Register a Babysitter, Nanny or Au Pair in Switzerland - Complete Guide 2026
Regular babysitter, live-in nanny, or au pair - the registration rules differ more than most parents realise. If someone regularly looks after your children for pay, you're already an employer under Swiss law. With all the obligations that come with it.
For an adult carer you owe AHV from the first franc - in a private household there is no small-wage threshold. Only for under-25s are wages up to CHF 750 per year exempt. Nannies and au pairs almost always have to be registered.
- The CHF 750 exempt limit for under-25s applies per employer, not per employee.
- Occupational accident cover (BU) is always mandatory, NBU from 8 hours/week.
- The simplified procedure works the same for babysitter, nanny and au pair.
Which type of care do you need?
2 questions - find the right model instantly
How often do you need childcare?
Babysitter vs. Nanny vs. Au Pair - The Differences
Three care models, three different requirements. Here's what applies to whom at a glance:
Babysitter
Flexible, spontaneous, no fixed days. Often students or neighbours.
Nanny
Professional childcare with fixed schedules. Often with pedagogical experience.
Au Pair
Lives with the family. Cultural exchange + childcare. Own room required.
AHV Obligation: When Must You Register?
The rule of thumb: for adult carers AHV applies from the first franc - in a private household there is no small-wage threshold. Only someone who, until the end of the year of their 25th birthday, earns no more than CHF 750 per year and employer is exempt.
This CHF 750 exempt limit for under-25s applies per employer, not per employee: if a young carer works for several families, each has its own limit. Once it is exceeded, the entire annual wage is liable.
Example calculation
Is your nanny or au pair of foreign origin without a C permit? Withholding tax applies additionally and is deducted directly from the salary. More about withholding tax β
How to Register Your Childcare Correctly
The simplified procedure makes it easy - the same for babysitter, nanny and au pair.
Register with AHV compensation office
Or use the simplified accounting procedure: one form, one deduction, all done.
Create employment contract
Working hours, pay, holidays (minimum 4 weeks, 5 weeks under age 20), notice period.
Take out accident insurance (UVG)
Occupational accident cover (BU) is mandatory from the first hour, paid by the employer. Non-occupational cover (NBU) additionally from 8 hours/week.
Process monthly payroll
Payslip with social insurance deductions. Quarterly with simplified procedure.
Submit annual statement
AHV compensation office receives the annual statement. Automatic with simplified procedure.
AK finder: your cantonal compensation office
AHV registration runs through the compensation office of your canton of residence. Pick your canton - you get the right office, its online portal and the registration form.
ZΓΌrich
SVA ZΓΌrich
Source: official data from the cantonal compensation offices.
Arranging the first babysitting evening
Lara
online
Hi Lara, thanks for saying yes! Could you look after Mia (3) this Saturday from 6pm? We'll be back around 11. She usually sleeps at 8, I'll show you everything else beforehand.
16:40Hi! Yes, Saturday works for me. Should I bring anything?
16:55No, everything's here. We'll account for the hourly wage properly and I'll register the job. See you Saturday!
16:58What Must the Employment Contract Include?
Even for occasional babysitting, a written contract is recommended. For nannies and au pairs, it's mandatory.
Which Insurance Do You Need?
Insurance obligations depend on working hours:
Occupational accident (BU)
Mandatory for all employees. Employer pays the premium.
Non-occupational accident (NBU)
Mandatory from 8 hours per week with one employer.
Daily sickness benefits (KTG)
Voluntary but recommended. Protects you from unlimited salary continuation during illness.
Pension fund (BVG)
Mandatory from CHF 22,680 annual salary. Rarely relevant for part-time babysitting.
What Does Proper Registration Cost?
Much less than you think - and much less than the penalty for undeclared work.
Register your childcare - done in 10 minutes
Clino handles payroll, social insurance and employment contracts. For babysitters, nannies and au pairs.
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