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Try for free nowAn employment contract must be in writing. It must include: employer and employee, start date, weekly working hours, wage amount, holiday entitlement and notice periods.
All domestic workers must be registered with AHV/IV/EO — even for just a few hours per week. Additionally, unemployment insurance (ALV) and accident insurance (UVG) are required. Employer and employee each pay a share.
By law, employees are entitled to at least 4 weeks of holiday per year. In case of illness, wages must be continued for a reasonable period — usually 3 days, sometimes longer depending on cantonal law.
Every salary payment should be documented with a written statement. This shows gross wage, deductions (AHV, ALV, withholding tax) and net wage. This gives both parties clarity and protection.
If the domestic worker earns less than CHF 3,455 per year, you can use the simplified procedure. Reports go to the AHV, not the compensation office. This is simpler and cheaper.
In some cantons and municipalities, withholding tax applies. It is deducted from the gross wage and transferred directly to the tax authority. Whether withholding tax applies depends on the place of residence.
This checklist provides an overview of the most important legal requirements for domestic workers in Switzerland. It does not replace individual legal advice. Both the housekeeper and the household are jointly responsible for compliance with employment law and social insurance regulations.