Domestic Workers to Receive Written Contracts and Social Security Coverage

The measures are contained in Decree No. 52/2026 of 3 September, approved by the Council of Ministers. The decree replaces the regulations introduced in 2008 and will come into force 180 days after its publication.

Under the new rules, domestic employment contracts should generally be made in writing and include the identification of the worker and employer, the duties to be performed, the workplace, remuneration, the duration of the employment relationship and Social Security registration.

However, the absence of a written contract does not invalidate the employment relationship. According to the decree, failure to provide a written contract will be presumed to be the responsibility of the employer.

Another major change is the mandatory registration of domestic workers with the Social Security system. Employers will be responsible for registering workers and paying the required monthly contributions.

The decree also establishes a maximum working period of eight hours per day and 48 hours per week, while guaranteeing one weekly rest day, normally on Sunday, as well as entitlement to mandatory public holidays provided for by law.

Regarding annual leave, domestic workers will be entitled to 12 days during their first year of employment and 30 days of paid leave for each full year of service from the second year onwards.

The new regulations also strengthen maternity and paternity rights. Female domestic workers will be entitled to 90 consecutive days of maternity leave, while male workers will receive seven days of paternity leave following the birth of a child.

The rules also introduce specific provisions against workplace harassment, covering conduct capable of causing physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm.

Where harassment is committed by the employer, a supervisor or the employer’s representative, the worker may be entitled to compensation equivalent to 20 times their salary, without prejudice to other legal action.

The decree also provides protection against abusive disciplinary measures, strengthens occupational health and safety rules and sets out mechanisms for resolving disputes through the General Labour Inspectorate, mediation, arbitration or the courts.

The minimum age for domestic work is set at 18. Exceptionally, young people from the age of 15 may work with the authorisation of their legal representative, provided they are not assigned dangerous or unhealthy tasks or work requiring excessive physical effort.

Regarding the minimum wage, the decree states that the rate applicable to domestic workers will be determined by the Government after consultation with the Labour Consultative Commission. The amount has not yet been set.