Full-Time Guide
Hiring a full-time nanny: she costs about 110-116 % of her wage, pension fund included
In 2026 a full-time nanny costs you about 110-116 % of her gross wage. Because every full-time wage is above the CHF 22,680 a year threshold, it always runs under the standard procedure with an occupational pension (BVG entry threshold 2026, FSIO). Run your own case below.
Yes, but only under the standard procedure. Occupational pension (BVG), accident insurance and, with a B or L permit, withholding tax under the cantonal tariff are mandatory. On top of roughly 8-10 % social contributions comes your BVG share: half of the 7-18 % retirement credit on the coordinated wage (annual wage minus CHF 26,460).
- Procedure: always standard. The simplified procedure is ruled out above CHF 22,680/year.
- The pension obligation applies from the first working day. Without an affiliation, the compensation office reports you to the Substitute Occupational Benefit Institution: retroactive affiliation with back contributions, default interest and a surcharge.
- Example Zurich, nanny aged 35, CHF 5,000 gross with a 13th salary: about CHF 5,600 employer cost per salary payment.
This applies when
Your nanny works (nearly) full-time, i.e. earns more than CHF 22,680 gross per year with you.
What your full-time nanny really costs
What a full-time nanny really costs
Most wage calculators are built for hourly cleaners - and forget the pension fund (BVG). For a full-time nanny it's mandatory. This calculator shows the honest total cost including BVG.
Nanny details
Nanny takes home
2026CHF 4'401
per month • CHF 57'422 per year
Nanny's deductions
Your employer costs
Gross wage + all employer contributions
BVG is mandatory here
This annual wage exceeds CHF 22'680 - occupational pension (2nd pillar) is mandatory. The simplified procedure is NOT available here; the ordinary procedure applies. The figures include the savings credit, risk contribution and admin costs (estimate on the Auffangeinrichtung tariff); the pension fund confirms the exact amount.
Independent support: Swiss Nanny Association
The Swiss Nanny Association is a nonprofit association supporting nannies and Au Pairs with information, resources, training and guidance on fair working conditions in Switzerland.
For information and resources, visit swissnanny.org ↗Indicative figure. The effective source tax depends on canton and personal situation; BVG contributions vary by pension plan.
Clino prepares the AHV registration, BVG affiliation and UVG and runs payroll - for CHF 19.90/month.
Register your nanny with ClinoNext step: put the monthly wage, 13th salary and holidays in a written contract. The pension fund and the first payslip build on it.
Create the nanny employment contract, freeFull-time nanny: registration folder
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How to register a full-time nanny correctly
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With Clino: the standard procedure without accounting stress
Clino prepares the registration with the compensation office and pension fund, correctly calculates OASI, occupational pension and withholding tax, produces monthly payslips and the annual salary certificate. You skip the entire payroll accounting, for CHF 19.90 per month.
Clino, quitt, KLARA Home or fairboss: nanny payroll costs compared
The fine print - open what applies to you
The answer above is enough for most people. If you want to go deeper, here is the legal detail, each with a link to the full page.
Simplified vs. standard procedure
The simplified settlement procedure (VAV) is only permitted up to a gross wage of CHF 22,680 per year and employee. That ceiling equals the 2026 BVG entry threshold (also CHF 22,680). A full-time nanny earns, depending on region and experience, CHF 3,800 to 6,500 per month, that is CHF 45,600 to 78,000 per year. The simplified-procedure limit is therefore exceeded by two to three times, and the standard procedure is not optional but mandatory.
Simplified procedure (part-time)
- •Only permitted up to CHF 22,680 gross wage/year
- •Flat 5% withholding tax, one filing per year
- •No occupational-pension affiliation needed
- •No salary certificate: confirmation from the compensation office
Standard procedure (full-time)
- •No wage cap - for any full-time salary
- •Withholding tax under the cantonal table, quarterly filings
- •Occupational-pension (BVG) affiliation mandatory
- •Full, itemised salary certificate
Occupational pension (BVG): the 2nd pillar becomes mandatory
How much goes into the pension fund, by age?
Retirement credit as a percentage of the coordinated wage. The employer pays at least half.
Mandatory only above an annual wage of CHF 22,680 with the same employer. Coordination deduction: CHF 26,460.
Occupational pension (BVG): the 2nd pillar becomes mandatory
Details on the pension fund for nannies: BVG affiliation step by step
Withholding tax for full-time nannies
If your nanny holds a B or L permit (and not the C settlement permit or a Swiss passport), she is subject to withholding tax. Under the standard procedure the VAV flat rate of 5% does not apply, but the regular cantonal withholding-tax table. It depends on wage, marital status, children and denomination.
Withholding tax for full-time nannies
Monthly-salary contract & 13th salary
A full-time nanny is usually employed on a fixed monthly salary, not hourly. The written employment contract sets out the monthly salary, working hours, holidays (at least 4 weeks), notice periods, probation and any benefits in kind (board and lodging).
The 13th salary is not required by law (except under the Bern and Ticino standard employment contracts, unless the written contract excludes it), but it is customary in the nanny sector and often expected. If agreed, it is usually paid in December or pro rata on departure. Important: once the 13th salary is in the contract, it is binding. So clearly state whether it is owed and how it is calculated pro rata for a mid-year start or departure.
Hire a full-time nanny correctly and stress-free
Clino prepares the entire standard procedure: registration with the compensation office and pension fund, occupational pension, withholding tax, monthly payslip and annual salary certificate. You don't have to keep any payroll accounts. CHF 19.90/month.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I register a full-time nanny under the simplified procedure to save effort?
From what wage do I have to pay occupational-pension (BVG) contributions?
How high are the total employer costs on top of the wage?
Do I need a written contract for a full-time nanny?
Sources
- AHV/IV Information Centre - leaflets 2.06 'Domestic work' and 2.07 'Simplified settlement procedure for employers' (as of 2026): ahv-iv.ch
- BVG entry threshold 2026: CHF 22,680 - Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO)
- FTA - withholding tax on earned income, cantonal tariff tables 2026
- Code of Obligations (CO), Art. 319 ff. (individual employment contract), Art. 322d (gratification / 13th salary)