$19/Hour Work as a Cleaner in Germany

Germany is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for people seeking stable jobs, competitive hourly wages, and legal migration opportunities. Among the most accessible and in-demand occupations are cleaning jobs that pay around $19 per hour, especially those that come with visa sponsorship for foreign workers.

These positions are popular because they offer reliable income, career growth, and the chance to live and work in one of the world’s most efficient economies.

Foreign workers from Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe are increasingly moving to Germany to fill the labor gap in the facility management and hygiene services sector.

Whether you are looking to work as a house cleaner, office janitor, or industrial sanitation specialist, there is strong demand for reliable cleaners across both urban and rural areas.

Germany’s aging population, high demand for sanitation in healthcare facilities, and growing number of hospitality businesses have made cleaning one of the country’s most essential and recession-proof professions.

With hourly wages ranging from €16 to €22 ($17–$24) depending on experience and location, these jobs not only provide financial stability but can also serve as an entry route into the German workforce for immigrants seeking permanent residence through work visa sponsorship programs.

Why Work in the Cleaning Industry?

Working in the cleaning industry in Germany offers a range of financial, professional, and immigration advantages that many overlook.

The average hourly pay of $19 for cleaners makes it one of the most rewarding entry-level occupations for foreign workers, especially when combined with housing benefits, transportation allowances, and the potential for overtime pay.

The cleaning industry in Germany is worth billions of euros annually. With over 700,000 workers employed in this sector, demand continues to grow as businesses, schools, hospitals, and residential complexes depend on skilled and trustworthy cleaning staff.

Moreover, cleaning is classified as an essential occupation, meaning job stability remains strong even during economic downturns. Foreign workers with basic German communication skills can find opportunities in both public and private cleaning contracts.

Major cleaning companies often partner with the government to recruit skilled labor under visa sponsorship programs, particularly for non-EU citizens. This means your employer can assist in processing your work permit, residence application, and even help secure accommodation.

Cleaners in Germany also benefit from the country’s strong labor protection laws. Under the Collective Agreement for Building Cleaning Trades (Rahmentarifvertrag), employees are entitled to minimum wages, paid leave, health insurance, and pension contributions.

Additionally, cleaners working night shifts or in hospitals receive higher pay, often exceeding €20 per hour, depending on experience.

The cleaning industry also provides flexibility. Many workers prefer part-time schedules to balance family life or education, while others work full-time across multiple sites.

Employers value reliability and attention to detail over formal education, making it an accessible path for newcomers to Germany seeking visa-sponsored employment.

Working as a cleaner can also serve as a foundation for career progression. Many supervisors, facility managers, and even business owners in the cleaning sector began their careers in entry-level roles.

Over time, workers who demonstrate leadership and technical cleaning skills can move into better-paying supervisory or administrative positions earning €40,000–€60,000 per year.

The industry’s continuous demand ensures not only job security but also the chance to experience Germany’s structured work environment and multicultural communities.

Types of Cleaning Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Germany

The cleaning sector in Germany is vast, with opportunities available in domestic, commercial, and industrial settings. Employers frequently sponsor work visas for reliable cleaners who can meet hygiene standards and maintain consistent performance. Below are the most common types of cleaning jobs available with visa sponsorship.

Domestic and Residential Cleaning Jobs

This category includes home cleaning, housekeeping, and personal domestic services. Residential cleaners often earn between €16 and €20 per hour ($17–$22), with additional pay for laundry, ironing, and meal preparation.

Visa sponsorship is common for live-in domestic staff working for families, especially in large cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Berlin. Some private employers even provide accommodation, meals, and transportation support.

Office and Commercial Cleaning Jobs

Commercial cleaning involves maintaining office buildings, schools, hotels, and shopping centers. Workers are responsible for sweeping, mopping, sanitizing surfaces, and waste disposal.

Pay rates range from €18 to €21 per hour, and many of these positions are offered by large facility management firms such as Kärcher, WISAG, and Piepenbrock, which often sponsor foreign workers through official immigration channels.

Industrial and Warehouse Cleaning

Industrial cleaning requires the use of specialized equipment to clean factories, machinery, and production areas. Workers in this category often undergo short training programs on chemical handling and industrial hygiene standards.

Due to the physical nature of the job, employers offer higher pay, usually between €20 and €24 per hour. Visa sponsorship is common, particularly for companies that experience chronic labor shortages in logistics and manufacturing zones.

Hospital and Healthcare Cleaning

Hospitals and nursing homes require trained cleaners to maintain infection control standards. These roles are in high demand across Germany’s healthcare system. Employees in this field typically earn €19–€23 per hour, and employers often provide language support and certification training.

Since healthcare institutions fall under Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act, visa sponsorship for hospital cleaners is widely available for foreign workers.

Hotel and Hospitality Cleaning

Hotels, resorts, and Airbnb management companies frequently hire cleaners for room servicing, laundry, and general upkeep.

The hospitality industry depends heavily on seasonal and international workers, making it one of the easiest ways for foreigners to get visa sponsorship jobs in Germany. Pay rates start around €17 per hour but can exceed €22 per hour in luxury establishments.

