Hiring a registered house cleaner in Switzerland is not just good practice: it is a legal obligation. Yet, many households still resort to undeclared work for their home cleaning. This guide compares both options, details the real risks of undeclared work and shows you how to stay compliant without any hassle.
Registered house cleaner: what does Swiss law say?
In Switzerland, any employer (including private individuals) who hires a house cleaner must register them with the AVS compensation fund. This obligation applies from the very first franc paid, with no minimum threshold.
The mandatory contributions include:
- AVS/AI/APG: 10.6% of gross salary (half employer, half employee)
- Unemployment insurance (AC): 2.2%
- Accident insurance (LAA): mandatory, paid by the employer
- Family allowances: varies by canton
- Occupational pension (LPP): mandatory if annual salary exceeds CHF 22,050
To simplify the process, Switzerland offers the simplified accounting procedure (also known as “cheque emploi”) for salaries up to CHF 22,050 per year per employee. This procedure allows you to settle all contributions in a single payment.
Undeclared work: the real risks for employers
Undeclared work comes with serious consequences. The Federal Act on Measures to Combat Undeclared Work (LTN) sets out specific penalties for employers who fail to register their staff.
Fines and financial penalties
Fines for undeclared employment range from CHF 1,000 to CHF 30,000 depending on the severity and repeat offences. In cases of repeated violations, criminal proceedings may follow. On top of that, unpaid social contributions must be paid retroactively, with late payment interest.
Liability in case of accident
This is the most underestimated risk. If your unregistered house cleaner is injured at your home (falling from a stepladder, chemical burn, slip), you are personally liable. Without LAA insurance, you must cover:
- Full medical costs
- Salary during the period of incapacity
- A potential disability pension
- Damages and compensation
A single accident can cost tens of thousands of francs.
Real-world examples
In 2023, the canton of Geneva stepped up inspections through the Office cantonal de l’inspection et des relations du travail (OCIRT). Several private individuals received fines for undeclared employment of cleaning staff. Meanwhile, the cantons of Vaud and Geneva now use cross-referencing of tax data to detect undeclared work.
Cost comparison: registered vs undeclared
Many people assume undeclared work is cheaper. In reality, the gap is smaller than you might think, and the financial risk is far greater.
Example for 4 hours of cleaning per week
Undeclared house cleaner:
- Typical hourly rate: CHF 25 to 30
- Monthly cost: CHF 400 to 480
- Fine risk: CHF 1,000 to 30,000
- Accident risk: unlimited
- No social protection for the employee
Registered house cleaner (direct employment):
- Gross hourly wage: CHF 28 to 33 (CCT Nettoyage)
- Employer social charges: approximately 15%
- Total monthly cost: CHF 515 to 610
- Administration: simplified accounting or payslip management
Via MénageSimple:
- All-inclusive rate: from CHF 32/hour
- Monthly cost: from CHF 512
- Administration: zero, everything is managed by MénageSimple
- Insurance, declarations, replacement: included
For a full breakdown of rates, see our guide to house cleaning prices in Switzerland.
What MénageSimple handles for you
Going through MénageSimple eliminates all the administrative complexity. Here is what our service includes:
- Full registration: all social contributions (AVS, LAA, LPP) are managed
- CCT compliance: adherence to the Collective Labour Agreement for the cleaning sector
- Liability insurance: coverage in case of damage at your home
- Guaranteed replacement: if your house cleaner is unavailable, we send a substitute
- No long-term commitment: you can cancel at any time
- Simple billing: one invoice, all-inclusive
In other words, you get regular, professional home cleaning without any administrative burden. It is as simple as booking online.
How to switch from undeclared to registered
If you currently employ an undeclared house cleaner, here are your options to regularise the situation:
- Register them yourself via the simplified accounting procedure with your cantonal compensation fund. You can find the forms on ahv-iv.ch.
- Switch to a platform like MénageSimple that takes care of everything. You may even keep the same house cleaner if she wishes to join our network.
In both cases, it is advisable not to wait for an inspection. Voluntary regularisation is always viewed more favourably by the authorities.
To learn more about prevailing wages, read our article on house cleaner salaries in Switzerland.
Benefits of a registered house cleaner for the employee
Registering your house cleaner also guarantees her:
- AVS coverage for her retirement
- Accident insurance in case of injury
- Unemployment rights in case of job loss
- Professional recognition
By choosing to work within the law, you also help fight precarious employment in the cleaning sector.
FAQ about registered house cleaners in Switzerland
Is it mandatory to register a house cleaner in Switzerland?
Yes, from the very first franc of salary paid. There is no minimum threshold in Switzerland.
How much are the fines for undeclared work?
Fines range from CHF 1,000 to CHF 30,000 depending on the severity. In cases of repeat offences, amounts increase and criminal proceedings are possible.
How can I register my house cleaner easily?
Use the simplified accounting procedure with your cantonal AVS fund, or go through a service like MénageSimple that manages everything for you.
Is a registered house cleaner much more expensive?
The difference is roughly 15 to 20% compared to undeclared work. However, when you factor in the risk of fines and accidents, registered work is always more financially advantageous.
Does MénageSimple register house cleaners?
Yes. All house cleaners in our network work in full compliance with Swiss legislation (AVS, LAA, CCT Nettoyage). Check our rates for more details.
What risks does a house cleaner face when working undeclared?
She also risks fines and loses her rights to social insurance (retirement, unemployment, accident coverage). It is a precarious situation for both parties.
