Hire a Housekeeper in 24h

Lighthouse Careers works on a success-fee model, no upfront costs, no retainers and no registration fees. You only pay once we have successfully placed your Housekeeper and they have started work.

Our fee is a pre-agreed percentage of the candidate's first-year gross salary, confirmed in writing before the search begins. Because the fee is tied to a successful placement, our incentives are fully aligned with yours: we only succeed when you hire the right Housekeeper for your chalet or residence in Swiss Alps, Switzerland.

Most clients hire a Housekeeper in Swiss Alps, Switzerland within 1 to 2 weeks, and your first vetted shortlist is delivered within 24 hours of the role brief being approved.

Timelines vary with the season and the role. Winter is the busiest period, from November to April, strong candidates in Verbier, Zermatt and St. Moritz are often booked months ahead, so early engagement is wise. Requirements such as live-in accommodation, a specific language combination or a Swiss work permit can also extend the search. We give you a realistic timeline after the initial consultation.

For an alpine household, look for a Housekeeper with at least 3 to 5 years in private residences or luxury chalets, ideally with formal training from a hospitality school or recognised housekeeping certification. Other essentials include:

• Right to work in Switzerland, a Swiss permit (B, C or G) or EU/EFTA citizenship.
• Languages, French, German or Italian alongside fluent English.
• Driving licence, often essential for remote chalets and winter conditions.
• Technical skills, fine laundry and wardrobe care, silver and antiques, deep cleaning and household inventories.
• Discretion, NDA experience and comfort working around UHNW principals and their guests.

Every Housekeeper we present for a Swiss Alps, Switzerland role passes a multi-stage process:

• Structured competency interviews covering housekeeping technique, etiquette and service standards.
• Verification of identity, right to work in Switzerland and permit status.
• Background screening, including criminal record checks where legally permitted.
• A minimum of three verified references, with at least two past employers contacted directly.
• Skills assessment and, for shortlisted candidates, a practical trial day.
• Confirmation of certifications, training and, where relevant, driving history.

Only candidates we would employ in our own homes reach your shortlist.

Yes, if your Housekeeper leaves or is dismissed for reasons covered by our terms within the guarantee period, we will run a replacement search at no additional fee.

Because you only pay on successful placement, the guarantee is an extension of that same commitment: we stay invested in the relationship well beyond the start date. Guarantee length varies by contract type, it is typically longer for permanent placements than for short winter-season contracts, and full terms are set out in writing before you engage us.

We recruit across the Swiss Alps, including Verbier, Zermatt, Gstaad, St. Moritz, Crans-Montana, Klosters, Davos, Andermatt, Engelberg, Villars and the Lake Geneva region.

Each resort has its own practical realities. For example, Verbier and Zermatt placements often require a Housekeeper comfortable with snow chains, funicular access or restricted-traffic rules, while Gstaad and St. Moritz households frequently expect formal service standards during a heavy winter guest calendar. We also place staff in Geneva, Lausanne and Zurich for families who split their time between a city residence and an alpine chalet.

Our service covers the full lifecycle of hiring a Housekeeper:

• Consultation and written role brief, including salary benchmarking for Swiss Alps, Switzerland.
• Targeted headhunting across our private household network and vetted candidate pool.
• Screening, verification and reference checks.
• A curated shortlist delivered within 24 hours, plus interview coordination.
• Offer negotiation, contract and permit guidance, and relocation support.
• Onboarding check-ins and our replacement guarantee.

One dedicated consultant manages your search from first call to start date.

Getting started is simple and carries no risk:

1. Contact us by phone or email with a short outline of your household and the role.
2. We hold a confidential consultation, usually 30 to 45 minutes, to understand your property, schedule, guests and expectations.
3. We send a written role brief and fee agreement for your approval.
4. Your first shortlist of vetted Housekeepers arrives within 24 hours.

Most clients interview candidates within days and hire a Housekeeper in Swiss Alps, Switzerland within one to two weeks.

Both are common in the Alps, and the right choice depends on your property and the season.

Live-in arrangements are standard for chalets in Zermatt, Verbier or St. Moritz, where local housing is scarce, expensive and typically available only on fixed winter leases. Live-in Housekeepers usually receive a self-contained studio or private staff suite, meals, and a lower gross salary in exchange for board. Live-out works well near Geneva, Lausanne or Gstaad where long-term rental stock exists, but expect higher salary expectations and to factor in transport through snow, funiculars or restricted-traffic zones.

It depends on the household. Many alpine principals move between properties, so we screen for mobility from the outset. Typical requirements include:

• Willingness to travel between a Swiss chalet and a city residence in Geneva, Zurich, London, Paris or Milan.
• A clean driving licence and confidence on mountain roads in winter.
• A valid passport and the right to travel within the Schengen area.
• Flexibility during peak periods, Christmas, New Year, February half-term and Easter.

Every travel expectation is confirmed in the role brief, so candidates are fully informed before interview.

Swiss employment law allows a probation period, typically one to three months, during which notice is short on both sides. We recommend a paid trial day or two before an offer, which is common practice for private households.

Contracts are usually permanent, with a 13th-month salary, or fixed-term for the winter season (roughly November, April). Permanent roles generally carry one to three months' notice after probation. We help you structure the contract correctly, including AHV/AVS registration, accident insurance, holiday entitlement and any accommodation clauses, and can coordinate with your payroll provider or legal adviser.