How Much Social Security Do You Pay for a Housekeeper in Portugal?
How much Social Security you pay for a housekeeper in Portugal in 2026 — the two regimes, the rates, the base values and worked examples.
Quick answer: Social Security contributions in domestic service are 28.3% under the conventional-pay regime (on a value indexed to the IAS) or 33.3% under the real-pay regime (on actual salary), split between employer and worker. In 2026, 1 IAS = €537.13 and the minimum wage is €920.
The two contribution regimes
| Regime | Base | Employer | Worker | Total | Unemployment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Value indexed to the IAS (€537.13 in 2026) | 18.9% | 9.4% | 28.3% | Not covered |
| Real | Actual salary (floor: €920) | 22.3% | 11% | 33.3% | Covered (full-time monthly) |
The employer withholds the worker's share from the salary and pays the total to Social Security. Both regimes cover sickness, parenthood, family charges, invalidity, old age and death. Only real pay, on a full-time monthly contract, gives unemployment benefit.
Example under the conventional regime
If the base is 1 IAS (€537.13), total contributions are about €152 a month (28.3%) — roughly €102 from the employer (18.9%) and about €50 withheld from the worker (9.4%). Hourly contracts declare a minimum of 30 hours a month.
Example under the real regime
For a €920 salary (the 2026 minimum), the total is about €306 a month (33.3%) — roughly €205 from the employer (22.3%) and about €101 withheld from the worker (11%).
Which to choose?
- Conventional: lower contributions, suited to part-time or hourly work; no unemployment benefit.
- Real: higher contributions, but gives access to unemployment benefit on a full-time monthly contract. Opting for real pay requires a minimum age and a fitness certificate.
When and how to pay
Contributions are paid monthly, between the 1st and 25th of the following month, by Multibanco, MB WAY, online banking or the Social Security app. The amount is calculated automatically in Segurança Social Direta.
See also work-accident insurance and how to register step by step.
👉 Browse available housekeepers in Lisbon here.
Conclusion
The maths depends on the regime: about 28.3% on a value indexed to the IAS, or 33.3% on the real salary. The base values (IAS and minimum wage) are updated every year, so always confirm the current figures before you calculate.
Official sources
- Social Security – domestic service employer (seg-social.pt)
- IAS value (DGAEP)
- 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
What's the contribution rate in domestic service?
28.3% under the conventional-pay regime (18.9% employer + 9.4% worker) or 33.3% under the real-pay regime (22.3% + 11%).
What is the contribution calculated on?
Under the conventional regime, on a value indexed to the IAS (€537.13 in 2026). Under the real regime, on the actual salary, with the minimum wage (€920 in 2026) as the floor.
Does the conventional regime give unemployment benefit?
No. Only the real-pay regime, on a full-time monthly contract, gives access to unemployment benefit.
Who pays the contributions?
Both. The employer pays the total to Social Security, withholding the worker's share from the salary. For example, under the real regime at €920, about €205 is the employer's and €101 the worker's.
When are contributions paid?
Monthly, between the 1st and 25th of the following month, via Segurança Social Direta (Multibanco, MB WAY, online banking or the app).