Quick Start: Finding Household Help in Belgium
If you're looking for household assistance, here are the basic steps:
- Buy dienstencheques through Mijn Burgerprofiel or your banking app.
- Search for a recognized household-help company in your area.
- Contact companies and ask about availability.
- Arrange cleaning hours and discuss your needs.
- Pay for the hours worked using your dienstencheques.
- Provide the cleaning materials unless the company specifies otherwise.
What Are Dienstencheques?
A dienstencheque (service voucher) is a government-supported payment system that allows private individuals in Belgium to hire household help through a recognized company. Each voucher pays for one hour of work.
The system helps households access affordable domestic assistance while ensuring employees work under official employment conditions.
Services that can typically be paid for using dienstencheques include:
- House cleaning
- Window cleaning
- Laundry
- Ironing
- Clothing repairs
- Grocery shopping
- Meal preparation
These services can only be used for your personal household needs. They cannot be used for business purposes.
Buying Dienstencheques in Flanders
Since December 2025, residents of Flanders can purchase dienstencheques through:
- Mijn Burgerprofiel
- Participating banking apps
Previously, the system was managed through Pluxee (formerly Sodexo), so you may still hear people refer to "Pluxee vouchers" or "Sodexo cheques."
Cost of Dienstencheques
- Minimum purchase: 10 vouchers
- Maximum purchase: 500 vouchers per year
- Validity period: 12 months
- First 400 vouchers: €10 per voucher
- Additional vouchers: €11 per voucher
The former tax reduction linked to dienstencheques ended on 1 January 2025. Despite this change, the system remains a popular and cost-effective way to hire household help.
How to Find a Cleaner in Leuven
Once you have access to dienstencheques, you can start looking for a household-help company.
Option 1: Search for a Recognized Household-Help Company
Many companies in Leuven and surrounding municipalities provide cleaning and domestic services that accept dienstencheques.
A good starting point is the official Flemish database of recognized providers, which allows you to search by location.
Option 2: Ask Your Network
Personal recommendations are often the fastest way to find reliable household help.
You can ask:
- Colleagues
- Neighbours
- Friends
- Local community groups
- International resident groups
Many internationals in Leuven share recommendations through local expat communities and Facebook groups.
What to Expect When Hiring Household Help
Before contacting a company, think about:
How Often You Need Help
Some companies have minimum booking requirements, such as a certain number of hours per month.
Common arrangements include:
- Weekly cleaning
- Every two weeks
- Monthly visits
Cleaning Materials
In Belgium, it is common for the household to provide the cleaning products and equipment.
You may need to provide:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mop and bucket
- Cleaning sprays
- Microfiber cloths
- Laundry products
The company will explain its specific requirements before the cleaner starts.
Language
Many household helpers speak Dutch, while some may also speak English, French, or another language. Clear communication about expectations is important.
One-Time Cleaning Services
Need help for a specific occasion rather than regular cleaning?
Many cleaning companies offer:
- Move-in cleaning
- Move-out cleaning
- Deep cleaning
- Post-renovation cleaning
- Spring cleaning
These services may have different conditions than regular dienstencheque arrangements, so check with the provider beforehand.
Helpful Dutch Vocabulary for Household Assistance
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| dienstencheque | service voucher |
| huishoudhulp | household help |
| poetshulp | cleaning help |
| poetsen | cleaning |
| schoonmaken | to clean |
| stofzuigen | to vacuum |
| dweilen | to mop |
| strijken | ironing |
| wassen | washing laundry |
| boodschappen doen | grocery shopping |
| maaltijden bereiden | preparing meals |
| schoonmaakmiddelen | cleaning supplies |
| afspraak | appointment |
| wekelijks | weekly |
| tweewekelijks | every two weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can internationals use dienstencheques?
Yes. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements in Flanders and can purchase dienstencheques through the Flemish system, you can use them to hire household help.
How much does household help cost?
The cost depends on the number of dienstencheques used. One voucher generally covers one hour of work. The first 400 vouchers cost €10 each.
Can I hire someone directly?
The dienstencheque system is designed to work through recognized companies that employ the household helper.
Do I need to provide cleaning equipment?
Usually, yes. Most households provide their own cleaning supplies and equipment. Your service provider will explain what is required.
Can dienstencheques be used for ironing?
Yes. Ironing is one of the services commonly covered by dienstencheques.
Can I use dienstencheques for gardening or home repairs?
No. Dienstencheques are intended for specific household tasks such as cleaning, laundry, ironing, grocery shopping, and meal preparation.
How can I find a household-help company near Leuven?
You can search online, ask for recommendations, or use the Flemish database of recognized dienstencheque companies.
