When do I have to register my cleaner?
The short answer: From the very first franc. No exemption threshold, no minor-amount rule - unlike many other countries. If you don't know this and pay cash for five years, you can suddenly face a back-claim of several thousand francs. Here are the exact thresholds, the only exception, and what happens if you register too late.
Short answer
From the very first franc of wages, a household helper in Switzerland must be registered with the AHV - regardless of workload or frequency. The only exception applies to people under 25 with an annual wage below CHF 750. Up to CHF 22,680/year per employee the simplified accounting procedure applies.
The essentials at a glance
- 1From the very first franc, registration is mandatory in a private household.
- 2Only exception: people under 25 with an annual wage below CHF 750.
- 3Up to CHF 22,680/year per employee the simplified procedure applies.
- 4Not registering = undeclared work, with fines up to CHF 10,000 (AHVG Art. 88 with StGB Art. 106); with additional tax evasion, up to 3 times the evaded tax (Art. 175 DBG).
- 5Clino prepares the entire registration pre-filled in 5 minutes - you sign and submit.
Quick check: does the obligation apply to you?
Do I have to register my cleaner?
Answer three quick questions and you will know what applies to your household.
Question 1 of 3
Does someone work regularly in your household?
This means paid work, for example cleaning, childcare, gardening or senior care.
The rule in one sentence
Anyone who employs a household helper in Switzerland must register them with the AHV - regardless of the wage amount. There is no minor-amount threshold in a private household (except for people under 25: CHF 750/year).
Every private household that employs a cleaner is legally an employer - with all the rights and obligations that entails.
The key thresholds
Three numbers are worth knowing when you employ a household helper. They determine what you must register and how the accounting works.
CHF 0 - registration obligation
From the very first hour of work you must register as an employer with your cantonal compensation office. Unlike other sectors, private households have no exemption threshold.
CHF 750/year - youth exception
Only for employees under 25 and only for wages below CHF 750 per employer per year are no AHV contributions due. Registering as an employer is still recommended.
CHF 22,680/year - simplified procedure
Up to this amount per employee you can use the simplified accounting procedure - one statement for all social insurance and withholding tax. Most private households are well below it.
What counts as wages?
It's not just the hourly wage that matters. Wages subject to AHV include all remuneration directly linked to the employment relationship:
What many people don't know: Board and lodging - i.e. when the household helper lives with you - also count as wages in kind subject to contributions. Au pairs are no exception. Even if you 'only' provide accommodation and meals, an AHV-liable employment relationship arises.
Counts as wages
- ✓Hourly / monthly wage
- ✓Holiday supplement (8.33%)
- ✓13th month's salary
- ✓Wages in kind (board & lodging)
- ✓Tips (regular)
Does not count as wages
- ✗Expense reimbursements with receipt
- ✗Travel cost reimbursement
- ✗Tool and material flat rate
Registration step by step
Registering your household helper is less complicated than many think. Ideally you do everything before the first day of work.
Contact the compensation office
Register as an employer with the cantonal compensation office of your canton of residence. You will receive an employer number.
Create an employment contract
Put the hourly wage, working hours, holiday supplement and notice period in writing. A written contract is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
Take out accident insurance (UVG)
As an employer you are legally required to insure your household helper against occupational accidents; non-occupational accident insurance is also mandatory once they work at least 8 hrs/week for you.
Settle wages monthly
Deduct the employee shares (AHV/IV/EO/ALV) from the wage and transfer them together with your employer share to the compensation office.
Submit the annual wage declaration
By the end of January of the following year, report the full annual wage to the compensation office. Under the simplified procedure you do this quarterly.
Tip: automate everything
What happens if I don't register?
Unregistered household helpers are undeclared work. The consequences:
Warning: undeclared work is actively pursued
- •Back-payment: Contributions up to 5 years retroactively, plus 5% default interest
- •Fines and penalties: For tax evasion, 1 to 3 times the evaded tax (DBG Art. 175); plus criminal proceedings under the BGSA and possibly immigration law (Art. 117 AIG)
- •No insurance cover: Your household helper receives no benefits in case of accident or illness
- •Criminal proceedings: Systematic undeclared work risks criminal proceedings under the BGSA
- •Liability for accidents: In a work accident you are personally liable for all treatment costs and loss of earnings
Registered vs. unregistered
The difference between legal and illegal is smaller than you think - but the consequences are enormous.
Unregistered
- •Fines up to CHF 10,000 (AHVG Art. 88)
- •Back-payment + 5% default interest
- •No accident cover for your cleaner
- •No pension entitlement (AHV gaps)
- •Possible criminal proceedings under the BGSA
- •No tax deductibility
Properly registered
- •Legal certainty for both sides
- •Accident insurance for work accidents
- •Full AHV pension for your household helper
- •Continued pay in case of illness regulated
- •A written contract protects both parties
- •Tax deductible (up to CHF 10,000/year depending on canton)
Properly registered in 5 minutes
Clino guides you through the whole process - AHV registration, employment contract, monthly payroll. For CHF 19.90/month.
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