Spain has a high demand for household and domestic workers, as many families rely on support for childcare, elderly care, and housekeeping. This creates consistent job opportunities for both local and migrant workers.
Domestic work in Spain is legally recognized under the Special Regime for Household Employees, giving workers rights such as contracts, regulated working hours, and social security benefits.
Working in this sector provides a reliable source of income, especially for migrants who may face challenges finding jobs in other industries. Many families prefer long-term arrangements, offering stability to workers.
For migrant workers, domestic employment can serve as a pathway to legal residency and long-term settlement in Spain, especially when contracts are formalized and social security contributions are made.
Household and domestic work often allows closer interaction with Spanish families, providing opportunities to learn the language, understand the culture, and build community ties.
Spain consistently requires skilled household and domestic workers due to its aging population, dual-income families, and growing need for childcare and elderly care. This makes it an appealing destination for international candidates seeking reliable employment.
The Spanish government recognizes domestic work through official contracts and social security contributions. International workers with legal permits can benefit from protections such as regulated hours, paid leave, and social benefits.
International candidates can bring creativity and specialized skills to their roles—such as organizing, cooking, childcare, or elderly care—making them more competitive and valued in Spanish households.
For many international workers, domestic employment provides not only financial stability but also a pathway to long-term residency. With proper documentation and contracts, workers can build a secure future in Spain.
Working closely with Spanish families allows international candidates to immerse themselves in the language and culture, fostering personal growth and cross-cultural understanding while building strong community ties.
These workers reside in the employer’s home and typically handle a combination of tasks such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, and caregiving. They often work longer hours but receive accommodation and meals in addition to wages.
They work during scheduled hours but live independently. Their duties usually include cleaning, cooking, and other household tasks, with more flexibility in working time compared to live-in workers.
Primarily responsible for cleaning, laundry, and maintaining the household environment. They may also assist with meal preparation and general organization of the home.
Specialized domestic workers who provide assistance to older adults with daily tasks, mobility support, medication reminders, companionship, and sometimes basic healthcare needs.
Focused on caring for children, including feeding, bathing, assisting with homework, and engaging in educational or recreational activities. Some nannies may also perform light household tasks.
Assist with day-to-day household management, errands, scheduling, and administrative support. They are often employed by families or individuals who need both domestic and organizational assistance.
These include cooks, drivers, or gardeners hired specifically for one role. They bring specialized skills to maintain particular aspects of the household.
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (EUR) |
Salary (USD) |
Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Live-In Domestic Worker |
€1,050 |
$1,145 |
₹95,550 |
|
Live-Out Domestic Worker |
€1,150 |
$1,254 |
₹104,650 |
|
Housekeeper |
€1,200 |
$1,308 |
₹109,200 |
|
Nanny (Childcare) |
€1,250 |
$1,363 |
₹113,750 |
|
Elderly Caregiver |
€1,300 |
$1,417 |
₹118,300 |
|
Cook (Household) |
€1,350 |
$1,472 |
₹122,850 |
|
Gardener |
€1,250 |
$1,363 |
₹113,750 |
|
Driver (Private Household) |
€1,400 |
$1,526 |
₹127,400 |
|
Personal Assistant (Household) |
€1,500 |
$1,635 |
₹136,500 |
|
Babysitter (Part-time, regular) |
€900 |
$981 |
₹81,900 |
|
Cleaner (Part-time/Full-time) |
€1,000 |
$1,090 |
₹91,000 |
|
House Manager |
€1,800 |
$1,962 |
₹163,800 |
|
Butler |
€1,900 |
$2,071 |
₹172,900 |
|
Governess (Educated Nanny) |
€2,000 |
$2,180 |
₹182,000 |
|
Au Pair (incl. housing & meals) |
€600 |
$654 |
₹54,600 |
|
Care Assistant (Special needs) |
€1,400 |
$1,526 |
₹127,400 |
|
Laundry & Ironing Specialist |
€1,100 |
