Employing an au pair in Switzerland
Domestic work (NAV Hauswirtschaft)
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 Figures below are researched from official sources but go out of date — always confirm the current position with the official body linked on this page, or with a qualified labour adviser, before you rely on it.
Domestic work in a private household in Switzerland (cleaners, nannies, carers working more than ~5 hours/week) is covered by the federal Standard Employment Contract for Domestic Work (NAV Hauswirtschaft), on top of the Code of Obligations. Cantons can set higher requirements. Confirm details with your cantonal AHV compensation office.
Pay floor
≈ CHF 19.45–24.05 / hour (federal NAV)
Verify — several cantons (e.g. Geneva) set a higher minimum that applies instead; confirm the rate for your canton.
What to get right
Written contract
A written contract covering wage, hours, holiday and notice is expected under the NAV Hauswirtschaft. Use the contract template in the NannyTank app as a starting point.
Minimum wage
The federal NAV sets minimum wages for domestic work; several cantons set higher rates that then apply. Confirm the rate for your canton.
Register for social insurance
Register with your cantonal AHV compensation office before the employee starts. AHV/IV/EO and accident insurance (UVG) are mandatory from a low annual-wage threshold; a simplified annual settlement procedure exists for smaller amounts.
Holiday & notice
Statutory holiday is at least 4 weeks (5 weeks under age 20). The NAV sets notice periods that increase with length of service.
Official sources
Check these for the current position — they are the authority, this page is not.
An editable contract template for Switzerland
NannyTank includes a downloadable employment contract template that references Domestic work (NAV Hauswirtschaft) — 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 This page is a starting point to help you know what to look into; it may be incomplete or out of date, and it does not account for your specific circumstances.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.