Cleaning Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners in 2025

Cleaning jobs in New Zealand offer ample opportunities for foreigners seeking employment with many employers offering visa sponsorship to qualified candidates. 

With the growing demand for cleaning professionals in sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and commercial spaces, foreign workers can find stable positions while enjoying the benefits of living in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations​.

This guide provides detailed information on eligibility requirements for foreigners, highlights top cleaning services offering visa sponsorship, and shares application links to help you begin your journey today.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for Cleaning Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship

To be eligible for cleaning jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship, the following criteria and requirements typically apply:

• Job Offer from a New Zealand Employer: To apply for a work visa, you must secure a cleaning job offer from a New Zealand employer willing to sponsor your visa. Many employers in the hospitality, commercial, and healthcare industries actively hire foreign workers for cleaning positions.
• Qualifications and Experience: While formal qualifications may not be strictly required for basic cleaning roles, having prior cleaning experience or certifications such as the NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) recognized qualifications in cleaning or hospitality will make you a more competitive candidate.
• Visa Requirements: Applicants need to apply for an Essential Skills Work Visa, which allows foreign workers to fill positions that cannot be filled by New Zealand residents. Your visa application may require proof of your job offer, evidence of your qualifications, and sometimes a police certificate from your home country.
• English Proficiency: While not always a strict requirement for basic cleaning jobs, some employers may require proof of basic English proficiency, especially if the job involves communication with clients or other staff.
• Health and Character Checks: All applicants for a work visa must meet New Zealand’s health and character requirements. This includes a medical examination and a police clearance from your home country.
• Age Restrictions: While there is no maximum age limit for cleaning jobs, applicants between 18 and 55 are typically preferred, as this aligns with New Zealand’s skilled worker immigration policies. However, individuals over 55 may still be eligible, depending on the specific visa and employment circumstances.
• Visa Sponsorship Process: Once you secure a job offer, your employer will usually handle the visa sponsorship process. This includes providing necessary documentation such as the job offer letter, proof of the role’s eligibility for visa sponsorship, and supporting details of the business.

How to Find and Apply for Cleaning Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship as a Foreigner

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to find and apply for cleaning jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship as a foreigner:

Step 1: Research and Identify Job Opportunities

Start by searching for cleaning job listings in New Zealand that offer visa sponsorship. Job boards such as Seek and Indeed New Zealand are great resources. 

Filter for jobs that specify “visa sponsorship available” to ensure the roles are open to foreign applicants. Make sure to check directly with cleaning services and facilities like hotels, hospitals, and commercial cleaning companies that often seek foreign workers.

Step 2: Check Job Requirements

Review the eligibility criteria for the cleaning jobs you are interested in. Ensure that you meet the qualifications, which may include a minimum level of experience and sometimes specific certifications, such as New Zealand’s Level 2 or Level 3 cleaning qualifications.

If no formal qualification is required, ensure you have solid work experience that proves your ability in the field.

Step 3: Apply for the Jobs

Once you’ve identified positions that match your skills and qualifications, begin applying. Customize your CV and cover letter to align with the job description. Highlight relevant experience, such as cleaning in hospitality, healthcare, or commercial settings. 

Mention your interest in obtaining visa sponsorship to show that you are looking for long-term employment in New Zealand.

Step 4: Obtain a Job Offer with Visa Sponsorship

To secure a work visa, you must receive a job offer from an employer willing to sponsor your visa. Many companies that regularly hire foreign cleaners may assist with the visa application process, such as ISS Facility Services, Spotless, or larger cleaning contractors. 

The employer will usually provide documentation proving they are sponsoring you for the position. This documentation is essential for your visa application.

Step 5: Apply for the Work Visa

Once you have a job offer, you can apply for an Essential Skills Work Visa (or another applicable work visa) through New Zealand Immigration. 

You will need to submit:

• Your job offer letter.
• Evidence of your work experience and qualifications (if required).
• Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS scores, if applicable).
• Health and character documentation (medical exams and police clearance).

If you are uncertain about the visa process, you may want to consult with a migration agent for guidance.

Step 6: Wait for Visa Approval

Once your visa application is submitted, wait for approval. Processing times can vary, but most work visas are processed within a few weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive your visa and can begin your job as a cleaner in New Zealand.

