Live-in Housekeeper in Spain: Rights and Obligations
Everything you need to know about employing a live-in housekeeper in Spain: working hours, rest periods, holidays, salary, board and lodging, and the rights and duties on both sides.
In short
Hiring a live-in housekeeper can be an ideal solution for families who need ongoing help at home, whether with children, elderly relatives or dependants. That said, it is essential to understand and respect the rights and obligations of both the employer and the housekeeper in order to maintain a fair and lasting working relationship.
Working Conditions and Rights of a Live-in Housekeeper
Working Hours and On-call Presence Time
A live-in housekeeper's maximum ordinary working week is 40 hours. It is crucial that these hours are arranged around the required rest periods. In addition, there may be presence time, when the housekeeper is available but not actively working. This time must not exceed 20 hours a week and must be paid or compensated with equivalent rest.
Rest Periods and Holidays
Live-in housekeepers are entitled to 36 consecutive hours of weekly rest, usually taken from Saturday afternoon through the whole of Sunday, or until Monday morning. They are also entitled to at least 12 hours of daily rest, which may be reduced to 10 hours provided it is properly made up over a four-week period. A live-in housekeeper must also be given at least two hours a day for main meals, which does not count as working time.
As for holidays, live-in housekeepers are entitled to 30 calendar days a year, in addition to the 14 official public holidays, during which they are not required to remain in the employer's home.
Salary and Other Payments
A live-in housekeeper's pay must be equal to or above the Spanish minimum wage (SMI, Salario Mínimo Interprofesional), which in 2026 is 17,094 €/year (1,221 €/month across 14 payments, or 1,424.50 €/month if spread over 12 payments), with a floor of 9.55 €/hour. On top of this base salary, overtime and presence time must be added; these must be paid at the same rate as an ordinary working hour or compensated with paid rest. Board and lodging may be counted as payment in kind, up to a maximum of 30%, but the full minimum wage must always be paid in cash.
| Item | Condition |
|---|---|
| Ordinary working week | Maximum 40 hours/week |
| Presence (on-call) time | Maximum 20 hours/week, paid or compensated |
| Rest between working days | 12 hours (reducible to 10 with compensation) |
| Weekly rest | 36 consecutive hours |
| Holiday | 30 calendar days a year |
| Minimum wage | 1,221 €/month across 14 payments (17,094 €/year) |
The Employer's Obligations
Contract and Social Security
You must draw up a contract that complies with current legislation and register the housekeeper with Social Security (Seguridad Social) from her very first day of work. This contract should set out the agreed duties, hours, rest periods and salary, ensuring clarity and protection for both parties.
Providing Board and Lodging
For live-in housekeepers, the employer must provide a suitable room and meals. It is essential to ensure that living conditions are decent and respectful, contributing to the housekeeper's wellbeing.
Punctual Payment and Extra Salary Payments
The agreed salary must be paid on time. In addition, the housekeeper is entitled to two extra salary payments a year (in June and December), which may be spread across the monthly payslips but cannot be withheld. This is part of safeguarding the housekeeper's financial wellbeing.
Respect and Communication
Encouraging open, respectful communication is vital. Listening to the housekeeper's views and needs, and addressing any problems or concerns constructively, helps build a healthy and lasting working relationship.
Knowing and respecting the rights and obligations of a live-in housekeeper is not only a legal requirement but a moral one. A fair, respectful working environment safeguards the housekeeper's wellbeing and fosters a stable, lasting working relationship that benefits both parties.
Why Hire Through Maids&Co?
At Maids&Co, we specialise in finding the perfect live-in housekeeper for your family. Our selection process is rigorous, ensuring that every candidate has the right experience, skills and attitude to settle seamlessly into your home. We also handle all the legal formalities, including drawing up the contract and registering her with Social Security, so you have nothing to worry about.
Get in touch with us today and discover how we can help you find the perfect housekeeper for your home.
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does a live-in housekeeper earn in 2026?
- At least the minimum wage (SMI), the same as any domestic worker: 1,221 €/month across 14 payments (17,094 €/year) in 2026. Above this minimum, pay depends on the role, the duties involved and the housekeeper's experience.
- How many hours can a live-in housekeeper work?
- The maximum ordinary working week is 40 hours. On top of this, there may be presence (on-call) time of up to 20 hours a week, which must be paid or compensated with rest.
- What rest periods is a live-in housekeeper entitled to?
- She is entitled to 12 hours of daily rest between working days (reducible to 10 if made up later) and 36 consecutive hours of weekly rest, plus 30 calendar days of paid holiday a year.
- Does a live-in housekeeper earn less for living in the employer's home?
- No. Board and lodging are conditions of the post and do not reduce the minimum wage she is entitled to.
