Brazil domestic workers face high informality and wage gaps

Domestic work in Brazil is characterized by a high female presence, significant informality, and wage disparities. According to IBGE data, of the 5.9 million domestic workers in 2024, approximately 92.2% were women, with 67.9% identifying as Black or mixed-race. The informality rate in this sector reached 75.9%, and the average monthly income for domestic workers (R$ 1,231) is substantially lower than the national average for employed women (R$ 2,778).

Under Complementary Law 150/2015, domestic workers who provide services more than two days per week to the same employer are entitled to formal employment status. Legal guarantees include a minimum wage, 13th-month salary, paid weekly rest, maternity leave, unemployment insurance, and 30 days of paid vacation after 12 months of service. The standard workweek is limited to 44 hours, with overtime requiring a minimum 50% premium.

Employers are required to use the eSocial system to manage social security contributions, accident insurance, and FGTS deposits. Violations such as exhaustive workdays, document retention, or deprivation of liberty may be classified as labor analogous to slavery. Workers can report violations through the Ministry of Labor and Employment or specialized systems like Disque 100.