You might not believe it, but cleaning jobs in the UK are opening doors for thousands of foreigners. Yes, real jobs. Legal. With visa sponsorship. You don’t need a degree. You don’t need perfect English. What you need is a strong work ethic and a desire to start fresh.
Let’s break it down — what cleaning jobs are, how visa sponsorship works, where to find legit offers, and why this might just be your next big move in 2025.
Contents
- 1 What Are Cleaning Jobs in the UK?
- 2 Why the UK Needs Foreign Cleaners in 2025
- 3 What is Visa Sponsorship?
- 4 Cleaning Jobs With Visa Sponsorship: Who Can Apply?
- 5 Average Salary for Cleaning Jobs in the UK
- 6 Where to Find Cleaning Jobs in the UK With Visa Sponsorship
- 7 Can You Move to the UK Just for a Cleaning Job?
- 8 Real Story: From Cleaner to Supervisor
- 9 Tips to Get Hired Faster
- 10 Pros and Cons of Cleaning Jobs in the UK
- 11 Final Thoughts
What Are Cleaning Jobs in the UK?
Cleaning jobs are simple but essential. These are roles that involve keeping homes, offices, hotels, hospitals, and other buildings clean and hygienic. You might think it’s just mopping and dusting — but it’s more than that. In the UK, cleaners are in demand across many industries.
Common Cleaning Job Roles:
- Housekeeping in hotels or guesthouses
- Office cleaners (early morning or evening shifts)
- School or university cleaners
- Hospital cleaning staff (NHS and private)
- Industrial cleaning (factories, warehouses)
- Domestic cleaners (private homes)
Some jobs are individual. Some are part of cleaning teams. Work is usually on a shift basis – morning, day, or night.
Why the UK Needs Foreign Cleaners in 2025
It’s simple. Labour shortage.
Many UK residents don’t apply for cleaning jobs. Add to that Brexit, which reduced the flow of European workers, and now there’s a big gap in the workforce. Employers are struggling to fill positions — especially in cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool.
Cleaning jobs may not be glamorous, but they are stable. They’re everywhere. And many UK companies are now willing to sponsor foreign workers just to get the job done.
What is Visa Sponsorship?
Visa sponsorship means a UK company agrees to:
- Offer you a cleaning job
- Support your visa application to work legally in the UK
- Provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
You use this CoS to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa — yes, even though cleaning is considered “low-skilled,” many employers have started sponsoring these roles under health support or maintenance job codes.
As long as the job meets the salary and duty requirements — it’s possible.
Cleaning Jobs With Visa Sponsorship: Who Can Apply?
The good news? Almost anyone.
You don’t need:
- A university degree
- Years of experience
- Perfect English
But you should have:
- Basic spoken English
- Willingness to work long shifts
- Physical stamina (you’ll be on your feet a lot)
- Good attitude and reliability
Many employers provide full training. If you’ve cleaned before — great. If not — they’ll show you how.
Average Salary for Cleaning Jobs in the UK
Cleaning work may not be high-paying at first, but it’s enough to survive and save — especially for newcomers.
On average in 2025:
- Hourly pay: £10.50 – £13
- Monthly salary: £1,700 – £2,200
- Night shifts / hospital cleaning: may pay more
Some jobs offer:
- Overtime pay
- Paid breaks
- Uniforms and PPE
- Free accommodation (in rare cases)
Where to Find Cleaning Jobs in the UK With Visa Sponsorship
Here are the top ways to search for legit cleaning jobs with sponsorship:
✅ 1. UK Government’s Sponsor List
This is the official list of UK companies licensed to sponsor foreign workers.
Filter by “Cleaning Services” or “Facilities Management.”
👉 View Sponsor List
✅ 2. Job Portals (Use Search Terms Like “Visa Sponsorship”)
Search terms:
- “Cleaning jobs with visa sponsorship”
- “Housekeeping visa UK”
- “Domestic cleaner sponsor job UK”
✅ 3. Apply Direct to Cleaning Companies
Many UK cleaning firms recruit internationally. Examples include:
- Mitie
- Serco
- ISS UK
- Churchill Group
- Sodexo
Visit their official websites and look for career or recruitment sections.
Can You Move to the UK Just for a Cleaning Job?
Yes — but through the Skilled Worker Visa, or the Health and Care Worker Visa if the role is hospital-related.
The process usually looks like this:
- You apply to a UK employer offering sponsorship
- They issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- You apply for the visa with UKVI
- Once approved, you book your travel and start your new job
Bonus: Some cleaning jobs fall under broader job codes used in the health and maintenance sectors, making them eligible for sponsorship.
Real Story: From Cleaner to Supervisor
Let me tell you about Jean, a 34-year-old woman from the Philippines.
She moved to the UK in 2022 on a cleaning job in a London hotel. She started with night shifts. Not easy. But she worked hard, learned fast, and within a year became a team lead.
Now she trains other newcomers. She earns £2,500/month and has applied for Permanent Residency through her employer.
Cleaning work opened a door. That’s the opportunity.
Tips to Get Hired Faster
- Prepare a simple, honest CV — show your work ethic
- Highlight reliability and physical ability
- Mention any cleaning or housekeeping experience
- Be flexible — offer to work night or weekend shifts
- Apply early and often — don’t wait for a single offer
- Use social media groups — Telegram, Facebook jobs groups can help
Pros and Cons of Cleaning Jobs in the UK
✅ Pros:
- No degree or high English level required
- High availability of jobs
- Legal work route with sponsorship
- Possibility to apply for PR after 5 years
- Stable pay and predictable hours
❌ Cons:
- Physically demanding
- Some shifts are late night or early morning
- Pay is basic (at first)
- Jobs can be repetitive
Final Thoughts
Cleaning jobs in the UK may not sound fancy — but they’re real, legal, and life-changing.
If you’re someone looking for:
- A path to enter the UK
- A fresh start with honest work
- A visa-sponsored opportunity without a degree
Then cleaning jobs might be your perfect first step.
Thousands of foreigners are already working in hospitals, hotels, and offices across the UK — many of them started with zero experience. Now it’s your turn.
Don’t wait. Start searching. Apply. And maybe, just maybe, your UK dream begins with a mop in hand — and a goal in heart.