Registering Your Cleaner with the AHV in 2026: A 4-Step Guide
Registering with the AHV is the most important step when you employ a household helper. Here you'll learn exactly how it works - step by step. And if you want to keep it simple: Clino pre-fills the registration form for your canton, so all you have to do is submit it.
The key facts in brief
- 1AHV registration is mandatory from the very first franc of wages - there is no lower limit for adults.
- 2Simplified Procedure: AHV/IV/EO, ALV, FAK and withholding tax in one step - up to CHF 22'680 annual wage.
- 3Employer and employee each pay 5.3% AHV/IV/EO - 10.6% in total.
- 4Without registration you risk a fine of up to CHF 10’000 (AHVG Art. 88), back payments and criminal charges.
Why is AHV registration mandatory?
Anyone who employs a household helper in Switzerland is legally obliged to register them with the AHV. This applies from the very first franc of wages - regardless of whether the person only works a few hours per week.
The only exception: for young people under 25, there is an exemption for wages below CHF 750 per year and per employer. For everyone else there is no lower limit.
Whoever employs a cleaner is an employer - with all the rights and obligations. AHV registration is not optional, it's a legal duty.
A legal obligation
AHV registration in 4 steps
AHV registration can be broken down into four simple steps. Here's the overview:
Find the compensation office
Identify the cantonal compensation office of your canton of residence.
Fill in the registration form
Have the AHV numbers, hourly wage, working hours and start date ready.
Choose the Simplified Procedure
Settle AHV/IV/EO, ALV, FAK and withholding tax in a single step.
Submit the form
Online, by email or by post - processing takes 2-4 weeks.
The steps in detail
Find the responsible compensation office
You register with the cantonal compensation office (Ausgleichskasse) of your canton of residence. Each canton has its own office with its own form and online portal.
Fill in the registration form
Have the following details ready: your AHV number (756.XXXX.XXXX.XX), your household helper's AHV number, the agreed hourly wage, weekly working hours and the start of the employment.
Choose the Simplified Procedure
For household helpers you can use the Simplified Settlement Procedure. It settles AHV/IV/EO, ALV, family allowances and withholding tax in a single process. Requirement: an annual wage below CHF 22'680 per person. The procedure does have its limits, though - read our article on the downsides of the Simplified Procedure.
Submit the form
Depending on the canton: online via the compensation office portal, by email or by post. Processing takes 2-4 weeks. You then receive your employer number.
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.
Zürich
SVA Zürich
Source: official data from the cantonal compensation offices.
Checklist: documents for the AHV registration
Before you fill in the registration form, you should have the following documents ready:
Both AHV numbers (yours and your employee's) are printed on the respective health insurance card. How to find or apply for an AHV number.
Documents you'll need
Cleaning & Household
The classic: rights, safety and pro techniques for cleaners.
- ~40 min
- in your language
- PDF certificate with QR code
Which contributions are due?
| Contribution | Employee | Employer | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHV/IV/EO | 5.3% | 5.3% | 10.6% |
| ALV | 1.1% | 1.1% | 2.2% |
| FAK | - | cantonal | variable |
| Withholding tax | 5% | - | 5% |
The exact FAK rates vary from canton to canton. Calculate your exact costs →
Important: split the contributions in half
What happens without registration?
Undeclared work is no trivial matter
Without AHV registration
- •Fine up to CHF 10’000 (AHVG Art. 88)
- •Back payment of all contributions (up to 5 years)
- •Default interest of 5% per year
- •No accident cover for the household helper
- •No pension for the employee
- •Criminal charges possible
With AHV registration
- •Legal security as an employer
- •Accident insurance for your household helper
- •AHV pension is built up correctly
- •Unemployment insurance in case of job loss
- •Wage costs can be deducted from tax
- •A clear conscience and fair treatment
Clino guides you through the AHV registration
A pre-filled form, a clear step-by-step guide, automatic payroll and correct contribution rates. CHF 19.90/month.
Start for free →Looking for the guide for your canton?
All 26 cantons at a glanceFrequently asked questions
From what wage must I register my cleaner with the AHV?
Which form do I need for the AHV registration?
How long does the AHV registration take?
What happens if I don't register my cleaner with the AHV?
Can I do the AHV registration online?
Free Checklist: Hire Household Help Correctly
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Registration & paperwork
The letter that does not have to scare you.
Take a breath. You do not face the AHV paperwork alone, Clino does it with you.
- Registration with the right compensation fund.
- Payroll ready every month (AHV 5.3%, ALV 1.1% each side).
- Deadlines and filing always in view.
Deadline to register from the first working day. More room than it feels.
CHF 19.90/month, 30 days free. AHV 5.3% and ALV 1.1% each side (as of 2026); FAK cantonal, guideline value.
