How to Hire a Housekeeper in Spain for the First Time
Everything you need to know before hiring domestic staff in Spain for the first time: working hours, pay, Social Security registration, contracts and rights.
In short
At Maids & Co we help hundreds of families every year, both Spanish and foreign, to hire domestic staff safely and legally. And if there is one thing that comes up time and again, it is this:
"How many hours can a housekeeper work?"
"How much do I have to pay her?"
"Can she live in and be available around the clock?"
The same questions keep coming up, and that is completely normal. If you have never hired domestic staff in Spain before, everything seems more complicated than it really is: rules, salaries, Social Security, contracts, holidays and more.
We know how easy it is to get it wrong, but also how straightforward it can be to get it right from the start, once you have the correct information.
That is why we have put together a Domestic Service Guide just for you: clear, to the point, and with everything you need to hire with confidence, peace of mind and within the law. In this article we give you the essentials.
1. What type of working arrangement can I offer?
There are three common arrangements. Choosing the right one depends on your needs and the kind of relationship you want to establish.
- Live-in worker
She lives in your home, but take note: she is not available 24 hours a day.
The law sets a maximum of 40 hours a week of actual work and up to 20 hours of on-call presence (tiempo de presencia), if you both agree to it.
She must have her own room and clearly defined rest periods. This is key.
- Live-out worker
She comes in each day on a set schedule and goes home afterwards. Ideal for families who need daily help, but not round-the-clock care.
A maximum of 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week, with at least 12 hours' rest between shifts.
- Hourly worker
If you need help 1, 2 or 3 times a week, this is the arrangement for you. It is treated as hourly work when it does not exceed 120 days worked a year for the same employer.
It is the most flexible arrangement, but also the one that raises the most questions, so it pays to be well informed.
2. How much do I have to pay?
The short answer: it depends on the type of contract and the hours. The full answer, and the one we are asked most often:
In 2026, the minimum salary for full-time work is 17,094 €/year (Royal Decree 126/2026). You can pay it in one of two ways:
- 14 payments: 1,221 €/month plus 2 bonus payments (June and December)
- 12 prorated payments: 1,424.50 €/month
For hourly workers, pay usually ranges from 10 to 15 €/hour, depending on the city, the worker's experience and the tasks involved.
If you take on a live-in worker, you provide her board and lodging, but this cannot be deducted from her salary.
3. Do I have to register her with the Social Security?
Yes, and failing to do so can prove costly. As an employer, you are legally required to:
- Register your worker with the Social Security (Seguridad Social)
- Pay the monthly contributions (a small share can be deducted from her wages)
- Sign a contract, even if she works only a few hours
And in case the administrative side feels daunting: at Maids & Co we take care of all of this for you, without you ever having to set foot in an office.
4. What employment rights does she have?
Many families assume that, because the work is done at home, the rules are more informal. They are not: a domestic worker has the same employment rights as any other employee. Some of the most important are:
30 calendar days of paid holiday a year (at least 15 of them consecutive)
14 public holidays a year, 2 of which are local
Leave for maternity, paternity, marriage or the death of a family member
Sick leave or leave following an accident, managed by the Social Security
5. Do I have to draw up a contract and provide payslips?
Another question we are often asked: "What if she only comes for a few hours a week?"
Even if she works just one day, a written contract is compulsory, setting out the hours, pay and conditions. You must also provide a monthly payslip, with everything itemised (base salary, bonuses, contributions and so on).
And if you are not sure how to draw them up, our guide includes ready-to-complete templates. It could not be easier.
What if something doesn't work out?
We understand: bringing someone into your home is no small matter. It is personal. It is delicate. And sometimes it isn't the right fit first time round. That is why, at Maids & Co, we offer:
A money-back guarantee on the agency fee if you are not satisfied within the first 30 days
A free replacement during the first 6 months
Ongoing support at every stage, even after the hire
We want you to hire with security, yes, but also with confidence and peace of mind.
We have a Domestic Service Guide in PDF: just ask and we'll send it to you
If you have asked yourself any of the questions in this post, this guide is for you. It is free, clear and written with families like yours in mind: families who want to do things properly from the very start.
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Frequently asked questions
- What do I need in order to hire a housekeeper?
- A written contract, registration with the Social Security (Seguridad Social) from day one, a salary no lower than the Spanish minimum wage (SMI), and a payslip every month. The family, as the employer, pays the social security contributions.
- How much does a housekeeper earn in 2026?
- At least the SMI: 1,221 €/month over 14 payments (or 9.55 €/hour for hourly work). Above this minimum, it depends on the worker's profile, the tasks and the city.
- Is registering with the Social Security compulsory?
- Yes, from the first day of work and regardless of the hours. Failing to do so exposes you to penalties and to liability in the event of a workplace accident.
- Do I have to draw up a contract even for just a few hours?
- Yes. A written contract and Social Security registration are compulsory whatever the hours, including for hourly workers.
