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Are you looking for a job opportunity in Europe without needing a university degree? The cleaning sector offers many opportunities in hotels, offices, hospitals, factories, airports and private homes. Learn about the requirements, where to find cleaning jobs, potential wages and how to apply and start working legally in Europe.
Working in the Cleaning Sector in Europe
Cleaning is an important part of the European labour market, with jobs available for people who already have experience as well as, in some cases, beginners. Cleaning work can include offices, hotels, apartments, commercial buildings, industrial facilities and healthcare facilities.
Working conditions and wages vary considerably from one European country to another. For this reason, it is important to research the specific country where you want to work and understand its employment and immigration rules before travelling.
In Germany, for example, the general statutory minimum wage is €13.90 gross per hour from January 2026. Certain sectors, including parts of the cleaning industry, can also have higher sector-specific minimum wages. (Bundesregierung)
Wages of €17–€18 per hour, and in some cases €25–€30 or more, may be possible depending on experience, the type of cleaning work, night shifts, weekends, specialised services or self-employed work. However, these rates are not guaranteed for every cleaner. Always check the exact hourly rate stated in the employment contract.
Where Can You Find Cleaning Jobs?
One of the best places to search for jobs across Europe is EURES, the European Union’s employment network. It provides access to job vacancies in many European countries and allows users to search according to country, region, occupation and contract type. (EURES)
You can also search directly through cleaning companies, hotels, facility-management companies, recruitment agencies and national employment websites.
In the Netherlands, for example, EURES notes that temporary employment agencies and recruitment agencies can be useful channels for finding work, alongside the public employment service UWV and company websites. (EURES)
What Are the Requirements?
Many basic cleaning positions do not require a university degree, although requirements vary depending on the employer and the type of job.
Useful qualifications and skills include:
- Reliability and punctuality
- Ability to work independently
- Basic knowledge of hygiene and workplace safety
- Correct use of cleaning equipment and products
- Basic knowledge of the local language
- A simple and professional CV
- Legal permission to work in the country
If you are an EU or EEA citizen, freedom of movement makes it easier to look for employment in participating European countries. People from outside the EU should check the visa, residence and work-permit requirements of the specific country before travelling. Finding a vacancy through EURES does not automatically give a non-EU citizen the right to work in a particular country. (EURES)
Where Can You Learn Professional Cleaning?
Beginners can learn professional cleaning techniques through vocational courses, training videos, company training programmes and practical experience.
It is useful to learn how to clean windows, floors, bathrooms, kitchens, offices and hotel rooms, as well as how to handle cleaning chemicals safely.
You can also create a professional European-style CV using Europass, a service provided by the European Commission and available in many languages. (EURES)
How Can You Get Started?
First, choose the European country and city where you want to work. Then search for terms such as Cleaner, Cleaning Worker, Housekeeper, Hotel Cleaner, Office Cleaner and Industrial Cleaner. Using the local language can also increase the number of relevant results.
Prepare your CV and apply for several suitable positions rather than relying on one advertisement. If a recruitment agency asks for a large upfront payment in exchange for a job, verify the company, contract and legal status carefully before paying anything.
Finally, do not judge a job only by its advertised hourly wage. Compare the gross salary, working hours, taxes, accommodation, transportation, insurance and holiday entitlement. This will give you a much clearer idea of your actual income and whether the opportunity is worthwhile.
Conclusion
Cleaning work can be a practical entry point into the European labour market, especially for people who are reliable, hardworking and willing to learn. The best approach is to choose the right country, make sure you have the legal right to work, prepare a good CV and search through reliable sources such as EURES, established companies and legitimate recruitment agencies.
With the right preparation, cleaning can develop from an entry-level job into a stable career, particularly if you gain experience in specialised areas such as hotel housekeeping, industrial cleaning, healthcare cleaning or professional facility management.