There is a growing demand for cleaners in Germany; as cities grow, so does the need for cleaning services in commercial buildings, apartments, and public spaces. The cleaning industry in Germany is becoming an attractive option for entrepreneurs.
It offers low startup costs, flexible hours, and the potential to earn a profit. Because of the demand for various cleaners in cleaning services, international job searchers wishing to relocate to Germany and take advantage of attractive visa sponsorship opportunities now have more options.
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Germany offers foreign cleaners from all over the world a steady career path with excellent pay rates, which can be between €10 – €15 per hour for qualified cleaners. Visa sponsorship is necessary for anyone looking to work in the country.
How Big is the Cleaning Industry in Germany?
Germany’s cleaning services market was worth $25,900.7 million in 2022 and is expected to grow to $41,068.6 million by 2030. This is a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% from 2023 to 2030.
In 2022, Germany accounted for 7% of the global cleaning services market. The largest revenue-generating segment in 2022 was floor care, while carpet and upholstery is expected to be the fastest-growing segment.
Salary of Cleaners in Germany
As of December 2024, the median hourly pay for a cleaner in Germany is €13, with an estimated additional pay of €0. This is based on salaries collected from users on Glassdoor.
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Here are some other salary details for cleaners in Germany:
- According to Glassdoor, some cleaners in Berlin, Germany, earn €13 – €15 per hour.
- According to Instarem, the average annual salary for a cleaner in Germany’s construction and maintenance industry is €23,400.
- According to SalaryExpert, the estimated salary potential for a window cleaner in Germany is expected to increase by 8% over five years.
How to Find Cleaner Jobs for Foreigners in Germany
Here are some places to find cleaner jobs in Germany:
- LinkedIn: Create a job alert for cleaner jobs in specific cities, such as Frankfurt or Berlin
- Indeed: Search for cleaner jobs with visa sponsorship or jobs that offer a bonus
- Glassdoor: Search for cleaning jobs in Germany
- Facebook: Search for cleaning jobs in specific cities, such as Berlin
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit: Find job listings or check the Agency’s page for skilled workers in shortage occupation jobs
- SPIC AND SPAN: Find work as a home cleaner in Germany
Some cleaning jobs in Germany include: Housekeeper, Executive housekeeper, Office cleaner, and Dishwasher.
Working Conditions and Benefits of Cleaning Jobs in Germany
Cleaners and housekeepers can work for different organizations, such as hotels, recreational facilities, hospitals, school boards, offices, building management companies, and cleaning service companies.
They may also work for private individuals or be self-employed and the work takes place indoors. Most office buildings are cleaned when they are empty, which means that cleaners may work evening hours.
In addition, this work is physical, and many tasks, such as dusting and sweeping, require bending, stretching, stooping, kneeling, and crouching. Some tasks, like cleaning bathroom fixtures and emptying trash cans, can be unpleasant.
Here are some benefits of cleaning jobs in Germany
- Hours: The legal maximum is 48 hours per week, but most businesses work 40 hours over five days. Working times are usually flexible, but regular breaks are required.
- Benefits: Some cleaning platforms offer liability insurance in case of damages.
- Pay: According to Glassdoor, the estimated hourly pay for cleaning jobs in Germany ranges from €13 – €17.27.
- Company structure: The cleaning sector is mostly made up of small and very small companies, and many cleaners are self-employed.
Germany offers a high quality of life and competitive salaries for international professionals.
How to Apply and Prepare for a Cleaner Job in Germany
To apply and prepare for a cleaner job in Germany, you should build basic German language skills, highlight relevant cleaning experience on your CV, research job boards and companies, and tailor your application to each position.
In addition, you must be ready to discuss your cleaning techniques during an interview and ensure you have the necessary work permits if needed; depending on your situation, you may also need to get your qualifications recognized in Germany.
Key steps:
- Learn basic German: While some cleaning jobs might be available with limited German, having basic language skills will significantly improve your chances of finding work and communicating effectively.
