HOW TO HIRE · CHILDCARE & FAMILY · CHECKED OCTOBER 2026
How to hire a live-in nanny in Ireland
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.
A live-in nanny in Ireland costs €400–€750 per week, typically around €550. Here is how to check that in a minute, what to ask before you book, and what you must be handed when the job is done.
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THE 60-SECOND VERSION
Hiring a live-in nanny in five steps
- Are you on the Tusla register of childminding services, and what is your number?A number you can look up yourself before you agree a price — flexible Scheduling — having a live-in nanny allows for flexible scheduling to accommodate parents' work hours or social commitments.
- How does number of children change the price?More of them means more to prepare beforehand. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does their ages change the price?Age brings small faults that each take a few minutes. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does any special needs that require additional expertise change the price?Intricate work needs a steadier hand and more time. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- What is not included?Live-in nannies usually focus on childcare and related household tasks — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a live-in nanny job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Check before you book
Tusla Early Years Inspectorate — childminding registration
The childminding regulations apply only to a childminder caring for children in the CHILDMINDER'S OWN HOME.
Search the Tusla register of childminding services for the name or the registration number before you agree a price. tusla.ie →
Where the rules stand now
A childminder caring for 3 or fewer pre-school children, and 6 or fewer children in total, remains exempt for the transitional period. Registration becomes mandatory from September 2027. Registration is not yet mandatory for every childminder. Ask whether this childminder is registered, and if not, whether they fall inside the transitional exemption — both answers are legitimate in 2026.
Ask where they are in the process, and when they expect to be registered — the date is September 2027 either way. tusla.ie →
Garda vetting
National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012–2016 The regulation requiring vetting of household members aged 16 and over commenced on 1 February 2025. Vetting is carried out through a relevant organisation, not by a parent directly. Ask to see the disclosure the childminder holds.
Ask to see the garda vetting letter itself, with its date on it — not a statement that one exists.
Insurance
Expect public liability covering minding in the home; ask to see it. You are booking an individual for a set number of hours, so ask whether the ID has been checked and what the rating is from people who booked the same way — there is no company behind them to carry either.
Ask to see the current certificate of insurance — the insurer's name, the limit and the date it runs to.
VAT
No VAT: this service is exempt, so there is none to add and none to reclaim. A quote that adds it is wrong. An individual working under the €42,500 registration threshold does not charge VAT at all, and does not have a VAT number to give you.
Ask whether the figure you were given includes it, and for the VAT number if they are registered — Revenue publishes the rate for this service. revenue.ie →
A good answer: A number you can look up yourself before you agree a price — flexible Scheduling — having a live-in nanny allows for flexible scheduling to accommodate parents' work hours or social commitments.
A good answer: More of them means more to prepare beforehand. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Age brings small faults that each take a few minutes. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Intricate work needs a steadier hand and more time. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Live-in nannies usually focus on childcare and related household tasks — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a live-in nanny job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
A good answer: Expect public liability covering minding in the home; ask to see it — household Support — live-in nannies often assist with light household tasks related to the children, such as laundry and tidying up play areas.
A good answer: A written scope and a price before the live-in nanny starts, and an itemised invoice after — educational Activities — engaging children in educational and recreational activities is a core responsibility.
Booking by the hour
- The rate per hour, and whether it changes in the evening or at a weekend
- The minimum booking, and what happens if the job finishes early
- What they bring and what you supply
- Whether the ID has been checked, and the rating from people who booked the same way
- Insurance, where the work can damage something or somebody
- The hours and the list of what is to be done, agreed before the first one
Walk away if
- They are not on the Tusla register of childminding services, or the number does not resolve to the name on the quote
- They will not talk about it: number of children — more of them means more to prepare beforehand
- They will not talk about it: their ages — age brings small faults that each take a few minutes
- They will not talk about it: any special needs that require additional expertise — intricate work needs a steadier hand and more time
- A price for the live-in nanny before anyone has asked the size, the access or the condition of what they are working on
- Cash only, or a large deposit before anything at all has started
What a live-in nanny costs: €400–€750 per week
The figures are for the job, per week, and a quote for your own is the only number that binds anyone. Full-time live-in nanny and Part-time live-in nanny each carry their own band. Live-In Nanny price guide →
Guide prices compiled by the Locufy team from published Irish and UK provider price lists and 2026/27 cost guides. Updated 2026.
KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR? NOW FIND ONE
Live-in nannys near you, with the badges that matter shown
ID checked, trader status and one score from every review — on the card, before you message anyone. Nearest first. No account needed to look.
Or post the job free and let them come to you.
- Look firstNumber of children — more of them means more to prepare beforehand — that is what the live-in nanny is judging on the first visit, and a price given without it is a guess.
- Agree what is being doneTheir ages — age brings small faults that each take a few minutes — put in writing before anyone starts, because it is the document you both read back at the end.
- The work itselfAny special needs that require additional expertise — intricate work needs a steadier hand and more time — and anything found on the day that was not in that is priced before it is started.
- Check it togetherComplexity of the household tasks expected — fine work is checked more often, and checking takes time — walked against the written scope rather than against the feeling of it, while the live-in nanny is still there.
- What you are handedThe itemised invoice and any guarantee on the workmanship and the parts, nanny's level of experience — a more experienced professional charges more and usually works faster.
- Daily Care Routine
- A live-in nanny provides consistent daily care for children, including meal preparation, bathing, and bedtime routines.
- Educational Activities
- Engaging children in educational and recreational activities is a core responsibility.
- Household Support
- Live-in nannies often assist with light household tasks related to the children, such as laundry and tidying up play areas.
- Flexible Scheduling
- Having a live-in nanny allows for flexible scheduling to accommodate parents' work hours or social commitments.
- Full-time Live-In Nanny
- A full-time live-in nanny manages daily childcare routines and household tasks, providing 24/7 support.
- Part-time Live-In Nanny
- A part-time live-in nanny offers flexible care, staying with the family for a limited number of hours each week.
AFTER
When the job is done
Hiring a live-in nanny: questions people ask
The cost can vary based on experience, qualifications, and the number of children. Additionally, location plays a significant role, with urban areas generally commanding higher rates.
The duration often depends on the family's needs and the nanny's situation. Many live-in nannies work on a long-term basis, but some may be available for temporary arrangements.
While many live-in nannies are experienced caregivers, specialised qualifications may be necessary for children with specific needs. It's essential to communicate any requirements during the hiring process.
Availability for last-minute bookings can vary. Some nannies may accommodate emergency requests, but it's advisable to plan ahead to secure the right fit for your family.
Live-in nannies usually focus on childcare and related household tasks. Duties such as deep cleaning, gardening, or pet care may fall outside their scope unless specifically agreed upon.
Search the name or the registration number. If the number does not resolve to the name on the quote, stop there.
MORE GUIDES
More hiring guides in childcare & family
Live-in nannys near you
Sources — checked October 2026
- Tusla — childminding registration opened 30 September 2024
- Tusla — childminding services FAQs
- Department of Children — new regulations for childminding
- National Action Plan for Childminding 2021–2028
- Consumer Rights Act 2022
- Revenue — CHILDMINDING (Children and education) — Exempt
- Revenue — current VAT rates (effective 1 January 2026)
- Revenue — VAT thresholds: €42,500 for a person supplying services only