How to Register a Housekeeper with Social Security in Portugal (Step by Step)
How to register a housekeeper with Social Security in Portugal, step by step — reporting the hire, choosing a regime and monthly payments.
Quick answer: Report the hire in Segurança Social Direta before the worker starts, giving the NISS, start date and pay type. Then choose a contribution regime, take out work-accident insurance and pay contributions every month.
Before you start: what you need
- The worker's NISS (Social Security number) and NIF
- ID document (and residence title/work authorisation if applicable)
- Agreement on duties, hours and pay
- Access to Segurança Social Direta (your own credentials)
Step 1 — Report the hire (before it starts)
In Segurança Social Direta, go to Trabalho › Entrada, saída e destacamento › Admissão and report the domestic worker's employment. This must be done before work begins. Enter the start date and pay type (hour, day or month).
Step 2 — Choose a contribution regime
Choose between conventional pay (28.3%, on a value indexed to the IAS, no unemployment) or real pay (33.3%, on actual salary, with unemployment on a full-time monthly contract). Hourly contracts declare a minimum of 30 hours a month.
Step 3 — Take out work-accident insurance
Social Security does not cover work accidents. Take out a work-accident insurance policy with an insurer — it's compulsory, even part-time or by the day.
Step 4 — Formalise the contract
An open-ended contract can be verbal, but a fixed-term one must be written. A written contract is always recommended, covering duties, hours (max 40/week), pay, trial period, holidays and weekly rest.
Step 5 — Pay contributions every month
Contributions are paid between the 1st and 25th of the following month. The amount is calculated automatically in Segurança Social Direta and can be paid by Multibanco, MB WAY, online banking or the app.
When the relationship ends
Also report the end of employment in Segurança Social Direta and follow the rules on notice and any amounts owed (pro-rata holidays and subsidies).
See also how much Social Security you pay and how to hire legally.
👉 Browse available housekeepers in Lisbon here.
Conclusion
Registering is simpler than it looks: it's all done in Segurança Social Direta, before the worker starts. With the hire reported, the regime chosen, insurance in place and contributions paid monthly, the relationship is regularised and protected.
Official sources
- gov.pt – Register a domestic worker
- Social Security – domestic service employer (seg-social.pt)
- Law 102/2009 – work-accident insurance
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
Where do I register the housekeeper?
In Segurança Social Direta, under Trabalho › Entrada, saída e destacamento › Admissão, reporting the domestic worker's employment before work begins.
Do I have to declare before the person starts?
Yes. The hire must be reported before work begins. Late reporting can mean fines and liability for undeclared work.
Do I need the worker's NISS?
Yes. You need the NISS (and NIF). If the worker doesn't have a NISS yet, that registration must be sorted first.
Do I have to take out insurance?
Yes. Work-accident insurance is compulsory and separate from Social Security, even for part-time or by-the-day work.
How do I pay the contributions?
Monthly, between the 1st and 25th of the following month, with the amount calculated in Segurança Social Direta, via Multibanco, MB WAY, online banking or the app.