Which is cheaper — live-in or live-out?

It depends on your needs. For hourly cleaning, live-out is usually cheaper; a live-in role makes sense for comprehensive, full-day care.

Do board and lodging count as wages?

Yes. Free lodging and meals count as an in-kind wage and are subject to contributions. The AHV sets reference values (full board and lodging is around CHF 990 per month).

Do special working hours apply to live-in roles?

Working and rest times apply to live-in roles too. In the Canton of Zurich that means around 43 hours per week for full-time work plus weekly rest days.

How much holiday is required?

At least four weeks of paid holiday per year, whether the housekeeper is live-in or live-out.

Live-in vs Live-out Housekeeper in Switzerland

Compare a live-in housekeeper with a live-out arrangement in Switzerland: cost, in-kind wage for board and lodging, and working hours.