Housekeeper Rights in Portugal: Contract, Holidays, Pay and Hours
Housekeeper rights in Portugal — contract, hours, 22 days of holiday, holiday and Christmas subsidies, weekly rest and rules for live-in workers.
Quick answer: A housekeeper is entitled to a contract, a maximum of 40 hours a week, one weekly rest day, 22 working days of holiday a year, and holiday and Christmas subsidies. Domestic work is governed by Decreto-Lei 235/92 and, on a subsidiary basis, by the Labour Code.
Contract
An open-ended contract can be verbal; a fixed-term contract must be in writing. A written contract is always recommended, covering the parties, duties, place of work, hours, pay, trial period and termination conditions.
Working hours
- A maximum of 40 hours a week (reduced from 44 in 2023)
- Rest between shifts
- Live-in workers: at least 11 consecutive hours of nightly rest
Weekly rest
The right to at least one rest day a week, usually Sunday.
Holidays
22 working days of holiday a year. In the hire year, 2 days per complete month worked, up to 20 days, after 6 months of contract.
Subsidies
- Holiday subsidy — equal to one month's pay (pro-rated in the hire or termination year)
- Christmas subsidy (13th month) — one month's pay, payable by 15 December, pro-rated
Social Security and insurance
The worker is entitled to Social Security registration and contributions (giving access to sickness, parenthood, invalidity and old-age cover) and to compulsory work-accident insurance. See how much Social Security you pay.
Live-in workers
Where board and lodging are provided, they count as in-kind pay, but total remuneration must be expressed in money and valued by reference to the national minimum wage. On days when no meal is provided, the value is paid in cash.
Ending the contract
Termination follows specific rules and, subsidiarily, the Labour Code, with notice periods and payment of amounts owed (pro-rata holidays and subsidies). Dismissal without grounds can give rise to compensation.
See also how to hire legally and live-in vs live-out.
👉 Browse available housekeepers in Lisbon here.
Conclusion
Knowing the rights protects both sides: a contract, a 40-hour week, 22 days of holiday, holiday and Christmas subsidies, weekly rest and Social Security. A clear, declared relationship is fairer and more stable.
Official sources
- Decreto-Lei n.º 235/92 – domestic service law
- Social Security – domestic service employer (seg-social.pt)
- Minimum wage 2026 (DGERT)
This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Rules and figures (IAS, the minimum wage, contribution rates) are updated periodically and may have changed since this was last updated. Always confirm the details with the official sources listed below and seek professional advice if in doubt.
See also
FAQ
How many days of holiday does a housekeeper get?
22 working days a year. In the hire year, 2 days per complete month worked, up to 20 days, after 6 months of contract.
Are they entitled to holiday and Christmas subsidies?
Yes. A holiday subsidy and a Christmas subsidy (13th month), each equal to one month's pay, pro-rated in the hire and termination years.
What's the maximum working time?
40 hours a week (reduced from 44 in 2023), with one weekly rest day. Live-in workers are entitled to at least 11 consecutive hours of nightly rest.
Does the contract have to be written?
An open-ended contract can be verbal; a fixed-term one must be written. Either way, a written contract is always recommended.
What about board and lodging?
They count as in-kind pay, but total remuneration must be expressed in money and valued by reference to the national minimum wage.