Specialized Cleaning Services

There is also demand for high-skilled cleaning roles such as window cleaning for skyscrapers, aircraft cleaning, and sanitation for food production companies.

These roles typically pay higher wages, between €22 and €25 per hour, due to their technical and safety requirements. Employers typically sponsor long-term work visas for experienced professionals.

The diversity of cleaning roles allows foreign workers to choose jobs suited to their skills, experience, and preferred working environment, making this industry one of the most inclusive entry routes into Germany’s workforce.

Entry-level Skills and Experience Required

Cleaning jobs in Germany are among the most accessible for foreigners because they don’t require advanced education or professional certification. However, having certain entry-level skills significantly improves your chances of securing employment and qualifying for visa sponsorship.

Most cleaning employers expect candidates to demonstrate attention to detail, time management, and reliability. The ability to follow safety procedures and communicate basic German phrases such as greetings or simple instructions is also beneficial.

Employers value punctuality, honesty, and physical fitness, as some cleaning tasks require standing, bending, or lifting for extended periods. Foreign applicants with previous experience in cleaning, janitorial services, or housekeeping have a competitive advantage.

Even a year or two of experience working in residential or commercial cleaning in your home country can help you secure higher wages, typically starting at €19–€21 per hour instead of the beginner rate of €16–€18 per hour.

Another key requirement is understanding hygiene and sanitation practices. Cleaners must know how to use different cleaning agents safely, distinguish between chemicals for floors and bathrooms, and maintain a hygienic environment in public areas.

Although formal education is not mandatory, a secondary school certificate or equivalent is preferred for documentation during visa processing. Having proof of employment, recommendation letters, or prior experience certificates can also support your work visa application.

Additionally, possessing a driver’s license can increase employability, especially for cleaners who travel between multiple job sites. Employers often reimburse transportation costs or provide company vehicles.

For those seeking career progression, it is possible to take certified cleaning courses offered by institutions like the German Chamber of Crafts (Handwerkskammer) or specialized training schools. Completing such courses can lead to supervisory positions with salaries above €40,000 annually.

Finally, communication skills and teamwork are essential. Many cleaning operations involve coordination with facility managers, hospital staff, or hotel supervisors. Having basic German language proficiency at the A1 or A2 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is advantageous when applying for visa sponsorship jobs.

Overall, cleaning work in Germany does not demand university degrees but rewards commitment, discipline, and professionalism. By meeting these entry-level requirements, foreign applicants can easily integrate into Germany’s workforce while earning steady wages around $19 per hour.

Regions with the Highest Payment Structures

Germany offers some of the most competitive hourly wages for cleaners across Europe, but the rates vary depending on the region, employer type, and demand for labor. Areas with higher costs of living and labor shortages tend to pay more to attract workers, especially those applying from abroad under visa sponsorship programs.

Southern Germany

Southern Germany is home to major cities such as Munich, Stuttgart, and Ulm, regions known for their wealth and industrial dominance. Cleaners in these areas earn some of the highest hourly rates, typically between €20 and €25 per hour ($21–$27). The higher cost of living is offset by the generous pay and added benefits.

Employers in Munich often provide additional perks such as transportation allowances, paid holidays, and health coverage for sponsored foreign employees.

Companies in Stuttgart also prefer long-term contracts, which include options for residence permit extensions after two years of consistent work.

Western Germany

Western Germany is known for its concentration of financial institutions and corporate offices, creating consistent demand for professional cleaning staff. Hourly wages here range between €18 and €22, depending on experience and job complexity.

In Frankfurt, cleaners working in banks, high-rise office towers, and hotels receive premium pay. Many facility management companies based in Frankfurt also handle international recruitment, meaning they are more likely to sponsor work visas for qualified foreign applicants.

Düsseldorf and Cologne have a growing hospitality sector, with hotels and serviced apartments regularly hiring international staff. The city’s proximity to Belgium and the Netherlands also makes it an ideal location for foreign workers interested in cross-border employment opportunities.

Northern Germany

Northern cities like Hamburg and Bremen are centers for logistics, shipping, and trade. Cleaners here often work in warehouses, ports, and industrial facilities. Because of the labor intensity, hourly pay averages €19 to €23, with additional bonuses for night shifts or weekend work.

Companies that clean ships and industrial machinery offer specialized training, and many of these roles qualify for visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz).

Eastern Germany

Although the eastern states generally offer slightly lower wages, between €16 and €20 per hour, Berlin remains an exception due to its booming service economy. Cleaners in Berlin’s hotels, co-working spaces, and tech companies earn up to €22 per hour, especially those with good communication skills and reliability.

Foreign workers who prefer urban life with lower living costs often choose Berlin or Leipzig as their starting point before moving to higher-paying regions.

Salary Expectations for Cleaners

The salary of cleaners in Germany depends on multiple factors including location, type of work, experience level, and working hours. However, the general rate of $19 per hour (approximately €18) serves as the industry average, especially for foreign workers employed under visa sponsorship contracts.

