with the AHV.
How do I find a housekeeper I can trust?
Prefer verified profiles, ask for references, and arrange a first paid session to align expectations before committing.
Should I do a paid trial first?
Yes. A first paid session lets you assess quality and fine-tune preferences before a bigger commitment.
Can I pay cash, without registering?
No. Undeclared work is illegal, leaves the worker unprotected and exposes you to penalties. Registering with the AHV via the simplified procedure is straightforward and protects both sides.