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Employing an au pair in Spain

Empleados de hogar (Special System)

Last reviewed

This is general guidance, not legal advice.

Employment law changes, varies by region and depends on your exact arrangement. Figures below are researched from official sources but go out of date — always confirm the current position with the official body linked on this page, or with a qualified labour adviser, before you rely on it.

Household employees in Spain (empleados de hogar) are covered by a dedicated regime — Royal Decree 1620/2011 and the Special System for Household Employees within Social Security. Registration is required regardless of hours. Confirm details with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Pay floor

≈ €9.55 / hour (household, by the hour)

Verify — the domestic-worker hourly minimum and the SMI are set by Royal Decree, usually updated each year; may be outdated.

What to get right

1

Written contract

A written employment contract is expected for household employees. Use the contract template in the NannyTank app as a starting point.

2

Minimum wage

The national minimum wage (SMI) applies; there is a specific minimum hourly rate for household employees paid by the hour. Confirm the current rate.

3

Register with Social Security

You must register the employee with Social Security under the Special System for Household Employees (Sistema Especial para Empleados de Hogar) and pay contributions — regardless of how many hours per week they work.

4

Leave & payslips

Paid annual leave, public holidays and payslips apply. Failing to register or underpaying exposes the household to Labour Inspectorate (ITSS) sanctions.

Official sources

Check these for the current position — they are the authority, this page is not.

An editable contract template for Spain

NannyTank includes a downloadable employment contract template that references Empleados de hogar (Special System) — you fill in the agreed pay and hours. Available in the app, along with hours, overtime and claim tracking.

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NannyTank is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This page is a starting point to help you know what to look into; it may be incomplete or out of date, and it does not account for your specific circumstances. Confirm anything you rely on with the official bodies above or a qualified adviser.