Is It Safe to Hire a Housekeeper in Portugal?
Key checks before hiring a housekeeper in Portugal — identity, the right to work, references and how to avoid undeclared work.
Quick answer: Verify identity and the right to work, check references, and report the hire to Social Security. Undeclared work is the biggest financial and legal risk for you as the employer.
Verify identity and status
At the start, confirm an ID document and the NIF/NISS. For non-EU/EEA nationals, ask for a valid residence title and work authorisation before starting. Record the details needed for a correct declaration.
Confirm the right to work
- EU/EEA and Swiss nationals can work freely.
- Non-EU nationals need a visa or residence title with work authorisation (the competent authority is AIMA).
- Don't rely on someone simply claiming to be "self-employed" or working on green receipts.
Common warning signs
- Requests for advance payment or "fees" before any work
- References you can't confirm
- Pressure to work "cash and undeclared"
- Unclear documents or refusal to show ID
Avoiding undeclared work
In domestic service there is almost always an employment relationship — not self-employment. Not reporting the hire to Social Security can mean back-payment of contributions with interest, fines and full liability in case of an accident. The law provides tougher sanctions for prolonged undeclared work (the criminal element may be revised — check the current status). Declaring correctly protects both sides.
Criminal record: when it's legitimate to ask
A criminal-record extract can only be required for roles with regular contact with minors (where it is actually mandatory). For a pure cleaning role, demanding it is legally questionable — base trust on references and a trial period instead.
How to protect yourself
- Confirm identity and the right to work
- Request and call references
- Report the hire to Social Security before it starts
- Take out the compulsory work-accident insurance
See also how to hire legally and how to register step by step.
👉 Browse vetted housekeepers in Lisbon here.
Conclusion
With identity and right-to-work checks, real references and a correct Social Security declaration, you can avoid fraud and protect yourself from financial and legal risk.
Official sources
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.
FAQ
How do I spot an untrustworthy housekeeper?
Warning signs include advance payments, no verifiable references and pressure to work undeclared. Insist on ID, the right to work and a correct declaration.
Do I have to check the right to work?
Yes. EU/EEA nationals can work; non-EU nationals need a residence title with work authorisation (AIMA). Verify before the start.
What happens if I hire without declaring?
You risk back-payment of contributions with interest, fines and full liability in case of an accident. In domestic service there is almost always an employment relationship.
Can I require a criminal-record check?
Only for roles with regular contact with minors, where it's mandatory. For pure cleaning it's legally questionable; rely on references instead.