Live-in Housekeepers

In 2026, a live-in housekeeper earns at least the SMI — €1,221/month over 14 payments or €1,424.50 over 12 payments — and, on the market, typically between €1,500 and €2,500/month gross over 12 payments plus room and board, depending on experience, languages, the number of children and the duties. On top of that salary the family pays its Social Security share (TGSS, 22.27%; the worker's share is deducted from her payslip), so the employer's total cost starts at around €1,835/month.

A Monday-to-Friday live-in housekeeper lives in the home during the week and has the weekend off; it is a common arrangement for working families. Her salary also starts from the SMI (€1,221/month over 14 payments) and, with Saturday and Sunday off, sits at the lower end of the live-in range (from €1,500/month gross plus room and board). Social Security registration and contributions are mandatory just as for a full-time live-in. We will give you the exact figure based on the duties and availability you need.

Across Spain the floor is the 2026 SMI: €1,221/month over 14 payments or €1,424.50 over 12, the figures in the 2026 domestic staff salary table. On the market, a live-in housekeeper usually earns between €1,500 and €2,500/month gross over 12 payments; in Madrid she sits in that same range, with the most qualified profiles in areas such as La Moraleja or La Finca at the top of it. On top of that salary the family pays its Social Security share (22.27%).

They can be, within two limits: by agreement, accommodation and board may count as salary in kind up to 30% of total pay, and she must always receive at least the SMI in cash (Royal Decree 1620/2011, art. 8.2). Whatever is agreed is set out in the contract.

A maximum working week of 40 hours with daily and weekly rest and holidays. As she lives in the home, availability is agreed within the legal framework.

Yes, the family must provide an individual room in suitable conditions. Room and board may count as part of the salary in kind, up to 30% of pay, with at least the SMI always paid in cash.

Yes. Every live-in housekeeper needs a written contract and Social Security registration (Special System for Domestic Employees) from day one, regardless of the hours. Part of the salary may be paid in kind — accommodation and board, up to 30% and with at least the SMI always paid in cash. We guide you through the whole process.

If the housekeeper leaves or does not settle in, 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.

It is the hours during which the housekeeper is available in the home without working effectively. It does not exceed 20 hours a week on average (unless it is agreed to compensate it with rest), must be paid, and if she performs any task during it, that counts as effective work.

We work with candidates of more than 20 nationalities: Filipinas with English (in high demand), Latin Americans, Spaniards and Eastern Europeans, among others. We select according to the languages and profile your family needs.