Live-in vs Live-out Housekeeper in Spain: Which Option?
Comparing a live-in and live-out housekeeper in Spain: costs, obligations and use cases.
Quick answer: a live-in domestic worker lives in the home, with accommodation and meals as pay in kind (within limits) and specific rest rules; a live-out one lives at home on a standard wage. The choice depends on your needs (care, presence, budget).
Live-in or live-out, each option has advantages and obligations. Here's how to decide.
The live-in worker
- Accommodation and meals can count as pay in kind (within legal limits).
- Useful for a continuous presence or personal care.
- Set out accommodation, hours and rest in the contract.
The live-out worker
- The most common setup: an hourly or monthly wage and Social Security registration.
- More flexibility to spread hours across the week.
Impact on cost
Pay in kind changes the gross/net calculation. Cost each option with the cost calculator and put the choice in the contract.
Official sources
Conclusion
Choose based on your need for presence and your budget, and set the pay in kind out in the contract.
See also
- Worker rights — holiday, rest, termination.
- How much it costs — compare the options.
FAQ
Does accommodation count as wage?
Yes, it can be payment in kind, to be valued and stated in the contract and contributions.
Which suits a few hours a week?
Live-out, paid hourly and registered, is the simplest and most common.