Step 7: Relocate and Start Your Job

Once you have your visa, plan your relocation to New Zealand. Many employers provide support with relocation costs or assistance with finding housing, especially for roles in regions with a high demand for workers, such as Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch.

Top Services and Agencies Offering Cleaning Jobs In New Zealand With Visa Sponsorship

Several cleaning services and agencies in New Zealand actively offer cleaning jobs with visa sponsorship for foreigners. 

Here are a few notable ones:

ISS Facility Services

ISS Facility Services is a multinational provider of facilities management and cleaning services, with a strong presence in New Zealand. They offer a wide range of cleaning jobs, including roles in commercial cleaning, healthcare facilities, and corporate offices. 

ISS is known for sponsoring foreign workers for these roles, especially through the Essential Skills Work Visa. 

Applicants typically need at least 1-2 years of prior cleaning experience in commercial settings, although specific qualifications are not always necessary. 

For more details and to apply, visit ISS New Zealand Careers.

Spotless Services

Spotless is a prominent provider of cleaning and facilities management services in New Zealand, offering employment in areas such as healthcare, hospitality, and education. 

Spotless sponsors foreign workers through the Skilled Migrant Category and Essential Skills Work Visa. They are open to foreign workers who can meet the criteria for high-standards of cleaning in sectors like healthcare and hotels. 

To explore current opportunities, check their Spotless Careers page.

OCS New Zealand

OCS is a global facilities management and cleaning service provider with offices in New Zealand. They offer various cleaning roles across sectors such as healthcare, commercial offices, education, and hospitality. 

OCS is open to hiring foreign workers and offers visa sponsorship under the Essential Skills Work Visa or the Skilled Migrant Category, depending on the role. 

Applicants are generally required to have cleaning experience, particularly in commercial cleaning or hospitality. 

For more details and to apply, visit OCS New Zealand Careers.

Jani-King New Zealand

Jani-King is a provider of commercial cleaning services in New Zealand, operating across multiple industries, including hotels, offices, and medical facilities. The company has a reputation for hiring foreign workers and providing visa sponsorship for cleaning positions. 

Jani-King typically requires applicants to have prior experience in commercial cleaning and may also prefer individuals with relevant certifications. 

To apply, visit their careers page at Jani-King Jobs.

The Average Salary for Cleaning Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship

The average salary for cleaning jobs in New Zealand varies based on factors such as experience, location, and the type of cleaning role. 

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

National Average

The national average salary for cleaning jobs in New Zealand is NZD 24 to 30 per hour. This equates to around NZD 48,000 to 62,000 annually for full-time positions​. 

Entry-level cleaners typically start around NZD 22 per hour, while experienced or specialized cleaners can earn more.

Regional Variations

• Auckland: As the largest city, Auckland tends to offer higher wages, with cleaning jobs paying between NZD 26 and 28 per hour for both residential and commercial cleaning roles​.
• Wellington: In Wellington, the capital city, wages are slightly lower, typically around NZD 24 to 27 per hour for standard cleaning roles. However, for more technical cleaning jobs, such as in healthcare or industrial settings, the wage can rise to NZD 30 per hour​.
• Christchurch: This city offers slightly lower wages, with cleaners earning NZD 22 to 26 per hour on average​.

Experience and Skill Level

• Entry-Level Cleaners: Those with less than a year of experience can expect to earn around NZD 22 to 23 per hour. This can increase as they gain more experience and proficiency​.
• Experienced Cleaners: Cleaners with 3-5 years of experience or those in specialized sectors, such as industrial or medical cleaning, can earn NZD 26 to 30 per hour​.
• Supervisors and Managers: Supervisors or team leaders in cleaning businesses typically earn between NZD 35 and 40 per hour, with some roles offering up to NZD 80,000 annually​.

Employment Types

• Full-Time: Full-time cleaners tend to earn higher wages with job security and benefits such as paid leave and health insurance​.
• Part-Time/Casual: Casual or part-time cleaning roles offer more flexible hours but may come with lower wages, typically around NZD 22 to 24 per hour, and fewer benefits​.

