Chizoba IkenwaAre you searching for cleaning jobs in the UK for foreigners with visa sponsorship? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of international job seekers look for employment opportunities in the United Kingdom, especially in industries with high demand such as hospitality, health care, and cleaning services.
Cleaning jobs may not always be glamorous, but they are stable, in-demand, and often come with visa sponsorship for hardworking foreigners. If you’re looking to relocate to the UK, working as a cleaner could be your gateway to not only earning an income but also building a long-term career path.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: job roles, visa options, salary expectations, benefits, and where to apply for cleaning jobs with sponsorship in the UK.
Why Cleaning Jobs in the UK Are in High Demand
The cleaning industry in the UK is worth billions of pounds annually, employing hundreds of thousands of people. With an aging population, a booming hospitality industry, and continuous demand for hygiene and maintenance in public and private sectors, the need for cleaners has only grown.
For foreigners, this presents a golden opportunity: employers are often willing to sponsor visas for reliable workers because the local workforce cannot fully meet demand.
Some of the industries where cleaning jobs are most in demand include:
- Hospitals and healthcare centers
- Hotels, hostels, and guest houses
- Offices and corporate buildings
- Schools and universities
- Public facilities and local councils
- Private households
Types of Cleaning Jobs in the UK for Foreigners
Before applying, it’s helpful to know the different types of cleaning roles available:
1. Domestic Cleaners
Working in private homes, providing general cleaning, laundry, and sometimes light cooking.
2. Commercial Cleaners
Cleaning offices, shops, and business facilities, usually during off-hours.
3. Industrial Cleaners
Working in factories, warehouses, and industrial sites. May require handling equipment and chemicals.
4. Healthcare Cleaners
Cleaning hospitals, care homes, and clinics. These roles are in very high demand and often come with visa sponsorship.
5. Hotel Housekeepers
Responsible for room cleaning, bed making, and ensuring guest comfort in hotels.
Salary Expectations for Cleaning Jobs in the UK
Salaries vary depending on the type of job and location. On average:
- Domestic cleaner: £10 – £12 per hour
- Commercial cleaner: £10 – £13 per hour
- Healthcare cleaner: £11 – £15 per hour
- Hotel housekeeper: £10 – £13 per hour
- Industrial cleaner: £12 – £16 per hour
With full-time hours (35–40 per week), cleaners can expect to earn between £20,000 – £28,000 per year. In London and other big cities, wages are often higher due to living costs.
Visa Sponsorship for Cleaning Jobs in the UK
For foreigners, the most important aspect is whether employers can sponsor visas. The UK Government has introduced various visa routes, but for cleaners, the most relevant are:
1. Skilled Worker Visa
- Some healthcare cleaning roles (hospital cleaners, care home cleaners) qualify under the Skilled Worker visa route.
- Employers must be licensed UK sponsors.
- Visa duration: Up to 5 years.
2. Temporary Worker Visa (T5)
- For short-term or seasonal cleaning jobs.
- Valid for up to 12 months.
3. Health and Care Worker Visa
- If the cleaning job is directly tied to healthcare institutions.
- Fast-track processing and reduced fees.
Employers who cannot find local workers are increasingly willing to sponsor visas for foreigners, especially in healthcare and hospitality cleaning roles.
Requirements for Foreigners Applying for Cleaning Jobs in the UK
Most cleaning jobs don’t require advanced qualifications, but employers do look for:
- Basic English communication skills
- Physical fitness (ability to stand, lift, bend for long hours)
- Previous cleaning experience (not always mandatory but preferred)
- Proof of good character and no criminal record
- Eligibility for UK visa sponsorship
Some roles, especially in healthcare, may require additional training in hygiene and infection control.
Benefits of Cleaning Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship
Foreign workers often find cleaning jobs in the UK attractive because of the benefits that come with them:
- Visa sponsorship for qualified candidates
- Stable income with opportunities for overtime
- Free or discounted accommodation (common in hotel and healthcare roles)
- Health insurance and pension contributions
- Career growth opportunities (e.g., moving into supervisory roles)
- Exposure to UK work culture and long-term settlement pathways
How to Find Cleaning Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship
The best way to secure a cleaning job is to apply directly through trusted platforms and recruitment agencies. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Research Licensed Sponsors
Only UK employers who are licensed can sponsor visas. You can check the official UK government list of licensed sponsors.
Step 2: Apply Through Job Portals
Popular websites where cleaning jobs with sponsorship are advertised include:
- Indeed UK
- Reed.co.uk
- TotalJobs
- NHS Jobs (for hospital cleaners)
- GOV.UK
Step 3: Apply Directly to Employers
Large companies like Mitie, ISS Facility Services, G4S, Sodexo, and Compass Group regularly hire cleaners and often provide visa sponsorship.
Step 4: Tailor Your CV
Highlight cleaning experience, reliability, and willingness to relocate.
Top Employers Offering Cleaning Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the UK
- NHS (National Health Service) – Frequently hires healthcare cleaners.
- ISS Facility Services – Provides cleaning staff for hospitals, offices, and commercial buildings.
- Mitie Group – One of the largest UK facility management companies.
- Sodexo UK – Known for hiring foreign workers in catering and cleaning.
- Compass Group UK – Offers cleaning jobs in hospitality, healthcare, and schools.
- Local Councils and Care Homes – Many councils sponsor visas for essential staff, including cleaners.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Sponsored
- Apply early – Visa processing can take time.
- Focus on healthcare and hospitality roles – These are most likely to come with sponsorship.
- Get references – Employers prefer workers with recommendations.
- Take short cleaning or hygiene courses – Adds credibility to your application.
- Be flexible with locations – Jobs outside London may have higher chances of sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do cleaning jobs really come with visa sponsorship in the UK?
Yes. Especially in healthcare (hospitals, care homes) and hospitality (hotels). Employers face shortages and are willing to sponsor foreign workers.
2. How much do cleaners earn in the UK?
Between £20,000 – £28,000 annually, depending on the type of job and location.
3. Can I bring my family if I get sponsored?
If you get a Skilled Worker Visa or Health and Care Visa, you may be able to bring dependents.
4. Do I need qualifications?
Not usually. Basic English and some cleaning experience are enough. Healthcare roles may require additional training.
5. Where do I apply?
You can apply through NHS Jobs, Indeed UK, or directly with companies like ISS, Mitie, Sodexo, and Compass Group.
Final Thoughts
Finding cleaning jobs in the UK for foreigners with visa sponsorship is not only possible but increasingly accessible as demand for cleaners grows across the country. With opportunities in healthcare, hospitality, and commercial sectors, foreign workers can secure stable jobs, visa sponsorship, and even pathways to long-term residency.
If you are determined, flexible, and ready to take on the challenge, a cleaning job could be your first step to building a successful career in the UK.
👉 Start your journey today by applying to trusted employers and recruitment portals. Your future in the UK may be just one application away!
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