Employer duties in the household: what you really have to handle
Employing a cleaner, nanny or caregiver? Then you're an employer, with clear duties. Here are the six things you must get right, what undeclared work costs, and how to get it right in 40 minutes.
Key takeaways
- 1Whoever regularly employs someone in the household is an employer - with registration, payroll and insurance duties.
- 2Up to CHF 22'680 annual wage per person you can use the simplified procedure; above that the ordinary procedure and BVG obligation apply.
- 3Occupational accident insurance (UVG-BU) is mandatory from the first working hour; non-occupational accident insurance (UVG-NBU) only becomes mandatory once the person works at least 8 hours a week for you.
- 4Undeclared work costs: fines up to CHF 10'000 (AHVG Art. 88) plus back-payment of contributions.
Your six duties as an employer
As soon as someone works for you regularly, these duties apply - whether it's 3 or 30 hours a week:
Register
Register the employment with your canton's AHV compensation office, ideally before the first hour.
Employment contract
In writing, with pay (NAV minimum from CHF 20.35/h from an average of 5 hrs/week), hours, holidays and notice periods.
Payslip & deductions
Monthly payslip with correct deductions for AHV/IV/EO and ALV.
Insurance
UVG-BU mandatory from hour one, UVG-NBU from 8 hrs/week, BVG from CHF 22'680 annual wage, KTG recommended.
Holidays, illness & public holidays
At least 4 weeks' holiday, continued pay when sick, correct handling of public holidays.
Fair termination
Observe notice and protected periods, and part ways cleanly and fairly.
Payroll, red tape and taxes - you don't fight this alone. Clino steps into the ring for you.
What undeclared work costs you
Paying “cash in hand” looks easy but is expensive. Not registering risks serious consequences, even retroactively.
Specifically: fines up to CHF 10'000 (AHVG Art. 88), back-payment of social contributions up to five years retroactively, and full liability if there's no insurance when an accident happens.
Simplified or ordinary procedure?
Up to an annual wage of CHF 22'680 per person you can use the compensation office's simplified procedure: contributions and a flat withholding tax are settled together.
Above CHF 22'680, the ordinary procedure applies and the BVG obligation (occupational pension, 2nd pillar) begins. This is exactly where most mistakes happen.
Employer Essentials
Employ household help the right way: duties, contract, pay and insurance, in 40 minutes.
- ~40 min
- in your language
- PDF certificate with QR code
Get everything right in 40 minutes
Clino's free Employer Essentials course explains each of these duties in plain language, no legal jargon, and ends with the “Fair Employer” certificate.
And if you'd rather skip the bureaucracy entirely: Clino handles registration, contract, payroll and insurance automatically, for CHF 19.90 a month at a flat rate.
Frequently asked questions
When do I have to register?
As soon as you employ someone regularly for pay, regardless of hours. Best register before the first working hour with the cantonal compensation office.
What is the simplified procedure?
A simplified settlement for wages up to CHF 22'680 per person per year. Social contributions and a flat 5% withholding tax are settled together via the compensation office.
Which insurances are mandatory?
Occupational accident insurance (UVG-BU) is mandatory from the first hour. Non-occupational accident insurance (UVG-NBU) only becomes mandatory once the person works at least 8 hours a week for you. From CHF 22'680 annual wage the occupational pension (BVG) is added. Daily-sickness-benefit insurance (KTG) is voluntary but recommended.
What's the penalty for undeclared work?
Fines up to CHF 10'000 (AHVG Art. 88), back-payment of contributions up to five years, and full liability for an accident without insurance.
Does Clino do this for me?
Yes. Clino automates registration, contract, payroll and insurance for CHF 19.90 a month. The course shows you what happens in the background.
Related guides
Become a fair employer
Learn to do it all right in 6 short modules, free and with a certificate. Or let Clino take over the paperwork entirely.
Rule your household, fairly
No court, no paperwork mountain. Just you, a clean registration and order across the realm.
- Art. IWhoever works for you is registered with the AHV from the first franc (as of 2026).
- Art. IIPay and holidays follow the law: min. 4 weeks of holiday (OR 329a).
- Art. IIIThe crown: registration within 30 days, documents kept 10 years.
Clino for CHF 19.90/month, flat. 30 days free, nothing before day 30. Contributions and deadlines vary by canton (guideline, as of 2026).
