Which registration procedure applies to you?
Three questions, one place: which procedure, which insurance, which compensation office. Based on what you tell us — always confirm details with your compensation office.
Procedure
Simplified or ordinary
Insurance
UVG always, BVG & withholding tax case-by-case
Where to register
Your canton's compensation office
1. Which procedure: simplified or ordinary?
The simplified procedure (VAV) is the easiest path for most private households — unless a hard exclusion applies (a company rather than a private person, family in the same household, certain cross-border cases) and the wage per person stays under CHF 22,680/year. Above that, the ordinary procedure applies automatically. 4 short questions give you an honest verdict:
Step 1 of 4
25%
Who will be employing this person?
The simplified procedure is only for private households.
2. Which insurance is mandatory?
These base rules apply regardless of the procedure. They're guideposts — your personal case may have exceptions.
Accident insurance (UVG)
Mandatory from the first working hour for occupational accidents (BU, 0.505% employer-paid). Non-occupational accident cover (NBU, 1.432% employee-paid) applies once someone works 8+ hours/week for you.
Occupational pension (BVG)
A checkpoint, not automatic: relevant from age 25 once the annual wage per employer exceeds CHF 22'680. If someone works for several households, the combined total across employers can become relevant (Substitute Occupational Benefit Institution) — under the simplified procedure this usually stays under the threshold, but have your case checked if unsure.
Withholding tax
Applies to employees without a C settlement permit. Under the simplified procedure a flat 5% rate applies, collected directly with the AHV statement — no separate tax procedure needed. French cross-border workers in one of the 8 accord cantons follow special rules (form 2041-AS instead of withholding tax).
3. Where do I register? Does VAVplus apply?
Registration runs through the compensation office of your canton of residence. In some cantons you can additionally opt into VAVplus, where the office also handles withholding tax and accident insurance on request. VAVplus is opt-in, not automatic, and not available everywhere. Pick your canton for the exact office:
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.
What you need to register
- Name, address and AHV number of the employee (if available)
- ID or residence permit of the employee
- Agreed hours and hourly wage (or monthly wage)
- Start date of employment
- For a family member in the household: registration via the simplified procedure isn't possible
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the simplified and ordinary procedure?
The simplified procedure (VAV) is a flat-rate, low-paperwork registration system for wages up to CHF 22,680 per person per year — with a fixed withholding-tax rate and no separate VAT questions. Above that threshold, for a company employer, or certain cross-border cases, the ordinary procedure applies automatically with individual payroll accounting.
What exactly is VAVplus?
VAVplus extends the simplified procedure: in participating cantons, the compensation office additionally handles withholding tax and accident insurance on request. It's an opt-in offer from the relevant office, not federal law, so it isn't available in every canton.
What happens if the wage crosses the threshold mid-year?
As soon as it's foreseeable that the annual wage will exceed CHF 22,680 per person, you must switch to the ordinary procedure. Clino detects this automatically from the entered hours and wage and flags it in time.
Do I need to register if the help only comes occasionally?
Paid household work is generally AHV-liable from the first hour — even at low volume. There are limited exceptions (e.g. very small pay for under-18s); when in doubt, ask your compensation office.
Is this check's result legally binding?
No. The check gives an assessment based on what you told it — the final call sits with your compensation office. When unsure, a short call there is worth it.
Sources & last checked
Figures and thresholds last checked on 2026-07-17 against the official AHV factsheets 2.06 (contributions) and 2.07 (simplified procedure). This page doesn't replace legal or tax advice.
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