THE ESSENTIALS
Before you start
- Short hours do not remove the obligation for domestic employees.
- Hourly payment alone does not determine the legal relationship.
- Prepare the duties, hours, pay and intended start date.
Part-time hours do not remove the obligation
Articles 7 and 26(3) of Decree-Law 235/92 allow part-time domestic employment and require the employer to transfer work-accident liability to an authorised insurer. Where that employment relationship exists, working a few hours does not remove the insurance duty.
Sofia decides to address this before the first morning of work. She does not use the short working week as an answer to the question about protecting the person who will clean her home.
Clarify the relationship first
Article 2 distinguishes regular, paid work under direction and authority from occasional or autonomous arrangements. Classification depends on the facts; hourly payment alone does not determine it.
As preparation, write down who agrees the duties, who organises their performance and whether you directly engaged a person or bought a company's service. Take uncertainties to a competent professional rather than choosing whichever category seems cheaper. Clara helps Sofia describe the intended arrangement without deciding anyone's unexamined employment status.
A short fact sheet supports a complete request
For a quotation, organise the work address, intended duties, hours, agreed remuneration and desired start date. Mention activities beyond routine cleaning, such as gardening or helping people, if they form part of the work. Do not hide them behind a generic label.
Keep employment records and identification in the appropriate private channel. Do not post the worker's personal information in social-media comments. Mark any unconfirmed amount or detail as pending clarification.
Ask for confirmation you can retain
When comparing a quotation, ask which activity and person or insurance arrangement are included, which remuneration is used and when cover starts. Confirm the steps needed to contract and pay the premium. A completed form or price request does not establish that insurance has begun.
Sofia can request an occupational accident quotation from RMACHADO and explain that it concerns part-time domestic employment. Clara helps organise the questions; acceptance and the actual protection depend on the applicable contracting arrangements.
KEEP THESE QUESTIONS
Your checklist for the next conversation
- Clarify the relationship and identify the employer.
- Describe the actual duties, hours and remuneration.
- Prepare the request before the intended start date.
- Keep confirmation of contracting and effective cover.
FROM THE ARTICLE TO YOUR SITUATION
Let us discuss your situation
Tell us what you want to protect. We review your request and help compare relevant terms. Requesting a quotation does not activate insurance.
Sources and transparency
Content updated on .
Consultation dates are stated in individual references when available.
Numerical examples are fictional and explain concepts. Editorial interpretations are identified in the text.
Information from RMACHADO GROUP. This is not an insurance offer or individual advice. Covers, acceptance, exclusions, sums insured and costs depend on the policy. The intermediary does not underwrite the risks.