Germany has become one of the most attractive destinations for foreign workers seeking stable employment and long-term residency opportunities. In recent years, demand for cleaning staff across the country has increased significantly due to the expansion of commercial real estate, hospitals, hospitality businesses, and residential housing projects.
With Germany’s population surpassing 84 million, cities and industries require consistent cleaning and hygiene services. This creates a growing job market for immigrants seeking employment opportunities, especially those with visa sponsorship benefits.
Cleaning staff jobs in Germany are not limited to small domestic assignments. Many large companies, public institutions, airports, universities, and healthcare facilities hire full-time employees in cleaning and sanitation roles.
Employers are now offering salaries averaging €30,000 per year, which is competitive compared to other entry-level jobs in Europe. This pay often comes with additional benefits such as health insurance, pension contributions, housing support, and transportation allowances.
Visa sponsorship is a major advantage for immigrants. Germany has streamlined its immigration pathways to make it easier for foreign workers to move and take up jobs in sectors where labor shortages exist.
Cleaning staff positions fall under this category, and many German employers are willing to sponsor work visas to fill vacancies quickly. This gives non-European workers, including applicants from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, an equal opportunity to build a career in the country.
One of the key drivers for the increase in cleaning staff vacancies is the tightening hygiene regulations in workplaces, schools, and hospitals. Germany places a high value on public health, which means cleaning services are essential in every sector.
The hospitality industry alone employs over 250,000 cleaning professionals annually, and that number is expected to rise as international tourism rebounds.
With an average hourly wage ranging between €12 and €16, cleaners in Germany enjoy job security, flexible schedules, and opportunities to grow into supervisory or managerial positions.
For immigrants, cleaning staff jobs represent a stepping stone into the German labor market. Unlike highly technical professions that require advanced degrees, cleaning jobs are accessible to applicants with minimal formal education.
Many employers provide short-term training to familiarize new hires with German safety regulations, workplace protocols, and cleaning equipment.
With visa sponsorship included, foreign workers can migrate legally, earn competitive salaries, and potentially bring family members under dependent visa schemes.
Germany also offers permanent residency opportunities for long-term employees. After working for several years on a sponsored visa, many cleaning staff workers transition into permanent residents and eventually apply for German citizenship.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
Cleaning staff jobs in Germany are considered entry-level positions, but that does not mean that no skills are required. Employers typically look for individuals who can demonstrate responsibility, reliability, and a basic understanding of workplace hygiene.
While formal qualifications are not mandatory, applicants with prior cleaning experience in hotels, offices, or hospitals often receive preference.
Essential Skills for Cleaning Staff Jobs
Applicants are expected to possess some basic skills to perform their duties efficiently. Attention to detail is important since cleaning roles require precision, whether it involves disinfecting hospital rooms or maintaining office spaces.
Physical stamina is also necessary, as cleaning often requires long hours of standing, bending, lifting, or moving equipment. Communication skills in basic German or English are highly valued because they enable workers to interact with supervisors and colleagues effectively.
Experience Levels Accepted by Employers
Many employers are open to hiring candidates with no previous professional experience, provided they demonstrate the willingness to learn and adapt. Entry-level cleaners can expect on-the-job training in handling industrial cleaning machines, applying eco-friendly cleaning products, and following safety guidelines.
Those with prior experience in hotel housekeeping, janitorial services, or industrial cleaning may earn higher wages, starting at €14 per hour, compared to the standard entry rate of €12.
Language Requirements
Although it is possible to secure a cleaning staff job with little knowledge of German, having at least A1 or A2 level proficiency in the language significantly improves chances of employment.
Employers often cover the cost of basic German courses for sponsored workers. Over time, improving language skills not only increases salary prospects but also enhances social integration.
Work Ethics and Soft Skills
Beyond technical ability, German employers value punctuality, discipline, and professionalism. Cleaning staff are often tasked with working early morning shifts, late-night duties, or weekend schedules, depending on the employer.
Flexibility is therefore considered an important trait. Workers who demonstrate reliability often secure long-term contracts with annual salaries rising to €35,000 or more.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
Salaries for cleaning staff in Germany vary depending on the region, cost of living, and type of employer. Cities with high economic activity, such as Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin, typically offer higher wages compared to smaller towns and rural areas.
Munich
Munich consistently records some of the highest salaries for cleaning staff in Germany. Due to its booming economy, international business presence, and expensive real estate, cleaning professionals in Munich earn between €15 and €18 per hour.
Annual salaries for full-time positions range from €32,000 to €36,000. However, it is worth noting that Munich has one of the highest costs of living in Germany, especially in terms of rent and transportation.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt is home to Germany’s financial district, hosting multinational companies, banks, and global institutions. This creates a constant need for cleaning services in office buildings, corporate headquarters, and conference centers.
