Housekeeper or cleaner - what fits your household?
Answer 4 short questions. In 30 seconds you'll know which role you actually need - honestly.
Tip: there is no wrong answer.
1 of 4What should they do for you?
If you only need cleaning for up to 10 hours a week, a cleaner is enough (CHF 28 - 32/h); once cooking, laundry and shopping come in at 15+ hours, you need a housekeeper (CHF 32 - 40/h).
- Cleaner: 2 - 10h/week, typically CHF 250 - 1200/month - one clear goal: a clean home.
- Housekeeper: 15 - 45h/week, CHF 2000 - 7000/month, runs the whole household.
- Registration is identical for both: compensation office, UVG and a written contract.
Three typical profiles
Which household looks closest to yours? Here's what daily life looks like in practice.
Solo apartment, once a week
One person, one apartment, clearly defined tasks. Bathroom, kitchen, floor, dust - done in a morning.
Family with kids, both parents working
Cleaning plus laundry, groceries and occasional cooking. Keeps the household running while you work.
Senior with mobility limitations
Cleaning, groceries, light meals and companionship. More than cleaning - everyday support.
Cleaner vs housekeeper at a glance
The key differences in practice.
Focused
Cleaner
Hours per week
2 - 10h
Hourly rate
CHF 28 - 32
Scope of tasks
Cleaning, vacuuming, bathroom, kitchen
Typical monthly cost
CHF 250 - 1200
Employment type
Hourly, part-time
Best for
Apartment, 1 - 2 people, simple goal: clean home
Comprehensive
Housekeeper
Hours per week
11 - 45h
Hourly rate
CHF 32 - 40
Scope of tasks
Cleaning + cooking, laundry, shopping, organising
Typical monthly cost
CHF 2000 - 7000
Employment type
Part-time or full-time, sometimes live-in
Best for
Family, large home, multiple tasks
What you need to know legally
Both roles are employees. That holds - whether 4 hours or 40:
Minimum wage per NAV household: CHF 20.35-22.30/h, cantonal minima can be higher.
AHV registration with the compensation office from day one - even at just 2h/week.
UVG accident insurance is mandatory - without it you are personally liable for accidents.
Written employment contract: required in Geneva, strongly recommended elsewhere for clarity.
Free Checklist: Hire Household Help Correctly
AHV, accident insurance, contract. All on one page, by email in 30 seconds.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Quick answers
1Is housekeeper just another word for cleaner?+
No. A cleaner cleans - bathroom, kitchen, dust, floors. A housekeeper runs the whole household: cleaning plus cooking, laundry, shopping and organising. The same NAV Hauswirtschaft applies in Switzerland, but hourly rate, hours and contract differ.
2Can a cleaner also cook or do laundry?+
Yes, but then her role expands toward housekeeper. Important: list every task in the contract. Someone who cooks, cleans and does laundry is in fact a housekeeper and should be paid accordingly.
3What does a housekeeper cost compared to a cleaner?+
A cleaner typically costs CHF 28 - 32/hour, a housekeeper CHF 32 - 40/hour or CHF 4000 - 7000/month full-time. Both come with social security and UVG on top - Clino works out the exact figures for either case.
4Do I register a housekeeper differently from a cleaner?+
No, registration is the same: cantonal compensation office, UVG insurance and a written contract. The difference is in the scope and wage - the legal duty is identical.
Ready to hire your help the right way?
Cleaner or housekeeper - Clino prepares payroll, insurance and paperwork. CHF 19.90/month, 30 days free.
Note: Overview, not legal advice. As of May 2026. Rates and cantonal specifics can change. · Last updated: May 2026
