What to Include in a Housekeeper Employment Contract in Switzerland
A guide to what to include in a housekeeper contract in Switzerland — from workload to pay, holidays and registration.
Quick answer: A written contract is not compulsory in Switzerland but strongly recommended. It should set out the parties, duties, workload, pay (at least the NAV minimum), holidays, notice and the trial period. SECO provides a model contract.
Is a written contract required?
No — the employment relationship is valid even verbally. A written contract is still strongly recommended; use the SECO model contract as a template.
What the contract should include
- Employer and housekeeper
- Place of work and duties (cleaning, ironing, cooking, childcare/elderly care)
- Workload, working hours and weekly rest days
- Hourly pay (at least the NAV minimum, from 2026 around CHF 20.35) plus a holiday supplement
- Holidays (at least 4 weeks), notice period and trial period
- For board/lodging: the in-kind wage that is counted
Associated obligations
Register the role with your cantonal compensation office (AHV) and take out compulsory accident insurance. The contract does not replace these steps. Geneva and some cantons set a higher minimum wage.
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A shortcut: a Swiss service like Clino generates a compliant employment contract for you — plus the monthly payroll and AHV registration — for a flat CHF 19.90/month, while you stay the employer.
Conclusion
A clear contract — duties, workload, pay, holidays, notice — gives both sides certainty, even though the written form is not compulsory.
Official sources
See also
FAQ
Is a written contract required?
No, the employment relationship is valid even verbally. A written contract is still strongly recommended; SECO provides a model contract.
What minimum pay should I put in?
At least the NAV minimum (from 2026 around CHF 20.35/hour for unskilled work), plus the holiday supplement. Geneva and some cantons require more.
How much holiday goes in the contract?
At least four weeks of paid holiday per year. Also state the notice period and trial period.
Does the contract replace registration?
No. In addition to the contract you must register the role with the compensation office and take out accident insurance.