Complete guide: hiring domestic staff in Spain in 2026

Hiring domestic staff in Spain is about far more than finding the right person: it involves a specific legal framework, Social Security obligations and a series of decisions on working hours, salary and conditions that are worth getting right from day one. This guide walks you through everything a family needs to know in 2026.

Define the profile and type of working hours

Before discussing salaries or contracts, it helps to define what your home needs. A live-in housekeeper is not the same as a part-time live-out one, nor is a bilingual nanny the same as an elderly carer. The clearer the profile, the faster and more accurate the selection.

• Live-in full-time: the housekeeper resides in the home.
• Live-out full-time: present all day, without staying overnight.
• Hourly: occasional support for cleaning, ironing or cooking.
• Specialised profiles: nannies, elderly carers, cooks or house managers.

A contract is mandatory from day one

The domestic-work employment relationship is governed by Royal Decree 1620/2011 and, since the 2022 reform, has largely been brought in line with the general regime. The contract must be in writing whenever the duration exceeds four weeks, stating working hours, salary, duties and, where applicable, overnight arrangements.

Social Security registration

The employer must register the worker in the Special System for Domestic Employees before work begins. Since 2023, all domestic employees are entitled to unemployment benefits and contribute accordingly, which substantially changed the costs for the family.

Who pays the contributions?

Contributions are split between the employer and the worker, but managing and paying them is the employing family's responsibility. Reductions apply depending on household income and the number of contracted hours.

Salary, holidays and rest periods

• Salary never below the minimum wage in proportion to the working hours.
• 30 calendar days of annual holiday.
• Minimum weekly rest of 36 hours, preferably continuous.
• Two extra annual payments (or pro-rated).

Why do it through an official agency

An official agency like Maids & Co verifies references, checks documentation, conducts interviews and offers a replacement guarantee. We also support you with the administrative side so the hire is legal and stress-free.

Families don't need more options, they need someone they can trust.