Social Insurance Check: Which Insurance Does Your Domestic Worker Need?
Answer 3 short questions and instantly see which social insurances are mandatory for your domestic worker, which are recommended and what you as employer must pay. Not registered yet? Our Registration Guide will help you.
Step 1 of 4
As what are you hiring?
Total employer costs
CHF 2'189.35
/ month
Mandatory Insurances in Detail
As a private employer of a domestic worker, you must take out and settle the following social insurances:
AHV/IV/EO - Old Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance
Always mandatory, from the first franc of wages. Both sides pay 5.3% each of the gross wage. AHV contributions fund old-age pensions, disability pensions and income replacement (military service, maternity). There is no minimum threshold for private households - unlike commercial employers (where CHF 2,300/year applies).
ALV - Unemployment Insurance
Always mandatory together with AHV. 1.1% each for employer and employee. ALV covers income loss in case of unemployment.
UVG Occupational Accidents (BU)
Always mandatory. The employer must insure the domestic worker against occupational accidents (accidents during work and on the commute). The rate is approx. 0.505% and is fully paid by the employer.
UVG Non-Occupational Accidents (NBU)
Mandatory from 8 hours/week with the same employer. The rate is approx. 1.432% and is deducted from the employee's wage. Below 8h/week, the domestic worker remains insured against non-occupational accidents through their private health insurance (KVG).
FAK - Family Compensation Fund
Employer contribution always mandatory. The rate varies by canton (approx. 1-2.8%). FAK funds child allowances. In the cantons of Valais (VS) and Vaud (VD), employees also make a small contribution.
Withholding Tax (simplified procedure)
Under the simplified accounting procedure, withholding tax is a flat 5% (employee share). It replaces regular income tax and is settled together with social contributions through the compensation office.
BVG - Pension Fund (2nd Pillar)
Mandatory from CHF 22,680 annual salary (entry threshold 2026). For typical part-time positions in private households, this threshold is often not reached. If it is, employer and employee each pay 50% of the contributions. The rate depends on age (7-18%).
FAK map: employer contribution by canton
The FAK contribution (family compensation fund) is paid by the employer - it funds family allowances. The rate is set per canton. Pick your canton.
Zürich
Funds the family allowances.
Source: official employer FAK rates (BSV/OFAS, as of 2026).
Voluntary but Recommended Insurances
KTG - Daily Sickness Benefit Insurance
The NAV Domestic Work does not require KTG insurance, but it is strongly recommended. Without KTG, you must continue paying wages during illness according to the Bern, Basel or Zurich scale (3 weeks in the 1st year of service, increasing thereafter). KTG insurance costs approx. 0.5-2% of wages and covers 80% of wages for up to 720 days.
Other voluntary benefits such as supplementary accident insurance or above-mandatory BVG contributions are generally not relevant for private households.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay social insurance as a private household?▾
When is non-occupational accident insurance (UVG-NBU) mandatory?▾
Does my cleaner need a pension fund (BVG)?▾
Is daily sickness benefit insurance (KTG) mandatory?▾
How do I register the insurances?▾
Find Your Cantonal Compensation Office
Registration goes through the compensation office of your canton. Find the right office with direct links and cantonal specifics:
View all 26 cantons →Further Guides
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