Average salaries for cleaners in Frankfurt stand at €14 to €16 per hour, with annual income averaging €30,000 to €34,000. Many employers here also provide travel allowances and pension contributions, making the total package attractive.
Hamburg
Hamburg’s port activities and large hospitality industry mean that cleaners are always in demand. Wages typically range from €13 to €15 per hour, with annual salaries of about €28,000 to €32,000. For immigrants, Hamburg offers opportunities in hotels, restaurants, and cruise ship cleaning services, with some companies offering contracts that include accommodation.
Berlin
The capital city of Berlin offers diverse job opportunities for cleaning staff, ranging from government buildings and hospitals to private companies.
Wages range from €12 to €14 per hour, with annual salaries of €27,000 to €30,000. While Berlin’s wages may not be as high as Munich’s or Frankfurt’s, the lower cost of living balances income levels, making it one of the most affordable cities for foreign workers to settle in.
Salary Expectations for Cleaning Staff
One of the main attractions of cleaning staff jobs in Germany is the competitive salary compared to similar entry-level roles in other European countries. On average, cleaning staff earn around €30,000 per year, with variations depending on region, experience, and employer type.
Hourly Wage Breakdown
The national minimum wage in Germany currently stands at €12 per hour, and cleaning staff wages typically start at this level.
Those with prior experience, advanced German language skills, or specialized cleaning responsibilities can earn up to €18 per hour. Full-time workers, putting in 40 hours per week, can expect an annual salary ranging between €27,000 and €36,000.
Overtime and Holiday Pay
Many employers pay additional rates for overtime, night shifts, and weekend work. Overtime is usually paid at 25% above the standard rate, while holiday pay is often included in contracts. A cleaner working overtime regularly could see their annual salary increase by €2,000 to €3,000.
Additional Benefits
Apart from the base salary, cleaning staff often receive additional benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, pension schemes, and in some cases, free or subsidized housing.
Large employers, especially in healthcare and hospitality, frequently provide uniforms, transportation passes, and staff meals, which reduce overall living costs.
Salary Growth Over Time
Workers who stay in the profession for several years see steady increases in their earnings. After five years of continuous work, salaries often rise to €35,000 to €38,000 annually. Supervisory positions can pay between €40,000 and €45,000 per year, especially in corporate offices and large institutions.
Companies Hiring Cleaning Staff in Germany
Germany has a wide range of companies and institutions that regularly recruit cleaning staff, offering both full-time and part-time contracts. These employers span across industries such as healthcare, education, transportation, hospitality, and manufacturing.
With the growing demand for professional cleaning services, many organizations now extend job offers with visa sponsorship for foreign applicants.
Hospitals and Healthcare Institutions
Hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics are among the top employers of cleaning staff in Germany. Hygiene in healthcare facilities is non-negotiable, and strict government regulations require regular disinfection and cleaning.
Large hospital groups like Charité in Berlin or University Hospital Munich hire hundreds of cleaners annually. Wages for healthcare cleaning staff are slightly higher than average, ranging from €14 to €17 per hour, which translates into €30,000 to €34,000 annually for full-time roles.
Hospitality and Tourism Sector
Hotels, hostels, and resorts across Germany employ thousands of cleaning staff to manage rooms, lobbies, and conference facilities. International hotel chains such as Hilton, Marriott, and InterContinental frequently recruit both local and foreign workers.
In cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, hotel cleaners typically earn between €28,000 and €32,000 annually, depending on the size of the hotel and level of responsibility. Many hotels also offer in-house accommodation to staff, which reduces living expenses.
Educational Institutions
Schools, universities, and daycare centers hire cleaning staff to maintain clean learning environments. The German public school system alone employs several thousand janitors and cleaning professionals across the country.
Pay in this sector is competitive, averaging €12.50 to €15 per hour, with many positions offering additional benefits such as paid holidays and health coverage.
Corporate and Industrial Cleaning Companies
Specialized cleaning service providers such as Piepenbrock, ISS Facility Services, and WISAG Facility Management are some of the biggest employers of cleaning staff in Germany.
These companies provide professional cleaning to banks, offices, factories, and airports. Employees of these firms often enjoy structured contracts, clear promotion opportunities, and standardized pay scales, typically ranging from €30,000 to €36,000 annually.
Transportation and Public Sector Employers
Germany’s major airports, train stations, and government buildings also provide cleaning job opportunities. Employers like Deutsche Bahn (railways) and Lufthansa (airlines) have large cleaning and sanitation teams.
