Registering the cessation of a domestic worker’s employment

When a domestic worker stops working for a particular person, that person (who is their employer) has to notify Social Security of the termination of their relationship with the domestic worker.

A domestic worker is someone who works for someone else doing tasks such as cooking, washing clothes, cleaning the house, among others, and who receives payment for their service. Those who work in domestic service are also sometimes known as domestic servants, day-maids or cleaning ladies, for example.

Service channels

Learn where you can carry out the service and what are the advantages of each channel

  • Register online

    Register the termination of activity of a domestic service worker with the Direct Social Security (SSD).

    It's free of charge

    To access the SSD you will need to log in using one of the following means:

    • Citizen's Card
    • Digital Mobile Key
    • Social Security number and password.

Who can registering the cessation of a domestic worker’s employment?

The person for whom the domestic employee works.

When can you registering the cessation of a domestic worker’s employment?

When a domestic worker stops working for a particular person, that person (who is their employer) has to notify Social Security of the termination of their relationship with the domestic worker.

A domestic worker is someone who works for someone else doing tasks such as cooking, washing clothes, cleaning the house, among others, and who receives payment for their service. Those who work in domestic service are also sometimes known as domestic servants, day-maids or cleaning ladies, for example.

What are the documents and requirements to registering the cessation of a domestic worker’s employment?

You will need to sign in using one of the following means of authentication:

  • Digital Mobile Key (CMD)
  • Citizen Card
  • Social Security number and password.

If you do not yet have a Digital Mobile Key, find out how to activate your Digital Mobile Key.

If you want to use your Citizen Card, find out how to sign in with a Citizen Card.

How registering the cessation of a domestic worker’s employment?

Online on Social Security Direct (SSD)

To register the cessation of the employment relationship, follow the steps below:

  1. Log in to Social Security Direct and click on ‘Empregador de serviço doméstico’ (‘Domestic service employer’).
  2. Click on ‘continuar para ações’ (‘Continue to actions’), and then on ‘Consultar e alterar vínculos de trabalhadores de serviço doméstico’ (‘Consult and change domestic worker employment relationships’).
  3. You will be able to view any employment relationships you have and identify the worker who wishes to cease the employment relationship.
  4. Once you click on ‘cessar vínculo’ (‘Cease employment relationship’), you will have to provide the end date and select the reason for the cessation of employment.
  5. After clicking on ‘cessar vínculo’ (‘Cease employment relationship’) again, the process is complete.

Additional information

For more information on domestic workers, consult the Practical Guide to Social Security (clicking on the link will download the guide automatically).