How Much Do Housekeepers Earn in Portugal? (Take-Home Pay)
A guide for housekeepers in Portugal: hourly and monthly pay, what's deducted, and your net take-home, with a calculator.
Quick answer: In Portugal a housekeeper typically earns €8–€15 per hour (more in Lisbon). 11% is deducted from the gross wage for Social Security, so your take-home is a little below the agreed figure — the calculator below shows exactly what lands in your pocket.
Gross, deductions and net
What you agree with the family is usually the gross figure. From it, 11% is deducted for Social Security (your employee contribution). The employer also pays 22.30% on top, but that never comes out of your wage — it's their cost. Your net take-home is the gross minus the 11%.
Hourly and monthly pay
- Hourly: €8–€15, depending on experience and area (Lisbon and Cascais tend to pay more; Porto and inland a little less).
- Full-time: above the national minimum wage (RMMG), which in 2026 is €920/month.
- With references, reliability and ID verification, it's easier to ask for the higher end.
The minimum you must be paid
No declared domestic work may pay below the national minimum wage (€920/month in 2026, full-time). The hourly rate should reflect that floor — the calculator flags any offer below the legal minimum.
Subsidies: 14 months, not 12
On top of 12 months, you're entitled to holiday and Christmas subsidies — in practice about 14 months of pay a year. When comparing offers, count that annual figure, not just the monthly one.
What the deductions buy you
The 11% isn't lost money: it counts towards your pension, sick pay and social protection. Working declared protects you — for accidents, illness or unemployment — and builds your future pension.
How to earn more
Gather 2–3 references, be reliable, and consider ID verification: these matter most when a family decides to pay above average. 👉 See families hiring near you and create your profile.
Conclusion
Your net pay is the gross minus 11%. Knowing market rates, the legal minimum and the subsidies, you can judge any offer with confidence — and use the calculator above to see, to the cent, what you take home.
See also
- How much it costs (the family's view) — the other side of the same sum.
- Your rights — contract, holidays, pay and hours.
- Social Security — what is paid and why.
Official sources
Rules and amounts can change — check the official sources:
FAQ
What is the take-home from a housekeeper's wage in Portugal?
Net pay is the gross minus 11% for Social Security. For example, €920 gross is about €819 net. The calculator above shows the exact figure for your case.
How much per hour do housekeepers earn in Portugal?
Usually €8–€15 per hour, depending on experience and area. Lisbon and Cascais typically pay more; Porto and inland a little less.
Am I entitled to subsidies?
Yes. On top of 12 months, you're entitled to holiday and Christmas subsidies — about 14 months of pay a year when you work declared.
Is it worth contributing to Social Security?
Yes. The 11% counts towards your pension and gives you sick pay and other protections. Working declared protects you in case of accident, illness or unemployment.