$1,199 |
₹100,100 |
|
Pet Care / Pet Nanny |
€1,000 |
$1,090 |
₹91,000 |
|
Private Chef |
€2,200 |
$2,398 |
₹200,200 |
|
Estate/Property Caretaker |
€2,000 |
$2,180 |
₹182,000 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details / Requirements |
|---|---|
|
Minimum Age |
Must be at least 18 years old. |
|
Work Permit / Visa |
Non-EU applicants need a valid work permit and residence visa (e.g., as a household employee under Spain’s foreign worker program). EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need a work permit. |
|
Employment Contract |
A formal written job offer/contract from a Spanish employer is required to process the visa. |
|
Language Skills |
Basic knowledge of Spanish is highly recommended (especially for caregiving roles). Some families may require English for childcare. |
|
Education Qualification |
No formal degree required for most roles; specialized roles (governess, tutor, elderly caregiver) may require diplomas, certifications, or relevant training. |
|
Experience |
Prior experience in domestic work, caregiving, or household management is often preferred but not always mandatory. |
|
Health Requirements |
Must provide a medical certificate proving no serious diseases that could affect public health. |
|
Background Check |
A police clearance certificate from the home country is required to prove a clean criminal record. |
|
Social Security Registration |
Employer must register the worker with Spain’s Social Security system to ensure benefits and legal compliance. |
|
Work Hours & Conditions |
Must comply with Spanish labor laws (e.g., maximum working hours, rest days, minimum wage). |
|
Residency Pathway |
After legal continuous residence and social security contributions, workers may apply for long-term residency or even citizenship later. |
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Live-In Domestic Worker |
Performs cleaning, cooking, laundry, childcare, and elderly care while living in the employer’s home. |
|
Live-Out Domestic Worker |
Similar to live-in duties (cleaning, cooking, errands) but works fixed hours and lives separately. |
|
Housekeeper |
Maintains cleanliness, laundry, ironing, grocery shopping, and organization of the household. |
|
Nanny (Childcare Worker) |
Caring for children, feeding, bathing, helping with homework, engaging in activities, ensuring safety. |
|
Elderly Caregiver |
Assists with mobility, personal hygiene, meals, medication reminders, companionship, and basic health monitoring. |
|
Cook (Household) |
Prepares meals according to dietary needs, manages kitchen supplies, maintains hygiene. |
|
Gardener |
Maintains gardens, lawns, and plants; watering, pruning, and sometimes light outdoor repairs. |
|
Driver (Private Household) |
Provides transportation for family members, school runs, shopping, appointments, and ensures vehicle maintenance. |
|
Personal Assistant |
Manages schedules, household errands, bills, appointments, and organizational tasks for the employer. |
|
Babysitter |
Provides short-term or part-time childcare, usually evenings or weekends. |
|
Cleaner |
Handles general cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, and maintaining hygiene. |
|
House Manager |
Supervises other household staff, coordinates schedules, manages household budget and inventory. |
|
Butler |
Provides formal household service, manages dining, guests, events, and supervises household staff. |
|
Governess |
Educated nanny focusing on children’s learning, tutoring, and etiquette training along with childcare. |
|
Au Pair |
Assists with childcare and light household duties in exchange for accommodation, meals, and pocket money. |
|
Care Assistant (Special Needs) |
Provides support to individuals with disabilities, including daily care, therapy assistance, and companionship. |
|
Laundry & Ironing Specialist |
Manages washing, ironing, and organizing clothes, linens, and household fabrics. |
|
Pet Care / Pet Nanny |
Takes care of pets, including feeding, walking, grooming, and companionship. |
|
Private Chef |
Plans menus, cooks meals, shops for groceries, and ensures nutrition and food presentation. |
|
Estate/Property Caretaker |
Oversees large properties, maintenance, security, gardening, and management of facilities. |
Job Profile |
General Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
|
Live-In Domestic Worker |
Minimum age 18, valid work permit/visa, basic Spanish, clean background, willingness to live with employer. |
|
Live-Out Domestic Worker |
