Question 1

How many hours in advance do I have to pay the salary?

Accepted Answer

In Switzerland the nanny's salary is usually paid at the end of the month — at the latest on the last working day of the month. An advance isn't required by law, but it's common with live-in nannies or new hires (e.g. half a month's salary after 2 weeks). You may pay wages by bank transfer or cash. A bank transfer provides clearer proof of payment. When paying cash, use a signed wage receipt and keep it with the payslip. The employment must be registered regardless of the payment method.

Question 2

Do I need UVG for a part-time nanny?

Accepted Answer

Yes — UVG (occupational accident) is mandatory from the first hour, whether 5 or 50 h a week. From 8 h a week, non-occupational accident insurance (NBU) is added. Clino arranges the policy via a partner insurer. The family's private liability insurance does NOT cover the nanny.

Question 3

What if my nanny falls ill?

Accepted Answer

Continued salary applies from the first day of illness — how long depends on the Bern/Basel/Zurich scale (3 weeks to several months, by length of employment). Daily sickness benefits insurance (KTG) isn't mandatory but is strongly recommended: without it, you keep paying the salary yourself. See our continued-salary guide.

Question 4

How do I terminate the contract correctly?

Accepted Answer

Trial period (max. 3 months): 7 days' notice. 1st year: 1 month to month-end. From the 2nd year: 2 months. From the 10th year: 3 months. Notice must be in writing, ideally by registered letter. No reason needed (except wrongful termination).

Question 5

Is the nanny my employee or self-employed?

Accepted Answer

If the nanny works in YOUR home, follows your instructions and you set the hours, she is necessarily your employee (Art. 319 CO). She'd be self-employed only with several families at once, her own materials/premises and her own entrepreneurial risk — which does NOT apply to 95 % of nannies. Wrong status = risk of undeclared work.

Question 6

What if my nanny comes from abroad?

Accepted Answer

EU/EFTA citizens with a B or C permit may work as a nanny without extra authorisation — register with the municipality within 14 days. Non-EU countries (USA, UK, Brazil etc.) are very hard: a quota is required, usually only an au-pair visa is possible. With a B permit, withholding tax is mandatory — Clino accounts for it.

Question 7

What does Clino cost?

Accepted Answer

CHF 19.90/month — whether it's a cleaner, a nanny, a gardener or several employees at the same time. Included: AHV/IV/EO/ALV accounting, payroll, wage statement, withholding-tax accounting, UVG policy via a partner. No commission on the salary, no power of attorney needed, cancel anytime.

Question 8

How does a nanny differ from a childminder?

Accepted Answer

Nanny = your employee, comes to YOUR home and looks after your children. Childminder = looks after children in THEIR home, often several families at once — usually via a day-family organisation (Kibesuisse), rarely as your employee. Price: nanny ~CHF 27–35/h, childminder ~CHF 8–14/h. Full comparison on our comparison page.

Register your nanny in Switzerland — everything handled for CHF 19.90/month

Nannies in your canton

Zurich

Geneva

Zug

Vaud

Basel-Stadt

Bern

Aargau

Lucerne

St. Gallen

Basel-Landschaft

Schwyz

Ticino

Valais

Graubünden

Fribourg

Neuchâtel

Solothurn

Thurgau

Nidwalden

Schaffhausen

Jura

Obwalden

Appenzell Ausserrhoden

Uri

Glarus

Appenzell Innerrhoden

What does a nanny cost in Switzerland?

Part-time

Full-time

Live-in

The wage is only the tip.

A correctly registered nanny in 5 steps

Clarify your needs

Calculate the salary

Set up the contract

Trust check

Register with the AHV / UVG

What Clino takes off your hands

Salary & wage statement

AHV contributions

UVG policy

Withholding tax

Frequently asked questions

Register other household help

Register a cleaner

Hire a caregiver

A correctly registered nanny in 30 minutes