Hourly and Monthly Salary Estimates

• Entry-level Cleaners: €16–€18/hour (about $17–$19/hour)
• Experienced Cleaners: €19–€22/hour ($20–$24/hour)
• Specialized Industrial Cleaners: €22–€25/hour ($24–$27/hour)

If a cleaner works a standard 40-hour week, the monthly salary ranges between €2,800 and €4,000, translating to $3,000–$4,300 per month before taxes. Over time, cleaners who gain experience and language proficiency can negotiate higher rates or assume supervisory duties.

Bonuses and Benefits

Cleaners with visa sponsorship often enjoy employment benefits that increase their total income value:

• Paid holidays (usually 24–30 days per year)
• Health insurance and pension contributions
• Housing or accommodation assistance
• Transportation or company vehicle for mobile cleaning services
• Overtime pay and night shift allowances

For instance, cleaners in hospitals or manufacturing plants receive night-shift compensation of 15–20% extra per hour. Those in supervisory positions may earn €40,000–€45,000 annually, particularly in large corporations and public institutions.

Long-Term Earnings Growth

After two years of work experience, foreign cleaners can apply for permanent contracts and longer visa validity. Many transition into facility management roles, earning €50,000–€60,000 annually.

Skilled workers who complete vocational cleaning certification (Gebäudereiniger-Handwerk) can even establish their own cleaning companies.

With Germany’s expanding economy and shortage of labor in this sector, wage growth remains consistent, ensuring steady income for cleaners across the country.

Visa Types and Options for Cleaners

Foreign workers who wish to work legally in Germany as cleaners can apply under several visa categories that allow employment and residence. The specific visa you qualify for depends on your nationality, work contract, and professional experience.

Work Visa under the Skilled Worker Immigration Act

This is the most common route for non-EU citizens seeking cleaning jobs in Germany. The Skilled Worker Immigration Act allows foreigners with a valid job offer and a contract from a German employer to apply for a residence permit. Cleaners can qualify if they demonstrate relevant work experience, even without formal education.

Employers often assist in the documentation process, including providing proof of job necessity, contract terms, and salary compliance with German labor law. The visa typically allows a stay of up to four years, renewable upon contract extension.

EU Blue Card (for Highly Skilled Roles)

Although primarily designed for professionals with higher education, the EU Blue Card can apply to cleaning supervisors or managers earning above the salary threshold (around €45,000 per year). This path allows fast-tracked residency and family reunification.

Temporary Seasonal Work Visa

For short-term or part-time cleaning jobs, such as in hotels or event venues, foreigners may apply for a seasonal employment visa. These visas last up to 90 days and can be renewed. Employers usually provide accommodation and transportation.

Job Seeker Visa

Applicants who wish to travel to Germany to look for cleaning jobs directly can apply for a Job Seeker Visa, which permits a six-month stay to search for employment. Once a job offer is secured, they can switch to a work visa with sponsorship from the employer.

Family and Dependent Visas

Cleaners who obtain long-term employment in Germany can later apply for family reunification visas to bring their spouses or children. The process is smoother for individuals with stable income and permanent contracts.

The German government has simplified the application process for skilled and semi-skilled laborers to fill the workforce gap. This means that cleaning professionals with reliable employers can easily transition to permanent residence within a few years.

How to Find Cleaning Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Germany

Finding a cleaning job in Germany with visa sponsorship requires a strategic approach. The key is to apply through verified sources and credible employers who are authorized to hire foreign workers.

Online Job Portals and Employer Websites

The most reliable way to find visa-sponsored cleaning jobs is through official job portals such as:

• Make It in Germany (the official government job site for immigrants)
• EURES Portal (for EU and non-EU workers)
• Indeed Germany, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor
• Company websites such as Piepenbrock, WISAG, Gegenbauer, and Kärcher Services

Recruitment Agencies

Several licensed recruitment agencies specialize in connecting international workers with German employers in facility services. Always verify that the agency is registered under the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) to avoid scams. Reputable agencies assist with:

• Work contract verification
• Visa document preparation
• Language training
• Airport pick-up and housing assistance

Direct Employer Sponsorship

Some employers, especially large cleaning companies and hospitals, directly offer visa sponsorship contracts. These contracts include assistance with work permits, accommodation, and sometimes relocation support. After two years of continuous employment, many workers become eligible for permanent residence.

German Language Preparation

While many cleaning jobs do not require fluent German, having A1–A2 level language skills increases your employability. It also helps you pass embassy interviews and integrate easily into the workplace. Free or subsidized language programs are available through organizations such as Goethe-Institut and Volkshochschule (VHS).

Documentation Checklist

Before applying, prepare the following:

• Valid international passport
• Work contract or job offer letter
• Proof of accommodation or housing arrangement
• Educational or work experience certificates
• Health insurance documentation
• Completed visa application form and embassy appointment

Applicants who meet these requirements and have clean legal records can expect visa approval within 6–10 weeks depending on the embassy’s workload.