Minimum age 18, legal residency/work visa, prior housekeeping experience preferred, flexible work schedule. |
|
Housekeeper |
Prior housekeeping experience, knowledge of cleaning methods, legal permit to work in Spain. |
|
Nanny (Childcare Worker) |
Experience with children, medical fitness, background check, sometimes childcare or teaching certification. |
|
Elderly Caregiver |
Experience in elderly care, caregiving training/certification preferred, medical clearance, patience and empathy. |
|
Cook (Household) |
Cooking skills, knowledge of hygiene and nutrition, sometimes professional chef training, legal work documents. |
|
Gardener |
Experience in gardening/landscaping, basic tools handling, work permit, physical fitness. |
|
Driver (Private Household) |
Valid driver’s license (Spanish or international), safe driving record, background check, work permit. |
|
Personal Assistant |
Organizational and communication skills, computer literacy, prior admin experience preferred, work visa. |
|
Babysitter |
Experience in childcare, basic first aid knowledge, clean criminal record, flexible working hours. |
|
Cleaner |
No formal education required, experience in household cleaning preferred, legal work authorization. |
|
House Manager |
Strong organizational and leadership skills, prior experience in managing staff, valid work visa. |
|
Butler |
Professional service background, etiquette training, experience in hospitality or private households, legal documents. |
|
Governess |
Educational qualifications (teaching/tutoring), childcare experience, background check, work permit. |
|
Au Pair |
Age 18–30, basic Spanish or English, no dependent children, cultural exchange visa, clean background. |
|
Care Assistant (Special Needs) |
Certification in care or special needs support preferred, medical fitness, experience, work visa. |
|
Laundry & Ironing Specialist |
Basic knowledge of fabrics and ironing, prior housekeeping experience, legal authorization. |
|
Pet Care / Pet Nanny |
Love for animals, experience in pet care, medical fitness, background check, valid visa. |
|
Private Chef |
Culinary training or proven professional cooking experience, hygiene certification, valid work visa. |
|
Estate/Property Caretaker |
Experience in property maintenance, security awareness, sometimes driving license, legal work documents. |
Job Profile |
Experience Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Live-In Domestic Worker |
6 months – 1 year preferred in housekeeping/childcare, but not always mandatory. |
|
Live-Out Domestic Worker |
1 year experience in domestic work usually preferred. |
|
Housekeeper |
1–2 years in cleaning, laundry, and household organization preferred. |
|
Nanny (Childcare Worker) |
1–3 years of childcare experience; certifications in childcare/first aid valued. |
|
Elderly Caregiver |
2+ years in caregiving or healthcare; formal training highly recommended. |
|
Cook (Household) |
2–3 years in cooking or culinary training; experience with different cuisines is valued. |
|
Gardener |
1–2 years in gardening/landscaping preferred. |
|
Driver (Private Household) |
2+ years of professional driving experience with a clean driving record. |
|
Personal Assistant |
2–3 years in admin/household management; prior PA experience preferred. |
|
Babysitter |
6 months – 1 year of informal or formal childcare experience preferred. |
|
Cleaner |
6 months – 1 year in professional/household cleaning is usually enough. |
|
House Manager |
3–5 years in managing households, staff supervision, and budgeting required. |
|
Butler |
3–5 years in hospitality, luxury service, or private households preferred. |
|
Governess |
2–3 years in teaching/tutoring and childcare required. |
|
Au Pair |
No prior professional experience required; childcare experience (informal) is preferred. |
|
Care Assistant (Special Needs) |
2+ years in caregiving; specialized training for disabilities preferred. |
|
Laundry & Ironing Specialist |
1 year in laundry/ironing services preferred. |
|
Pet Care / Pet Nanny |
6 months – 1 year in pet care preferred; passion for animals is essential. |
|
Private Chef |
3–5 years in professional kitchens or private households; culinary diploma valued. |
|
Estate/Property Caretaker |
3+ years in property maintenance, security, or household supervision preferred. |
Agency / Company |
Specialization |
Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
Agencia AbitareCare(Madrid) |
Domestic workers, nannies, caregivers |
Recruits international staff for childcare, elderly care, and household services. |
