Hiring with Grace in Monaco: What Every Family Needs to Know About Declaring Household Staff Under the 2024 Caisses Sociales System and Beyond

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The sea shimmered beyond the terrace of a Mareterra apartment. Its curve caught the morning sun. In the open plan kitchen, a private chef set down a tray of freshly pressed juices, while a butler reviewed the family’s calendar for the day. Down the hall, a nanny helped two children into sandals for their morning walk along Larvotto Beach. Quietly, the housekeeper moved through the space, performing last minute checks. Dusting surfaces. Adjusting cushions. Ensuring every detail was in place.

This is daily life for many Monaco families. Elegant. Seamless. Deeply personal. But behind every well run household is something less visible but just as important: structure. And in the Principality, that structure is legal, formal, and as of 2024 newly updated.

If your family employs a nanny, housekeeper, butler, or private chef in Monaco—or is considering doing so—understanding the updated Caisses Sociales system is essential. This article will guide you through what has changed, what is required, and how to remain compliant. Today and into the future.

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From Family to Employer: What That Means in Monaco

In Monaco, hiring household staff places you in a legal category that is both clear and formal. Whether you are welcoming a live-in nanny, employing a private chef, or engaging a butler to manage the day-to-day running of your residence, you officially become an employer under Monegasque law.

Registration is handled through the Caisses Sociales de Monaco, which manages the country’s social security contributions across four key bodies:
•CCSS – Health insurance and family allowances
•CAR – State pension fund
•CMRC – Complementary retirement fund (launched 2024)
•UNEDIC – Unemployment insurance
Each requires monthly contributions from both employer and employee, calculated based on salary thresholds.
Often, a household manager or family office will handle these details. But legally, the employer is the family itself.
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The 2024 Changes: What Families Are Expected to Know

The most significant update came into effect on 1 January 2024 with the launch of the CMRC, Monaco’s first fully domestic complementary retirement fund. This replaces foreign pension schemes and creates a unified national system for staff contributions.

As of 1 November 2024, Monaco’s gross minimum hourly wage is €11.88, translating to a monthly salary of €2,007.72 for a 39-hour week. Separately, the base salary for declarations is fixed at €1,507 per month the minimum amount upon which contributions must be calculated, regardless of hours worked.

However, these legal thresholds rarely reflect reality. Domestic staff in Monaco whether nannies, housekeepers, butlers, or private chefs are highly skilled professionals. Due to the region’s cost of living, net hourly rates typically range from €15 to €30. These rates are standard for securing and retaining qualified staff.

In practice, families who offer fair and competitive pay are far more likely to retain loyal, long-term staff. Those who do not may find employees moving on to households offering better conditions.

 

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Transparency in Salary and Contributions

One of the most common challenges for families is understanding the difference between net and gross salary. Many offer a net figure without realising that the total employer cost including contributions may be far higher.

If you want a clear understanding of what you will pay each month or year, we can assist. Official contribution calculators are available, and we can walk you through them to ensure your offer is accurate, compliant, and cost-transparent from the outset.

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A Household in Compliance: A Day in Practice
By mid-morning, in an apartment overlooking Fontvieille Port, a second nanny arrives for her rota shift. Fresh produce is being unpacked. The private chef is preparing lunch. The personal assistant has sent timesheets to the family office accountant, who submits the declarations via the Caisses Sociales portal.
Everything is running quietly. As it should be. And none of it happens by chance.
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Contribution Rates at a Glance (October 2024)
CCSS – Health and Family Benefits
•Employee: 6.85%
•Employer: 7.45% + 0.86% variable
•Ceiling: €9,600/month
CAR – Pension Fund
•Employee: 2.40%
•Employer: 4.05%
•Ceiling: €6,028/month
CMRC – Complementary Pension
•Tranche A (to €3,947):
•7.87% rights-generating
•2.15% non-rights-generating
•Tranche B (€3,947–8×A):
•21.59% rights-generating
•2.70% non-rights-generating
Declarations are submitted online via the Télésservices Employeurs portal: www.caisses-sociales.mc
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What You Are Legally Required to Do
As an employer in Monaco, you are responsible for:
•Registering with the CCSS
•Declaring each employee’s role, salary, and contract
•Creating compliant employment contracts
•Issuing payslips
•Respecting legal hours and rest periods
•Notifying authorities of contract changes
If your staff contract includes a 13th-month bonus, you are also responsible for declaring and contributing on that payment annually.
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Insurance Obligations for Employers
By law, Monaco employers must insure their staff against workplace accidents. This includes:
•Taking out insurance for each employee
•Declaring accidents to the insurer within 48 hours
•Reporting to authorities when needed
This applies to all household roles, regardless of hours. If you need an introduction, we can connect you with our trusted insurance partners who understand Monaco’s domestic employment landscape.
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Helpful Resources for Monaco Employers
The Caisses Sociales offers a comprehensive FAQ and employer guidance page:
Whether you are declaring a new employee or closing a contract, support is available or we can assist directly.
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How Platinum Nanny Supports Monaco Families
At Platinum Nanny Limited, we introduce you to carefully selected, fully vetted professionals. Our service goes beyond recruitment we help ensure your hire is aligned with Monaco’s legal framework from the start.
We can:
•Support your CCSS registration
•Refer you to legal advisors for compliant contracts
•Introduce payroll specialists and HR professionals
•Clarify employer obligations and declaration procedures
Platinum Nanny Limited is a UK incorporated recruitment and introduction agency offering services to families in London, Monaco, London, the Middle East, and select areas of Europe.
At Platinum Nanny Ltd, we also offer Chief of Staff and Virtual Executive Assistant services to support our clients with high-level household and lifestyle management. Whether overseeing a relocation to Monaco or Dubai, coordinating staff across multiple homes, or setting up a newly acquired residence, we manage the details with discretion and precision. We are available to our clients 24/7 and can be called upon for both major projects and day-to-day matters from securing insurance for a new yacht to finding your dream home, resolving staff issues, or handling everyday administrative tasks. We work closely with trusted local partners to ensure everything runs smoothly.

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Author’s Note

Platinum Nanny Ltd. UK specialises in the recruitment of bespoke private staff for VIP families worldwide. Our services encompass a wide range of roles, including estate managers, butlers, private chefs, housekeepers, nannies, gardeners, and security personnel, all tailored to meet the unique requirements of your household.

WhatsApp: +33 7 60 03 83 55
Email: info@platinumnanny.com
Website: www.platinumnanny.com

 

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