The United Kingdom continues to attract foreign workers across diverse industries, including the domestic and residential cleaning sector. While home cleaning may not always be seen as a high-skilled occupation, it plays a vital role in households and care environments, and for some foreign nationals, it provides a realistic pathway to working and living in the UK—especially when visa sponsorship is involved.
Check Also: Cleaning Operative Jobs in UK Visa Sponsorship
Why Consider a Home Cleaning Job in the UK?
Although cleaning jobs are often considered entry-level, in the UK they can provide:
- Stable income
- Legal residency and work status through visa sponsorship
- Pathways to long-term settlement
- Valuable exposure to British culture and work ethic
Visa Sponsorship: Is It Possible for Cleaners in the UK?
Yes—but with conditions.
As of 2025, the UK’s Skilled Worker Visa is the main route for foreign nationals seeking long-term employment in the UK. However, not all cleaning jobs are eligible under this visa, because many are considered low-skilled.
That said, some cleaning-related roles may be eligible when they fall under broader job categories such as:
- Care workers and home carers (which may include domestic support roles)
- Housekeepers or domestic managers in large estates, care homes, or high-demand private households
Requirements for a UK Visa Sponsorship Job in Home Cleaning:
To qualify, you’ll typically need:
- A Valid Job Offer
The job offer comes from a UK employer who holds a sponsorship license. - Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
A reference number issued by the employer is required to apply for the Skilled Worker visa. - English Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English. Accepted tests include IELTS or qualifications from English-speaking institutions. - Proof of Financial Means
You must show you can support yourself unless your sponsor covers your costs (around £1,270 available in your bank account for 28 consecutive days). - Clean Background Check
Particularly important when working in homes, care environments, or around vulnerable people. - Health Check and TB Test
If you live in a country where tuberculosis screening is mandatory, you should consider getting a health check and TB test.
Types of Home Cleaning Roles in the UK:
Understanding the variety of cleaning-related jobs can help tailor your application:
| Job Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Residential Cleaner | Standard home cleaning tasks like dusting, mopping, and kitchen cleaning. |
| Housekeeper | Includes cleaning, laundry, cooking, and sometimes childcare or grocery shopping. |
| Live-In Housekeeper | A full-time role with accommodation provided by the employer. |
| End-of-Tenancy Cleaner | Deep cleaning rental properties after tenants move out. |
| Deep Cleaner | Specialized in detailed cleaning, upholstery, or hard-to-reach areas. |
| Cleaning Supervisor | Oversees cleaning staff; requires experience and leadership. |
Duties and Responsibilities:
Common tasks include:
- Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and dusting
- Washing dishes and organizing household items
- Laundry and ironing
- Cleaning kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms
- Reporting maintenance issues or safety concerns
- Following strict hygiene protocols (especially in homes with elderly or children)
Average Salary of a Home Cleaner in the UK:
As of 2025:
- Hourly rate: £11–£13 (varies by region and experience)
- Annual salary: £21,000–£26,000 for full-time roles
- Live-in positions: Often include free accommodation and meals
Benefits of Visa Sponsorship Cleaning Jobs in the UK:
- Legal Residency and Work Authorization
- Steady Income and Access to Banking Services
- Eligibility for NHS Healthcare (if on a Skilled Worker visa)
- Employee Rights (paid leave, sick pay, protections under UK labor law)
- Pathway to Settlement: After 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Cultural Integration and Networking Opportunities
Where to Find Visa Sponsorship Jobs for Cleaners in the UK:
Job Boards:
Recruitment Agencies:
- Homes Staff
- Perfect Household Staff
- Housekeeping UK
How to Apply: Step-by-Step?
- Prepare Your CV and Cover Letter
Emphasize experience, soft skills, reliability, and any training in hygiene, care, or household management. - Apply Through Job Portals or Agencies
Filter results by “visa sponsorship available.” - Interview Process
Be prepared to discuss your work ethic, flexibility, and ability to adapt to a new environment. - Receive Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
If hired, the employer will issue this for your visa application. - Apply for the Visa
Submit your Skilled Worker visa application via the UK Government Visa Portal. Include:- CoS number
- Proof of English proficiency
- Financial documents
- Criminal record check
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can someone sponsor a cleaner in the UK?
The employer must hold a valid Tier 2 sponsor license and provide the applicant with a CoS detailing the terms and conditions of employment, including cleaner earnings, job role, and duration of employment.
How do I get a cleaning job in the UK?
You can apply for jobs with cleaning companies or any organization that employs their cleaners. There are no entry requirements, but you must prove you’re trustworthy and capable. If you’re looking for specialized cleaning work, such as in a medical setting, it can help to have some experience.
What qualifications do you need for cleaning?
Fortunately, there are no set qualifications required to become a cleaner, although prospective employers always welcome experience in this job. Even if you’ve never worked as a cleaner before, that does not mean that you won’t be able to find work.