Industry

• Commercial Cleaning: Jobs in office buildings, shopping malls, and other commercial spaces tend to offer slightly higher pay rates, averaging NZD 25 to 28 per hour​.
• Domestic Cleaning: House cleaning and private residence cleaning roles often pay around NZD 22 to 26 per hour, depending on the size and frequency of the cleaning tasks​.
• Specialized Cleaning: Industries requiring specialized cleaning services, such as medical or industrial cleaning, may pay upwards of NZD 30 per hour​.

Overtime and Bonuses

Some cleaning roles, particularly in commercial settings or during peak seasons, offer overtime pay, which can increase hourly rates by 25% to 50%. Additionally, some employers may offer bonuses for high performance or for working during unsociable hours​.

Benefits of Cleaning Jobs In New Zealand With Visa Sponsorship

Here are the benefits:

Visa Sponsorship Support for Foreign Workers

One of the key benefits of cleaning jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship is that foreign workers can obtain a work visa to legally live and work in the country. 

Many employers in New Zealand offer sponsorship for the Essential Skills Work Visa, which is specifically designed to hire skilled workers from overseas to fill roles that local talent cannot meet. 

This visa typically allows workers to stay for 1-3 years, with the possibility of extension, enabling a long-term career path in New Zealand​.

Competitive Salaries and Benefits

Cleaning jobs in New Zealand generally offer competitive pay, with wages typically ranging from NZD 22 to 30 per hour, depending on experience and location. 

Full-time employees may receive additional benefits such as health insurance, paid holidays, and superannuation (retirement benefits). Part-time workers may have fewer benefits but still enjoy flexible working hours​. 

Many employers also provide training opportunities to help you advance in the cleaning industry, potentially leading to higher-paying positions like supervisor or manager​.

Work-Life Balance

The flexible nature of cleaning jobs, especially in domestic or residential cleaning, offers a good work-life balance. 

Many cleaning roles allow employees to choose shifts or work part-time, which is ideal for individuals with families or other commitments. This flexibility is also beneficial for workers looking to explore other interests or side businesses while maintaining a steady income​.

High Demand for Cleaning Workers

There is a continuous demand for cleaning workers in New Zealand across various sectors, including commercial, industrial, and domestic cleaning. 

Major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch have a constant need for cleaners due to their growing populations and booming tourism and real estate industries. This demand provides a strong job market for both entry-level and experienced workers.​

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Workers on the Essential Skills Work Visa can apply for residency if they meet certain criteria, such as having a full-time job, a clean criminal record, and sufficient work experience. 

Achieving residency grants additional benefits, including access to healthcare and the ability to live and work anywhere in New Zealand​.

Cultural Integration and Community

New Zealand is known for its diverse and welcoming culture, and working in cleaning jobs allows foreign workers to immerse themselves in local life. 

Many cleaning jobs are part of teams that require collaboration and interaction with locals, offering excellent opportunities for socializing and integrating into New Zealand society. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money should you get for cleaning the house in New Zealand?

For house cleaning, you can expect to charge NZD 25 to 35 per hour, depending on the house’s size and complexity. Some cleaners offer package rates for regular cleaning services or specific tasks like deep cleaning or window washing​.

How much should I charge for an hour of cleaning in New Zealand?

If you’re offering private cleaning services, you should charge between NZD 25 to 30 per hour for residential cleaning. Rates can be higher for commercial cleaning or specialized tasks like carpet cleaning, window cleaning, or post-construction cleaning​.

How much do hospital cleaners make in New Zealand?

Hospital cleaners in New Zealand typically earn between NZD 22 to 26 per hour, with higher pay for experienced staff. Some hospital cleaning roles may also offer benefits like paid training and opportunities for advancement​.

How much is a maid paid in New Zealand?

Maid services in New Zealand typically pay between NZD 22 to 28 per hour, with higher rates for specific tasks or more detailed cleaning. Live-in maids or those offering regular cleaning services may receive a set monthly salary​.

How much does a window cleaner make in New Zealand?

Window cleaners in New Zealand generally earn between NZD 25 and 35 per hour, depending on the complexity and location of the work. Window cleaning for large commercial buildings or hard-to-reach areas can command higher rates​.