- Gather relevant experience: Highlight any cleaning experience you have on your CV, including jobs in housekeeping, office cleaning, or private home cleaning.
- Research job boards and companies: Utilize online job platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and company websites to search for open cleaner positions.
- Tailor your application: For each application, customize your CV and cover letter to fit the specific requirements of the job posting.
- Prepare for the interview:
- Practice common cleaning tasks: Be ready to discuss your cleaning techniques and ability to handle different surfaces and equipment.
- Understand cleaning standards: Familiarize yourself with German hygiene standards and safety regulations related to cleaning.
- Prepare to answer questions about your availability and flexibility: Cleaning jobs often require adaptable schedules.
- Check visa requirements: If you are not an EU citizen, you will likely need a work permit to work in Germany as a cleaner.
- Consider professional qualifications: Depending on the role, you can obtain a recognized cleaning certification in Germany.
Important points to consider:
- Dress professionally: Even for a cleaning job, present yourself neatly and appropriately during interviews.
- Be enthusiastic and reliable: Convey your strong work ethic and dedication to maintaining high cleaning standards.
- Network: Reach out to cleaning agencies or companies in your area to inquire about potential openings.
How to Adapt to Living and Working in Germany
Here are some tips for adapting to living and working in Germany:
- Learn German: Proficiency in German is essential for communication and integration into the local culture.
- Get a work permit: To get a work permit, you need to show that a company is willing to hire you.
- Apply for a residence permit: After finding employment, you can apply for a work and residence permit from the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Registration Office).
- Get health insurance: Everyone in Germany is required to have health insurance.
- Embrace German culture: Participate in cultural events, respect people’s privacy, and embrace directness.
- Embrace German cuisine: German cuisine is diverse, with dishes like Bratwurst and Sauerkraut.
- Respect work-life balance: Germans respect the boundaries between personal and professional life.
- Be on time: Germans value being on time.
- Be thorough: Germans believe in thorough planning and execution.
Other tips include:
- Getting your documents ready
- Choosing your health insurance
- Booking a temporary home
- Knowing your net salary
- Saving a budget for the first month
- Booking an appointment for the Anmeldung
- Joining expat groups on social networks
- Start reading about Germany.
Benefits of Cleaning Jobs in Germany
Benefits of working as a cleaner in Germany may include:
- Flexible working hours: Some cleaning jobs in Germany offer flexible working hours and online shift planning.
- Secure job: Some cleaning jobs in Germany offer payment even during sick leave and vacation.
- Employee assistance programs: Some cleaning jobs in Germany offer free access to counseling, attorney consultations, and money management advice.
- Telehealth: Some cleaning jobs in Germany offer free telehealth for employees and their household members.
- Progression prospects: Some cleaning jobs in Germany offer progression prospects into full-time account or senior account manager roles.
- Wide network of employers: There is a wide network of employers in Germany actively seeking skilled cleaners.
Visa Requirements for Cleaning Jobs in Germany
To work in Germany as a cleaner, you’ll need to meet certain visa requirements, including:
- Employment visa: You’ll need an employment visa that’s specific to your job role. You’ll also need to show that an EU citizen can’t fill the position.
- Proof of financial means: You’ll need to show that you have enough money to support yourself in Germany. This could be in the form of bank statements, pay slips, or a letter from a sponsor.
- Health insurance: You’ll either need to have health insurance from your German employer or provide your travel insurance.
- Proof of accommodation: You’ll need to show that you have a place to stay in Germany. This could be a hotel booking, rental agreement, letter of invitation, or proof of ownership.
- Language proficiency: Depending on the visa type, you may need basic knowledge of German (A1 or A2 level).
Citizens of some countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the Republic of Korea, can apply for a residence permit for work purposes after entering Germany without a visa.
Wrapping Up
High-paying cleaning jobs in Germany offer a viable path for foreigners looking to start a new life in the country. They provide stable income, flexible hours, and the chance to gain valuable experience. With various types of cleaning positions available, these jobs can serve as a stepping stone to more significant opportunities in Germany.