|
WayToWork Spain |
Household staff, au pairs |
Specializes in placing international au pairs and household helpers in Spanish families. |
|
Agencia Interdomicilio |
Cleaning, caregiving, nannies |
Nationwide presence, offers contracts, social security compliance, and long-term placements. |
|
Cuidum |
Elderly caregivers |
Focused on professional caregivers for elderly and dependent persons, including international hires. |
|
Au Pair Spain |
Au pairs, nannies |
Cultural exchange programs for international youth (18–30 years). |
|
Agencia Doméstica Selecta |
High-end domestic staff |
Specializes in butlers, chefs, house managers, and trained domestic staff. |
|
Sitly (Spain) |
Babysitters, nannies |
Online platform connecting families with childcare providers, including international workers. |
|
Yoopies Spain |
Babysitters, cleaners, caregivers |
Online service connecting families with international domestic workers. |
|
Care Agency Madrid |
Caregivers, domestic helpers |
Places international workers in live-in/live-out domestic care roles. |
|
Global Working |
Household & hospitality |
Assists foreign workers with placement in Spain, including domestic services. |
|
AuPairWorld (Spain program) |
Au pairs |
Matches international candidates with Spanish host families for childcare and light household duties. |
|
Helpling Spain |
Cleaners, housekeepers |
Online platform for domestic cleaning services, open to international workers. |
|
FamiliaFacil |
Nannies, caregivers, cleaners |
Spanish job portal for families seeking domestic help, including international applicants. |
|
GreatAuPair Spain |
Au pairs, nannies, caregivers |
International platform connecting workers with Spanish households. |
|
TTA Personal |
Caregivers, healthcare assistants |
Recruits internationally for elderly care and related domestic roles. |
|
Doméstiko.com |
All domestic roles |
Leading Spanish job portal for household and domestic workers. |
|
Care.com Spain |
Babysitters, caregivers, cleaners |
International online platform connecting families with workers. |
|
Select Home Staff (Barcelona) |
Private chefs, butlers, house managers |
Premium domestic staff recruitment for wealthy families. |
|
Interempleo Group |
Household & cleaning staff |
Provides recruitment for domestic workers and general household support. |
|
Randstad Spain (Domestic Unit) |
Cleaners, household staff |
One of Spain’s largest HR agencies, offering international recruitment in domestic work. |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (EUR / USD / INR) |
General Job Requirements |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Companies / Agencies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Live-In Domestic Worker |
€1,050 / $1,145 / ₹95,550 |
Min. 18 yrs, work visa, basic Spanish, clean background, willingness to live with employer |
Cleaning, cooking, laundry, childcare, elderly support |
AbitareCare, Interdomicilio |
|
Live-Out Domestic Worker |
€1,150 / $1,254 / ₹104,650 |
Work permit, housekeeping experience, flexible hours |
Household chores, cooking, errands, child/elderly assistance |
Interdomicilio, Randstad Spain |
|
Housekeeper |
€1,200 / $1,308 / ₹109,200 |
1–2 yrs experience in cleaning, legal work docs |
Cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, home organization |
Helpling, FamiliaFacil |
|
Nanny (Childcare) |
€1,250 / $1,363 / ₹113,750 |
Childcare experience, background check, sometimes first aid certificate |
Caring for children, feeding, homework help, activities |
Sitly, GreatAuPair, Yoopies |
|
Elderly Caregiver |
€1,300 / $1,417 / ₹118,300 |
2+ yrs experience, caregiver training, medical clearance |
Mobility help, hygiene, meals, medication reminders |
Cuidum, TTA Personal |
|
Cook (Household) |
€1,350 / $1,472 / ₹122,850 |
Cooking skills, hygiene knowledge, sometimes chef training |
Preparing meals, dietary planning, kitchen maintenance |
Select Home Staff, Interdomicilio |
|
Gardener |
€1,250 / $1,363 / ₹113,750 |
Gardening/landscaping experience, physical fitness |
Plant care, lawn maintenance, pruning, outdoor upkeep |
Interempleo Group, Doméstiko.com |
|
Driver (Private) |
€1,400 / $1,526 / ₹127,400 |
Valid driving license, 2+ yrs safe driving, background check |
Driving family members, errands, school runs, vehicle maintenance |
Randstad Spain, FamiliaFacil |
|
Personal Assistant |
€1,500 / $1,635 / ₹136,500 |
Admin/PA experience, language skills, computer literacy |
Scheduling, errands, bill payments, organizing household |
