FAQ

Yes, vacations are mandatory. They cannot be replaced by financial compensation. They are intended to allow your employee to rest and recover; it is a matter of health. It is your responsibility to ensure that they are taken.

Important:

• Ensure that your employee actually takes their vacation during the year, taking into account that they may have several employers.
• The law requires a minimum of two consecutive weeks per year.

As the employer, you are responsible for writing the work certificate. You are the only person who can accurately evaluate your employee. The certificate must be complete and truthful.

Essential information to include

• Your contact details as the employer
• Your employee's identity, including their date of birth
• Dates of employment (start and end)
• Description of the position and duties
• Objective performance evaluation (assessment of the employee's skills, performance, and behavior. This must be worded in an objective and respectful manner)
• Mention of the termination of employment 
• Your signature and the date

Important: this is a legal obligation for employers.

According to the Contrat-type de l'économie domestique (CTT) - Article 5(1): “The working week shall be 45 hours per week.” However, exceptions to this provision may only be made in writing.

Yes, vacations are mandatory. They cannot be replaced by financial compensation. They are for your rest and recovery; it is a matter of health.

Important:

• Plan your vacations in agreement with your various employers.
• You are entitled to a minimum of two consecutive weeks per year.

The right to vacation depends on age and years of service:

5 weeks of vacation for:

• Those under 20 years of age
• Employees with 20 years of service with the same employer
• Those over 50 years of age with 5 years of service with the same employer

A minimum of 4 weeks of vacation for all other cases (from age 20)

These durations are the legal minimum; your employer may grant more vacation time. This is paid vacation; you can request additional unpaid days (requires your employer's agreement). Define the number of weeks of vacation when you are hired, ideally in writing.

Employees must apply using the registration form or by contacting us at 022 301 73 16 or directly via our contact form.

For information, only one application can be made per family.

Where possible, your employee must inform you and contact Chèque service within three days of the accident to report it, even if they do not have a medical certificate. The insurance covers medical expenses and any bills related to the accident.

Please note that for an employment contract of less than 8 hours, your employee is only covered for work-related accidents. For a contract of 8 hours or more, your employee is covered for work-related and non-work-related accidents by SUVA.

To find the right person legally, we recommend our partner Ménage emploi.

The advantages:

• Candidates who have already been met and interviewed
• People authorized to work in Geneva
• Profiles that match your needs

How to proceed:

1. Contact Ménage Emploi.
2. Explain your specific needs:
   • Desired schedule
   • Type of tasks
   • Frequency of service
3. They will offer you several suitable profiles.

Important: working with someone who is legally compliant protects you and guarantees a peaceful working relationship.

As an employee, you contribute to the following social insurance schemes from your very first franc earned:

Compulsory basic insurance

• Old Age and Survivors' Insurance, Disability Insurance, Loss of Earnings Insurance (AVS/AI/APG)
• Unemployment Insurance (AC)
• Maternity Insurance (Canton of Geneva)

These three types of insurance are solidarity-based: everyone contributes to protect everyone.

Depending on your situation

• Non-Occupational Accident Insurance (AANP) → Only if you work at least 8 hours per week for the same employer
• Occupational Pension Plan (LPP) → If your gross annual salary exceeds CHF 22'680 (2026) with the same employer
• Loss of Earnings Insurance due to Illness (APGM) → Unless otherwise specified in writing by your employer
• Withholding tax → Depending on your work permit and marital status

These contributions, which are essential for your protection and to prepare for your retirement, are detailed each month on your pay slip.

Important: Occupational Accident Insurance (AAP) is mandatory and paid for by your employer's social security contributions.

If you are insured for non-occupational accidents with Chèque service, your employer must pay you at least 80% of your salary for the first three days following the accident.

From the fourth day onwards, the insurance company will pay you daily allowances amounting to 80% of your salary.

If you are not insured against non-occupational accidents, your employer must pay you your salary according to the Bern scale (échelle de Berne). Without non-occupational insurance with us, you are responsible for your medical expenses and must submit them to your health/accident insurance company.

In all cases, you must contact us to file an accident report.

These two types of salaries work differently:

Hourly wage

• It is based on the hours actually worked.
• The amount varies each month depending on the number of weeks in the month.
• Vacation pay may be included or paid separately.

Monthly salary

• The amount is the same each month.
• The salary is independent of the worked hours.
• It may include salary in kind (accommodation/food).

No, vacation dates must be agreed upon mutually, as you must be able to take consecutive days off.

Your needs and those of your employers must be taken into account in the planning. However, vacations planned by the employer in advance (more than three months) are acceptable.

You are subject to withholding tax if you hold one of the following work permits: 

• Permit B / G / F / L / N
• Identity card
• Swiss nationality but residing abroad
• Minor (under 18 years of age on December 31), regardless of your nationality

You are not subject to withholding tax if you are:

• Swiss national (adult residing in Switzerland)
• Holder of a C permit
• Married to a Swiss national or holder of a C permit

Important:

• This list is not exhaustive. For more information, click here.
• If you are subject to withholding tax, it will be deducted directly from your net salary.

If you are subject to withholding tax, you are required to inform your employer and provide them with a copy of your work/residence permit. Your employer can use Chèque service to manage this additional benefit.

Chèque service applies a default rate of 7%, which is why you should still declare your income to the AFC. Once you have done so, you can use a tax adjustment to recover any overpayment or pay any shortfall.

Important: your employer is responsible for managing this tax.