Filipino nannies in Madrid: what you need to know

If you’re an international family living in Madrid, chances are you’ve heard other parents recommend Filipino nannies. There’s a reason they’re the most sought-after childcare professionals in cities like London, Hong Kong, Singapore — and increasingly, Madrid. Here’s everything you need to know.

1. Why Filipino nannies are in high demand worldwide

The Philippines is the world’s largest exporter of domestic workers, and Filipino nannies have earned an exceptional reputation for several reasons:

English as a native language: English is one of the two official languages of the Philippines. Most Filipino nannies speak fluent, natural English — not textbook English. This is a huge advantage for expat families who want their children to grow up bilingual.
Education level: Many Filipino nannies hold university degrees in education, nursing or hospitality. Childcare isn’t a fallback career — it’s a professional choice.
Warmth and patience: Filipino culture places children at the centre of family life. Nannies bring a natural warmth, patience and attentiveness that children respond to immediately.
Adaptability: Many have worked in multiple countries before arriving in Spain, making them culturally flexible and quick to adapt to new household routines.
Loyalty and stability: It’s common for Filipino nannies to stay with the same family for 5, 10 or even 15 years. They build genuine bonds with the children they care for.

2. Filipino nannies in the Madrid expat community

Madrid’s international community has grown significantly in recent years, with families from the UK, US, Germany, France and beyond settling in areas like:

La Moraleja and Puerta de Hierro: Large villas, often needing live-in staff
Pozuelo de Alarcón and Boadilla del Monte: Family-friendly suburbs near international schools
Chamartín and Salamanca: Central neighbourhoods popular with diplomats and executives
Aravaca and Majadahonda: Close to American School of Madrid and King’s College

In all of these areas, Filipino nannies are increasingly the first choice for families who want an English-speaking, professionally trained caregiver.

3. What to expect from a Filipino nanny

Childcare duties

School drop-off and pick-up
Preparing meals for the children (many are excellent cooks)
Homework supervision
Bath time and bedtime routines
Organising activities and playdates
Light housekeeping related to the children (laundry, tidying rooms)

Additional skills many bring

First aid certification: Common among those who have worked in the Middle East or Asia
Cooking: Filipino nannies are known for their culinary versatility — they’ll learn your family’s preferred cuisine
Multiple languages: In addition to English and Filipino (Tagalog), many speak basic Spanish after living in Spain
Driving: Some have Spanish driving licences, useful for school runs in suburban areas

What they typically don’t do

Heavy housework (deep cleaning, gardening, heavy lifting) — though many are happy to help with light household tasks
Caring for pets as a primary duty
Working more than 40 hours per week without additional compensation

4. Live-in nanny vs live-out nanny

Aspect	Live-in	Live-out
Best for	Young children (0–6), long/unpredictable hours	School-age children, stable schedules
Availability	High — can help mornings and evenings	Set hours only
Cost	€1,200 – €1,800/month + board	€1,100 – €1,500/month
Privacy	Less — she lives with you	More — she goes home after work
Room needed	Yes — private bedroom required	No

Many Filipino nannies arriving in Madrid prefer the live-in arrangement initially, as it helps them settle while they find their bearings in a new city. Over time, some transition to live-out once they’ve established their own home.

5. How much does a Filipino nanny cost in Madrid?

Salaries vary based on experience, duties and whether the arrangement is live-in or live-out:

Experience level	Live-in	Live-out
1–3 years experience	€1,100 – €1,300	€1,000 – €1,200
3–7 years experience	€1,300 – €1,500	€1,200 – €1,400
7+ years, bilingual, references	€1,500 – €1,800	€1,400 – €1,600

On top of the salary, you’ll pay:

Social Security contributions: ~28% of the salary (employer’s share)
Board (live-in only): Food and utilities, roughly €150–€250/month
Two extra monthly payments: In June and December (or prorated monthly)

Total real cost for a mid-experience live-in nanny at €1,400/month: approximately €2,000/month all-in.

6. Legal requirements for hiring

Spain takes domestic employment seriously. Here’s what you need to do:

Written contract: Mandatory for any employment over 4 weeks. Must specify duties, hours, salary and whether it’s live-in.
Social Security registration: Register as an employer and enrol your nanny before her first day. A local gestoría (administrative consultancy) can handle this for €30–€50/month.
Minimum wage: €1,134/month for full-time (2026). Most qualified Filipino nannies earn above this.
Paid holidays: 30 calendar days per year.
Sick leave: Covered from day 4 of illness. Social Security pays the benefit; you may need to cover the first 3 days.
Unemployment insurance: Yes — domestic workers in Spain have had access to unemployment benefits since 2022.

Important: Hiring someone without a contract and Social Security registration is illegal. Fines for unregistered employment start at €3,000 and can reach €10,000.

7. Where to find a Filipino nanny in Madrid

Tu Interna Filipina

internafilipina.es is a platform dedicated to connecting Spanish and international families with Filipino domestic professionals. Every candidate has a detailed profile with:

Experience and qualifications
Language skills (English, Spanish, others)
References from previous families
Work preference (live-in or live-out)
Available zones in Madrid

You unlock a candidate’s full contact details for a one-time fee of €50 — no monthly charges, no commission on the salary.

Other channels

Word of mouth at international schools (ASM, King’s College, Runnymede, ICS)
Expat Facebook groups: “Madrid Mums”, “Expats Living in Madrid”, “British in Madrid”
Filipino community events: Sunday gatherings at Filipino churches in Madrid
Traditional agencies: Typically charge 1–3 months’ salary as commission

8. Tips for a successful relationship

Based on feedback from hundreds of families who have hired Filipino nannies:

Be clear about expectations from day one: Write down duties, schedules and house rules. Don’t assume anything.
Respect her time off: A live-in nanny is not available 24/7. Stick to agreed working hours and compensate fairly for any extras.
Learn about her culture: Small gestures matter — knowing about Filipino holidays (like Christmas, the biggest celebration), offering to let her cook Filipino food occasionally, or asking about her family back home.
Provide feedback kindly: Filipino culture values harmony and indirect communication. Direct, gentle feedback works best. Public criticism can be deeply uncomfortable.
Help with integration: If she’s new to Madrid, help her get a phone plan, find her local community, navigate public transport. The faster she settles, the happier — and more effective — she’ll be.
Pay fairly and on time: A well-paid nanny who feels valued will give your family her best. Invest in the relationship.

9. Frequently asked questions

Do Filipino nannies speak Spanish? Most learn conversational Spanish within 6–12 months of living in Spain. Some arrive already speaking it if they’ve worked in Spanish-speaking countries. In the meantime, English is the working language.

Can she help with housework too? Many Filipino nannies are happy to help with cooking, light cleaning and laundry alongside childcare. Clarify this in the contract and adjust the salary accordingly.

What about her legal status? All candidates on Tu Interna Filipina have legal residency or work permits in Spain. You can verify their documentation (NIE, Social Security number) before hiring.

How long does it take to find someone? On Tu Interna Filipina, you can browse profiles immediately. Most families find their ideal candidate within 1–2 weeks.

Looking for an English-speaking nanny for your family in Madrid? Browse verified profiles of experienced Filipino childcare professionals at Tu Interna Filipina. Unlock a profile for just €50 and contact her directly — no agency fees, no intermediaries.