How to Legally Hire a Housekeeper in Spain (2026 Guide)
The complete guide to hiring a housekeeper legally in Spain: registration, contract, pay and contributions.
Quick answer: to employ a housekeeper legally in Spain you register the worker with Social Security (the Special System for Domestic Employees) before they start, sign a written contract, pay at least the SMI (€1,221/month in 14 payments in 2026) and pay contributions monthly. There's no tax credit, but there is a 20% reduction in the employer contribution.
Employing at home is simple if you take the steps in the right order. Here's the sequence, from first contact to first payslip.
1. Register with Social Security
Before the start date, register the worker in the Special System for Domestic Employees via the TGSS online office. Each month you pay contributions by income band; registration is required even for a few hours. See how to register step by step.
2. A written contract
The contract should set out the job, the hours, the pay, the probation period (up to 2 months) and the conditions (Royal Decree 1620/2011). Download our contract template.
3. Pay and contributions
Pay must reach at least the SMI (€1,221/month in 14 payments). Social Security contributions are split between employer (most of it) and worker, with a 20% reduction on the employer contribution (45% for large families). Size your case with the cost calculator.
Official sources
Conclusion
Register, sign a contract and pay contributions — it protects both sides and, with the 20% reduction, the cost stays reasonable. Undeclared work, by contrast, is illegal.
See also
- How much it costs — the real cost with contributions.
- Registering — the TGSS process.
- Avoiding scams — checking ID and references.
FAQ
Is a contract mandatory?
The contract must be given in writing to the worker, especially beyond four weeks. It sets out the job, hours, pay and probation period.
Is registering worth it?
Yes: undeclared work is illegal, denies the worker their rights and exposes the employer to penalties. The standing 20% reduction in the contribution also lowers the cost.