Part-time Cleaning and Laundry Jobs in Germany

Part-time Cleaning and Laundry Jobs in Germany

Introduction

Germany remains one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for Nigerians and other international job seekers. With a stable economy, high wages, and numerous opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labor, the country offers multiple pathways for foreigners to work legally. Among the most accessible opportunities for newcomers are part-time cleaning and laundry jobs.

These jobs are ideal for students, migrants, and those transitioning into the German labor market. They do not require advanced qualifications, but they provide steady income, flexible hours, and social security benefits when done under legal contracts. For Nigerians moving to Germany, cleaning and laundry work can be a practical first step to earning money, adapting to the culture, and later advancing to more professional roles.

Why Cleaning and Laundry Jobs Are Important in Germany

Germany’s demand for cleaners and laundry staff continues to grow due to:

1. Busy Urban Lifestyle – Many German professionals and families hire domestic help to save time.

2. Tourism and Hospitality Growth – Hotels, hostels, and Airbnb apartments require regular cleaning and laundry staff.

3. Healthcare Expansion – Hospitals and nursing homes employ cleaners and laundry staff to maintain hygiene.

4. Aging Population – Elderly Germans increasingly need help with household chores and laundry.

5. Commercial Needs – Offices, shopping centers, and factories outsource cleaning services to specialized companies.

This steady demand ensures that cleaning and laundry jobs are available across major German cities such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Cologne.

Part-time Cleaning and Laundry Jobs in Germany

Types of Cleaning and Laundry Jobs in Germany

Foreigners, including Nigerians, can work in several categories of cleaning and laundry jobs:

1. Domestic Cleaning (Haushaltshilfe)

• Cleaning private homes and apartments.

• Duties: sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, washing dishes, ironing clothes.

• Usually flexible, part-time, and paid hourly.

2. Office and Commercial Cleaning (Gebäudereinigung)

• Cleaning business offices, shops, banks, and public institutions.

• Mostly early mornings or evenings outside office hours.

• Offers more stability through cleaning agencies.

3. Hotel and Hospitality Cleaning

• Working as a housekeeper in hotels, guesthouses, and hostels.

• Tasks: cleaning rooms, changing beddings, handling laundry.

• Hotels often provide more stable contracts compared to private households.

4. Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Jobs

• Employment in laundromats (Waschsalon) or industrial laundry companies.

• Tasks: washing, folding, pressing, ironing, handling laundry machines.

5. Industrial and Factory Cleaning

• Cleaning large warehouses, factories, or production facilities.

• Often requires safety gear and some training.

Salary Expectations in 2025

Cleaning and laundry jobs in Germany pay well compared to similar jobs in other countries.

1. Hourly Wage: €12 – €15 (Germany’s minimum wage as of 2025 is €12.41 per hour).

2. Monthly Salary (part-time, 20 hrs/week): €950 – €1,200.

3. Monthly Salary (full-time, 38–40 hrs/week): €1,800 – €2,400.

Benefits of legal employment may include:

1. Health insurance.

2. Pension contributions.

3. Paid leave (in some contracts).

4. Social benefits such as child allowance if you live with your family.

Requirements for Nigerians and Other International Workers

Although cleaning jobs do not require high academic qualifications, certain conditions must be met:

1. Valid Visa or Residence Permit

   • Nigerians must hold a valid student visa, work visa, or residence permit.

   • Illegal work can result in deportation or bans.

2. Work Authorization

   • Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during semesters.

   • Non-students need a work permit issued by the immigration office.

3. Language Skills

   • Basic German (A1–A2) is recommended.

   • Some jobs, especially in private homes, require simple communication skills.

4. Health and Physical Fitness

   • Cleaning can be physically demanding, requiring stamina and flexibility.

5. Experience (Optional)

   • Previous cleaning or hospitality work is an advantage but not compulsory.

How to Apply for Cleaning and Laundry Jobs in Germany

Nigerians can access these jobs through different application channels:

1. Online Job Portals

1. Indeed.de

2. Meinestadt.de

3. StepStone.de

4. Ebay Kleinanzeigen (local classifieds).

5. Helpling.de (domestic cleaning platform).

6. Betreut.de (similar to Care.com).

2. Cleaning Agencies

Many German cleaning companies recruit foreigners for part-time or full-time roles. Submitting your CV to these agencies can help secure stable contracts.

3. Local Job Boards

Universities, churches, and community centers often post cleaning job ads.

4. Networking

Networking with Nigerian communities in Germany is one of the fastest ways to find cleaning jobs.

5. Direct Applications

Walking into laundromats, hotels, and restaurants with a short CV written in German often leads to quick employment.

Working Hours and Flexibility

1. Part-time Jobs: Usually 10–20 hours weekly, ideal for students.

2. Full-time Jobs: Around 38–40 hours per week.

3. Shifts: Early mornings, late evenings, or weekends.

Challenges Nigerians May Face

While cleaning and laundry jobs are accessible, there are challenges:

1. Language Barrier – Not all employers speak English.

2. Exploitation Risks – Informal jobs may pay less than the legal minimum.

3. Physically Demanding – Jobs may require bending, lifting, and repetitive movements.

4. Job Insecurity – Some contracts are short-term or seasonal.

Practical Tips for Nigerians

1. Learn Basic German – Enrolling in an A2-level course greatly improves chances.

2. Prepare a Simple CV in German – Employers appreciate clarity.

3. Avoid Illegal Work – Only accept jobs with formal contracts.

4. Start Small and Grow – Many Nigerians begin with cleaning jobs and later move into caregiving, logistics, or skilled work.

5. Network Widely – Join Nigerian associations and community groups for job leads.

Best Cities in Germany for Cleaning Jobs

1. Berlin – High demand due to population and tourism.

2. Munich – Many opportunities in hospitality and private homes.

3. Hamburg – Shipping industry creates demand for industrial cleaning.

4. Frankfurt – Banking hub with many commercial cleaning contracts.

5. Cologne & Düsseldorf – Hotel and household cleaning in high demand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much can a Nigerian earn in cleaning jobs?
Between €12–€15 per hour, which amounts to around €1,000 monthly part-time.

2. Do I need qualifications?
No formal qualification is needed; reliability and honesty are most important.

3. Can international students do these jobs?
Yes. Students may work up to 20 hours per week during study sessions and full-time during holidays.

4. Are laundry jobs different from domestic cleaning?
Yes. Laundry jobs are often in laundromats or hotels, focusing on washing, folding, and ironing clothes.

5. How do I apply from Nigeria?
You cannot apply directly without a visa. First secure a student visa, work visa, or training visa before applying for jobs in Germany.

Conclusion

Part-time cleaning and laundry jobs in Germany are a gateway to financial stability for Nigerians and other international workers. With wages above the European average, flexible schedules, and constant demand, these jobs are ideal for newcomers seeking quick employment.

Although the work may be physically demanding and sometimes undervalued, it provides an entry point into the German labor market, social security coverage, and the chance to integrate into German society. For Nigerians planning to migrate, these jobs offer not just survival, but a pathway to build experience, earn respect, and later transition into more rewarding careers.