AbitareCare, Select Home Staff |
|
Babysitter (Part-time) |
€900 / $981 / ₹81,900 |
Informal childcare experience, clean background |
Watching children short-term (evenings/weekends) |
Sitly, Yoopies, Care.com Spain |
|
Cleaner |
€1,000 / $1,090 / ₹91,000 |
6–12 months cleaning experience, legal work docs |
Sweeping, mopping, dusting, general household hygiene |
Helpling, Interdomicilio |
|
House Manager |
€1,800 / $1,962 / ₹163,800 |
3–5 yrs managing staff, organizational skills |
Supervising staff, budgeting, household organization |
Select Home Staff, AbitareCare |
|
Butler |
€1,900 / $2,071 / ₹172,900 |
Hospitality/luxury service experience, etiquette training |
Guest service, dining, staff supervision, event organization |
Doméstiko.com, Select Home Staff |
|
Governess |
€2,000 / $2,180 / ₹182,000 |
Teaching/tutoring qualifications, childcare exp. |
Educational tutoring, etiquette training, childcare |
GreatAuPair, AbitareCare |
|
Au Pair |
€600 / $654 / ₹54,600 |
Age 18–30, cultural exchange visa, basic Spanish/English |
Childcare + light household duties (with room & meals) |
Au Pair Spain, AuPairWorld |
|
Care Assistant (Special Needs) |
€1,400 / $1,526 / ₹127,400 |
Special needs care training, 2+ yrs experience |
Support for disabled individuals, daily care, therapy help |
Cuidum, TTA Personal |
|
Laundry & Ironing Specialist |
€1,100 / $1,199 / ₹100,100 |
Fabric/ironing knowledge, basic housekeeping exp. |
Washing, ironing, organizing clothes and linens |
Interdomicilio, FamiliaFacil |
|
Pet Care / Pet Nanny |
€1,000 / $1,090 / ₹91,000 |
Pet care experience, animal-friendly, flexible hours |
Feeding, walking, grooming, pet companionship |
Yoopies, Care.com Spain |
|
Private Chef |
€2,200 / $2,398 / ₹200,200 |
Culinary diploma or 3–5 yrs cooking experience |
Menu planning, cooking, nutrition, food presentation |
Select Home Staff, Interempleo Group |
|
Estate/Property Caretaker |
€2,000 / $2,180 / ₹182,000 |
3+ yrs in property management/security, driving license |
Property maintenance, gardening, staff supervision |
Randstad Spain, Interdomicilio |
Visa Type |
Purpose |
Eligibility Requirements |
Duration |
Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Work Visa (Employee Contract – Residencia y Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena) |
For non-EU citizens hired by a Spanish household as a domestic worker |
Job offer & contract from a Spanish employer, employer applies on behalf of worker, clean criminal record, medical certificate |
1 year (renewable) |
Main pathway for international domestic workers; includes live-in, nanny, caregiver, cleaner, etc. |
|
EU Blue Card (Specialized Workers) |
For highly skilled professionals |
University degree or specialized qualifications |
1–4 years |
Not typically for general domestic workers; may apply for private chefs, estate managers, or governesses. |
|
Au Pair Visa |
For young international candidates assisting with childcare & light housework in exchange for stay |
Age 18–30, agreement with host family, cultural exchange program, proof of financial means |
Up to 1 year (extendable to 2 years) |
Popular for nannies/childcare workers under cultural exchange rules. |
|
Seasonal Work Visa |
For temporary/short-term work in Spain |
Job offer for seasonal domestic/household work, return commitment to home country |
9 months max. |
Rare for household staff, but sometimes used for temporary caregivers/cleaners. |
|
Student Visa with Work Authorization |
For international students studying in Spain who want to work part-time in households |
Enrolled in Spanish institution, proof of funds, limited work authorization |
Valid for study period |
Allows part-time domestic work (up to 20 hrs/week). |
|
Family Reunification Visa |
For relatives of legal residents in Spain |
Close family member in Spain with legal status |
Linked to sponsor’s permit |
Some domestic workers enter as family members, then later transition to formal employment. |
|
Self-Employment Visa (Cuenta Propia) |
For those offering independent domestic services (cleaning, elderly care) |
Business plan, proof of funds, relevant permits |
1 year (renewable) |
Less common but used by freelance caregivers or cleaners working for multiple households. |
|
Regularization (Arraigo Social) |
For undocumented workers already in Spain who want to legalize status |
Must have lived in Spain 3+ years, job offer or family ties |
1 year (renewable) |
Pathway for many informal domestic workers to become legal. |