Pay in this sector often starts at €13 per hour, with bonuses for night shifts, weekends, or working in high-security zones. Annual salaries for airport cleaning staff can reach €34,000, especially for those working in international hubs like Frankfurt Airport.
Visa Types and Options for Cleaning Staff
Germany offers different visa options for foreign nationals interested in working as cleaning staff. Since cleaning jobs fall under essential services with labor shortages, many employers are open to sponsoring visas for qualified candidates.
Work Visa for Non-EU Nationals
The most common pathway for cleaning staff is the German work visa. Non-EU nationals can secure a job offer from a German employer, after which the company sponsors the visa.
This visa allows full-time employment for up to two years, with possible extensions. Workers can also apply for permanent residency after five years of continuous work.
EU Blue Card
While the EU Blue Card is primarily aimed at highly skilled professionals, some cleaning staff supervisors or managers may qualify if their roles involve administrative or specialized tasks. The Blue Card provides long-term residency and family sponsorship rights.
Seasonal Work Visa
Germany also offers seasonal work visas for cleaning staff employed in hospitality, agriculture, or event management. These visas usually last for six months to one year, but in some cases, employers can extend contracts or transition workers to long-term visas.
Seasonal workers typically earn between €12 and €14 per hour, amounting to €25,000 to €28,000 annually for full-time seasonal work.
Family Reunification Visa
Cleaning staff who secure long-term employment in Germany often qualify to bring their family members under the family reunification visa program. Spouses and children can legally join workers and gain access to education and healthcare in Germany.
Permanent Residency Pathways
After five years of continuous employment on a sponsored visa, cleaning staff can apply for permanent residency. This provides access to broader job opportunities, social benefits, and the option to apply for German citizenship after eight years of residence.
Where to Find Cleaning Staff Job Opportunities
Finding cleaning staff jobs in Germany as an immigrant requires a proactive approach. Opportunities are advertised across various channels, from online portals to recruitment agencies and employer websites.
Online Job Portals
Websites such as Indeed Germany, StepStone, and Monster regularly list cleaning staff vacancies. Applicants can filter jobs by location, salary, and visa sponsorship availability. Many postings include detailed job descriptions, expected wages, and contact information for direct applications.
Recruitment Agencies
Several international recruitment agencies specialize in placing foreign workers in cleaning jobs across Germany. Agencies such as Randstad, Adecco, and Manpower have dedicated programs for immigrants seeking sponsored employment. These agencies often assist candidates with documentation, interviews, and relocation.
Company Websites
Large cleaning service providers such as Piepenbrock, WISAG, and ISS Facility Services post open positions directly on their career pages. Applying directly to these companies increases chances of securing a visa sponsorship offer, as they actively recruit international workers.
Government and Embassy Resources
Germany’s Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) provides an official job portal where cleaning staff positions are advertised. Immigrants can also consult German embassies in their home countries for guidance on visa-sponsored job openings.
Networking and Referrals
Immigrants already working in Germany often recommend friends and family members to employers in need of cleaning staff. Networking through social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook job groups also helps candidates discover opportunities not widely advertised.
How to Apply for Cleaning Staff Jobs as an Immigrant in Germany
Applying for cleaning staff jobs in Germany involves several steps, from preparing application documents to securing a work visa. Immigrants must ensure they follow the correct procedures to maximize their chances of success.
Step 1: Prepare Application Documents
Candidates must prepare a professional CV, a cover letter, and copies of any relevant work experience certificates. Even though cleaning staff jobs are considered entry-level, employers value applicants who demonstrate reliability and commitment. Documents should be in German or English to improve readability.
Step 2: Submit Job Applications
Applications can be submitted via online job portals, recruitment agencies, or directly to employers. Candidates should apply to multiple employers to increase chances of receiving an offer.
Step 3: Attend Interviews
Once shortlisted, applicants are usually invited for online interviews, especially if they are applying from outside the European Union. Employers may ask basic questions about work ethics, availability, and willingness to work flexible shifts.
Step 4: Secure a Job Offer and Contract
Successful applicants receive a written job offer detailing salary, working hours, and benefits. For cleaning staff jobs, contracts typically specify pay rates ranging from €12 to €16 per hour, amounting to €27,000 to €34,000 annually for full-time work.
Step 5: Apply for a Work Visa
With the job contract, applicants can apply for a German work visa at the embassy in their home country. Employers provide supporting documents such as sponsorship letters and proof of labor shortage.
Step 6: Relocate and Start Work
Upon visa approval, candidates can relocate to Germany. Employers often assist with accommodation arrangements, orientation programs, and basic German language courses to help new workers integrate.