Domestic work, which includes figures such as domestic workers, caregivers, babysitters and other workers who contribute to the management of family life, is governed by legislation that regulates contracts, salaries and contributions. Since 2024, new updates on the minimum tables have come into force and greater tax controls have been introduced to combat evasion in the sector. In this guide, we see how to hire a domestic worker, what contracts are available, the expected salary and how to pay contributions
.
Table of Contents:
What is Domestic Work
Domestic work refers to the provision of services within a family, which may include household management (cleaning, cooking, laundry), personal assistance (such as that offered by caregivers or baby-sitters), or specific tasks such as those performed by gardeners, drivers or doormen of private homes.
The sector is often exposed to forms of undeclared work, which is why the 2024 Budget Law has strengthened fiscal controls, allowing greater interoperability between the Revenue Agency and INPS to monitor and analyze sector data.
Who Are Domestic Workers
Domestic workers include figures such as domestic workers, caregivers, babysitters, drivers and cooks. These workers perform tasks related to the needs of the family at the home of the employer or his immediate family members.
In particular, the term ‘maid’ is an abbreviation for ‘family collaborator’ and refers to those who are responsible for cleaning the house, preparing meals and managing linen.
How to Hire a Domestic Worker
There are two main ways to formalize a domestic employment relationship:
- INPS Family Booklet: Used for occasional services, the family booklet is a system of nominative vouchers with a fixed value of 10 euros for each hour of work. It can be financed through F24 payments or the INPS Payments Portal
- Home Employment Contract: This option is used for ongoing employment relationships. The contract may be for a fixed or indefinite period and may include part-time, full-time or hourly hours. The contract must specify that the work will take place at the home of the employer or his family members
.
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Domestic Work Contract: Rules and Types
The domestic employment contract is governed by the CCNL Domestic Work, which establishes specific rules regarding working hours, holidays, illnesses, injuries and other worker rights.
- Working hours: For cohabiting workers, the maximum working time is 54 hours a week, while for non-cohabiting workers it is 40 hours a week.
- Holidays: 26 working days per year.
- Illness and Accidents: The contract provides for the retention of the job in the event of illness or injury, with the worker receiving a percentage of the salary depending on the period of illness.
- Thirteenth: Due by the month of December.
- Dismissal and Resignation: The notice period varies depending on seniority and weekly working hours.
Wage and Hourly Pay
Since 2024, domestic workers have benefited from an increase of 0.7% on the minimum table, in line with the ISTAT adjustment. The hourly wage varies according to the category and experience of the worker, with a minimum of about 5.30 euros and a maximum of 11.45 euros for
non-cohabitants.
Contributions to Pay for Domestic Workers
The employer is required to pay social security contributions quarterly to the INPS. Contributions are calculated based on the hourly wage and the number of hours worked. Part of these contributions may be withheld from the worker’s salary
.
For 2024, the hourly contributions for a permanent worker are as follows:
- Salary up to 9.40 euros/hour: 1.66 euros in contributions.
- Salary between 9.40 and 11.45 euros/hour: 1.88 euros in contributions.
- Salary greater than 11.45 euros/hour: 2.29 euros in contributions.
Contributions vary slightly for fixed-term contracts and include an additional share of 1.40% of taxable income for social security purposes.
Payment and Verification of Contributions
The employer can pay contributions through the INPS Payment Portal, with the online payment option through PagoPA or using a payment notice. It is also possible to verify the contributions credited through the “Social Security Drawer” service available on the INPS website.
Penalties for Black Housework
Failure to pay social security contributions involves administrative and criminal penalties, which vary depending on the amount not paid and the seriousness of the offence. Penalties may include fines ranging from 200 to 50,000 euros and, in the most serious cases, imprisonment for up to
three years.
Levels and Tasks of Domestic Workers
The CCNL Domestic Work divides workers into different categories, ranging from general collaborators (level A) to specialized assistants (level DS), each of whom has different tasks and salaries. For example, a BS-level employee, such as an assistant to self-sufficient people, receives a weekly wage of around 200 euros for 25 hours of
work.
Domestic work is governed by precise regulations that protect both workers and employers. To avoid penalties and ensure a fair employment relationship, it is essential to respect contractual rules, pay contributions and formalize employment properly
.
