MAID in Sao Paulo
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 CURRENT ISSUE 2010: 
 
 
Increase in bus fares for your domestic employee
Bus fares just increased to 2.70R$
5x per week = R$ 108  per month 
 
 
Salario Minimo
April 1st the salario minimo for domestic help increased to R$ 560 / month in Sao Paulo. 
It is illegal to pay your employee less than that.  Also keep in mind that the increase in grocery costs each month hit your domestic employee much harder than you and there are reasons the government increases this each year!  So please consider your abilities and pay a fair salary.  No one can really live on 560 Reais a month, not even a single person. 
 
When the Salario Minimo increases each year you should give your employee a raise of at least the difference of the new and old Salario Minimo (R$55) + any amount for a job well done (merit increase).
 
  
Vacation
Domestic employees can, after each 12 months worked, take either 30 days vacation (calendar days)  or
do a 20-10 day split - take 20 days and later on take or cash out 10 days. Those are the only 2 options they have
 
What do MAIDS usually do in Brazil?
 
She will make your beds and she will clean your floors
She can help you cook or cook lunch for you
She can watch your kids while you run errands
She will be the fairy in your home for all your needs
She will clean your dishes (dishwashers are not common here)
She'll work 3 to 5 days per week, as a come-and-go or sleep-in maid
 

 

Can't I just get a faxineira and not sign the carteira?
 
NO! you can't!  Even if a person works just 1 day on a regular basis in your home, she is considered to have steady employment and therefore IS entitled to carteira and INSS!!!  The rumors that if they work 3 days or less it's not necessary are NOT true, and your maid does have the ability to take you to court even if just working one regular day per week in your home. 

 

How much will my MAID cost per month?

 

If you are wondering how much a legally employed MAID costs per month, ... salaries depend on negotiation! 

Minimum salary is currently 560 R$ per month in Sao Paulo. 

Average salaries are between 700-1000R$ per month.

Expect and be willing to pay more if your apt is 200m2 or larger.

Sleep-in maids and nannies are R$800+ per month.

 

In addition you must pay the INSS tax and should pay her transportation costs.

 

If you do not legally employ her, meaning you won't sign her Carteira de Trabalho and/or pay the INSS tax, she can take you to court and WILL win the law suit in 100% of the cases if she is employed with you with regular days. 

In that case, you would be responsible for all INSS tax due for the time she worked with you instead of only your 12% portion, plus multas (late fees), plus have to pay vacation incl. the 1/3 additional, plus the 13th salary, plus interest, plus lawyer costs... 

 

At 44 hrs per week salario minimo means they earn R$ 3.18/hr - so be fair and generous when negotiating!
 
Interesting article on Salario Minimo vs. Reality
 
Modified on 11.29.2010 16:42