How to hire and register a domestic worker in Uruguay
Hiring someone to clean or care for your home is very common, and it must be formalized with the BPS. We show the step-by-step, the contributions and the worker's rights — with official sources.
Having help at home —for cleaning, childcare or elder care— is common in Uruguay, and very frequent among newcomers. What not everyone knows is that domestic work is formal employment: you must register the person and contribute. The good news is it's simple. Here's how.
Registering them is mandatory
Domestic work is fully recognized by law: the person who works in your home has the same labour rights as any other worker. As an employer, you're required to register them with the BPS and contribute. It's not optional or a goodwill gesture: it's the law.
BPS — Domestic workhttps://www.bps.gub.uy/10275/trabajo-domestico.htmlHow to register them (step by step)
The procedure is online and quick. Broadly:
- Get your personal BPS user (set up at Abitab, Red Pagos, ANDA and other points).
- Register as a domestic-work holder (employer).
- Enrol the worker with their details in the Domestic Work online service.
- Do it on time: from 10 days before up to the work start date.
How much you contribute
Contributions are computed on the worker's actual remuneration, which can't be below the minimums set for the sector. The BPS offers a simulator to compute what's withheld from them and what you owe as the employer.
BPS — Calculating domestic-work contributionshttps://www.bps.gub.uy/6575/calculo-de-aportes-de-trabajo-domestico.htmlThe worker's rights
Once registered, they get the same benefits as any BPS affiliate:
- Health coverage (FONASA) for them and their family.
- BSE work-accident insurance.
- Leave, holiday pay and the aguinaldo.
- Overtime and August 19 as a paid holiday (Domestic Worker's Day).
Why it pays to do it right
Keeping them off the books exposes you to claims and fines, and leaves the worker without coverage for illness or an accident. Registering costs little and gives you legal peace of mind — besides being the fair thing. Use Tributo so you don't miss the monthly contribution due date.
At a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Must I register them? | Yes, it's mandatory (BPS) |
| How? | Online, with a personal BPS user |
| When? | From 10 days before the start |
| Contributions on what? | Actual pay (not below the minimum) |
| What do they get? | Health, insurance, leave, aguinaldo |
In short: if someone works in your home, register them with the BPS and contribute — it's mandatory, simple and gives them full rights. Compute the contributions with the BPS simulator and, when in doubt, ask the agency.