As the United Kingdom continues to experience a strong demand for essential service workers, cleaning and housekeeping jobs remain among the most accessible and in-demand roles for both local and international applicants.
These positions not only provide stable income but often come with free or subsidized accommodation, making them an attractive option for newcomers looking to work and live in the United Kingdom.
In 2025, cleaners and housekeepers in the UK earn an average of £12.50 per hour, with opportunities available in hotels, private homes, offices, hospitals, and care facilities. Even better, several employers now offer visa sponsorship to qualified international candidates to address labor shortages.
Overview of Cleaning and Housekeeping Jobs in the UK
Cleaning professionals play a vital role in maintaining hygiene and comfort across homes, hospitality establishments, and corporate environments. Due to ongoing labor gaps and the expansion of the hospitality sector, employers are actively recruiting both domestic and foreign workers for cleaning and housekeeping roles.
In 2025, the demand for cleaning staff is expected to grow by over 10%, driven by:
- Increased focus on sanitation in public spaces and healthcare
- Growth in the tourism and hotel industry
- An aging workforce and fewer domestic applicants
- Expanding short-term rental and accommodation markets (like Airbnb)
Types of Cleaning and Housekeeping Jobs Available
Cleaning and housekeeping roles vary across industries. Below are the most common categories available in the UK:
1. Residential and Domestic Cleaners
- Work in private homes, apartments, or estates.
- Duties: dusting, vacuuming, laundry, kitchen and bathroom cleaning.
- Pay: £11–£13/hour, often includes free room accommodation.
2. Hotel and Hospitality Housekeepers
- Employed by hotels, resorts, and guesthouses.
- Duties: making beds, replacing linens, maintaining guest rooms and hallways.
- Pay: £12–£14/hour with staff housing or dormitory accommodation.
3. Office and Commercial Cleaners
- Clean offices, schools, hospitals, or retail stores after hours.
- Pay: £11–£13/hour, full-time and part-time shifts available
4. Live-in Housekeepers
- Employed by private families, estates, or senior care homes
- Typically include private accommodation and meals
- Pay: £12–£15/hour, depending on experience and responsibilities
Visa Sponsorship Options for Cleaners and Housekeepers
Foreign workers can legally work in the UK under specific visa routes that allow sponsorship by licensed employers. Here are the most relevant pathways:
1. Skilled Worker Visa (Permanent Option)
Some cleaning and housekeeping jobs qualify for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa, especially when working for:
- Healthcare institutions
- Hotels and hospitality chains
- Facilities management companies
Requirements:
- Job offer from a Home Office–approved sponsor
- Annual salary of at least £26,200 (or hourly equivalent)
- English language proficiency
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from employer
Benefits:
- Stay in the UK for up to 5 years
- Bring dependents (spouse and children)
- Access to UK healthcare (NHS)
- Pathway to permanent residency
2. Temporary Worker Visa (Short-Term Option)
For seasonal or short-term cleaning roles, employers may hire under the Temporary Worker Visa (Charity or Hospitality routes).
Duration: Up to 12 months
Advantage: Fast processing and lower requirements
3. Health and Care Worker Visa
Some hospital or care-home cleaning positions may qualify under this visa category if linked to healthcare support functions.
Average Salaries and Benefits (2025 Data)
| Job Role | Average Hourly Pay (£) | Estimated Annual Salary (£) | Typical Benefits |
| Domestic Cleaner | 11 – 13 | 22,000 – 27,000 | Free housing, meals, flexible hours |
| Hotel Housekeeper | 12 – 14 | 24,000 – 28,000 | Free housing, uniform, meals |
| Office Cleaner | 11 – 13 | 22,000 – 25,000 | Overtime pay, paid leave |
| Live-in Housekeeper | 12 – 15 | 25,000 – 30,000 | Free housing, utilities, food |
| Hospital/Care Cleaner | 12 – 14 | 24,000 – 29,000 | Visa sponsorship, pension plan |
Common Perks Include:
- Free or subsidized staff accommodation
- Paid holidays and sick leave
- Pension and healthcare benefits
- Overtime or night-shift pay
- Free uniforms and training
Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
Most cleaning or housekeeping jobs in the UK require minimal formal education. However, applicants especially those applying from abroad must meet basic standards.
General Requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- Ability to communicate in basic English
- Physical ability to perform cleaning tasks
- Clean background record
- Attention to detail and reliability
For Sponsored Positions:
- Valid job offer from a licensed UK sponsor
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- English language proof (IELTS or equivalent may be required)
- Health and tuberculosis (TB) test results
Top UK Employers Offering Cleaning Jobs with Free Housing or Sponsorship
Many reputable organizations in the UK offer accommodation or visa sponsorship for cleaning and housekeeping staff. Below are some of the top employers:
- Hilton Hotels & Resorts – Offers free or discounted staff housing and sponsorship for housekeepers.
- Marriott International UK – Frequently recruits live-in cleaners and hotel attendants.
- NHS Facilities Management – Hires hospital cleaning staff with visa sponsorship under the healthcare category.
- InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) – Provides accommodation and meals for housekeeping teams.
- Compass Group UK – Offers commercial and hospitality cleaning roles with potential sponsorship.
- Private Estates & Care Homes – Many advertise live-in housekeeper jobs on platforms like Indeed and Reed.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Cleaning Jobs in the UK from Abroad
- Check your eligibility (age, English level, experience).
- Search for job listings on verified platforms like Indeed UK, Reed, TotalJobs, or GOV.UK.
- Filter jobs using keywords like “Visa Sponsorship,” “Free Housing,” or “Live-in Cleaner.”
- Prepare a professional CV highlighting your cleaning experience, reliability, and any prior hospitality work.
- Apply directly to employers — avoid agents requesting payment.
- Once accepted, your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Apply for your visa online via the official UK government portal.
- Book your biometric and medical appointments, then await your visa approval.
Conclusion
With an average pay of £12.50 per hour, free or subsidized housing, and strong visa sponsorship opportunities, cleaning and housekeeping jobs in the UK offer one of the most straightforward paths for foreign workers seeking reliable, well-paying employment.
Whether you’re planning a temporary stay or long-term relocation, this sector offers stability, flexibility, and a supportive work environment — making it a great entry point for immigrants seeking to live and work legally in the United Kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can foreigners apply for cleaning jobs in the UK?
Yes. Many UK employers hire international workers through the Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker visa routes.
2. How much do cleaners earn in the UK?
The average pay is £12.50 per hour, with rates varying between £11 and £15/hour depending on experience and location.
3. Do cleaning jobs include free housing?
Yes. Many hotel, live-in, and domestic housekeeping roles include free or subsidized accommodation.
4. Do I need experience to get hired?
Not necessarily, but prior cleaning or housekeeping experience will boost your chances.
5. Which employers offer sponsorship?
Top sponsors include Hilton, Marriott, NHS, Compass Group, and large hotel chains.
6. Can I bring my family to the UK on this visa?
If employed under a Skilled Worker Visa, yes — dependents can apply to join you.