Registration even for a few hours: no exemption since 2012 (reinforced in 2023)
Minimum pay: €9.55/h (2026 SMI)
What adapts to you
No legal minimum number of hours
Individual hours, mornings, afternoons or specific days
Contributions prorated by the hours
Permanent-seasonal (fija-discontinua) contract for seasons
Even for just a few hours, an hourly housekeeper needs a written contract and registration in the Special System for Domestic Employees of the General Regime from the first hour.The 2012 reform — reinforced in 2023 — removed the few-hours exemption: it is no longer legal to hire someone who works only a few hours a week without registering them, and non-compliance carries penalties.
The salary must respect at least the 2026 hourly SMI: €9.55 per hour actually worked for hourly live-out work (Royal Decree 126/2026, art. 4.2), which already includes the proportional share of rest days, extra payments and holidays; in practice the market usually runs from €10 to €15/h. Social Security contributions are prorated by the hours worked, but registration is not optional: it is the employer's responsibility from day one.
WHAT DOES AN HOURLY HOUSEKEEPER DO?
Flexible help at home, on the days and hours you need
An hourly housekeeper comes to the home for a few hours or a couple of days a week and takes care of what you need most: cleaning, ironing, tidying and errands.It is the ideal option when you do not need a full-time schedule, but flexible, occasional support that fits your routine.
Cleaning by the hour, on the days you choose
Ironing and built-up laundry
Occasional cooking and batch cooking
Tidying and organising the spaces
Shopping and household errands
General upkeep of the home
COMPARISON
By the hour or full time?
It depends on how many hours you need to cover and whether you want occasional support or your home looked after every day.
Even for just a few hours a week, Social Security registration is mandatory from the first hour; there is no minimum-hours exemption. The 2026 legal minimum is €9.55 per hour actually worked (SMI, Royal Decree 126/2026, art. 4.2), but the market is usually €10–15/h depending on experience and duties. Figures are approximate.
By the hour: from €9.55/h — 2026 legal minimum (SMI) + Social Security
Usual rate
€10–15/h
Part-time schedule
Weekly hours × €35.61
+ Social Security (TGSS)
mandatory from the 1st hour
What we guarantee
50% refund in the first month
Verified references
Rigorous screening
6-month guarantee
Profiles in under 3 hours
You only pay if you hire
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Hiring an hourly housekeeper: what you need to know
Yes. Since 2012 (reinforced in 2023) there is no minimum-hours exemption: even if she works only a few hours a week, she must have a contract and Social Security registration from the first hour. Contributions are prorated by the hours, but registration is mandatory and is the employer's responsibility.
The 2026 legal minimum is €9.55 per hour actually worked for hourly live-out work (SMI, Royal Decree 126/2026), but the market is usually between €10 and €15/h depending on experience, languages and duties, plus Social Security (TGSS).
There is no legal minimum number of hours: you can hire from just a few hours a week. We tailor the search to your real need, whether it is individual hours, a few mornings or specific days.
Yes. If you only need support during certain times of the year (for example, a second home in season), a permanent-seasonal (fija-discontinua) contract can be set up. We advise you on the contract type that best fits your case.
An hourly housekeeper comes for individual hours or a few days a week, ideal for occasional cleaning and ironing while you pay only for the hours you use. A full-time (40h) live-out housekeeper looks after your home every day with the same person. See the live-out housekeeper service if you need more hours.
If the housekeeper leaves or does not settle into the home, we offer a free replacement within the first 6 months in Madrid, Barcelona and Marbella. And wherever you are, if you are not satisfied during the first month, we refund 50% of the fee.
We present the first suitable hourly housekeepers for your schedule, with experience and checked references, in under 3 hours; very specific profiles can take up to 48 hours.
COVERAGE
Hourly housekeepers in Madrid, Barcelona and across Spain
We select hourly housekeepers in Madrid, Barcelona, Marbella and across Spain. We look for profiles with real experience in cleaning, ironing, tidying and cooking, available for individual hours, mornings, afternoons or a few specific days a week.
Every candidate goes through an in-depth interview; we verify their references directly with their previous employers and check their permits and documentation. You receive the first suitable hourly housekeepers for your schedule in under 3 hours.
“Maids and co is the best agency we have dealt with. We contacted them on Sunday and they replied the same day. We had an initial chat regarding our requirements and after a few days they sent us 3 suitable Curricula. All the candidates were…”
