Overview
- The Cologne-based IW estimates that in 2023 roughly 4.0–4.4 million households employed domestic help without legal registration, leaving over 90% of paid household work informal.
- IW calculates about €8.63 billion in untaxed turnover from these arrangements in 2023, implying lost income tax and social contributions and leaving workers without insurance or paid leave.
- Only around 275,000 domestic roles are registered as legal minijobs in private households, with very few positions covered by full social insurance.
- Typical pay for helpers working informally or on a minijob basis ranges from €15 to €25 per hour, depending on region and experience.
- Households cite the helper’s wish to avoid registration, perceived high costs, and mislabeling as neighborhood help as key reasons, while a November law expands FKS use of AI and digital tools yet Article 13 protections limit checks inside private homes.