Cleaning Jobs in France for Foreign Workers: A Complete Guide
Cleaning Jobs in France for Foreign Workers: A Complete Guide
France is one of the most visited countries in the world, with a thriving economy and high demand for essential services.
Among those services, cleaning stands out as a vital industry that offers real opportunities for foreign workers looking to start a new life or earn a stable income.
Whether you’re seeking a full-time role or temporary work, cleaning jobs in France can be an accessible and rewarding path.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cleaning jobs in France for foreign workers – from job types and salaries to visa options, application tips, and more.
Why Consider Cleaning Jobs in France?
Cleaning jobs are among the most accessible forms of employment in France for foreigners, especially for those who may not speak fluent French or hold specialized qualifications. Here’s why many foreign workers pursue this path:
- High Demand: With growing urbanization and tourism, cleaning services are always needed in homes, hotels, offices, and public facilities.
- Low Entry Barrier: Many jobs do not require a high level of French, and on-the-job training is often provided.
- Legal Employment Opportunities: With the right visa and permit, foreign workers can legally work and enjoy protections under French labor laws.
- Gateway to Other Opportunities: Cleaning roles can lead to supervisory positions or open doors in hospitality, facility management, and even entrepreneurship.
Types of Cleaning Jobs Available
Cleaning jobs vary across industries and offer diverse work settings. Here are the most common categories:
1. Residential Cleaning
Cleaning homes, apartments, and private villas. Tasks include dusting, mopping, vacuuming, dishwashing, and sometimes laundry. Clients may be locals or expatriates.
2. Commercial Cleaning
Offices, retail spaces, banks, and other commercial buildings need professional cleaning services. Work is often done after hours.
3. Hotel and Hospitality Cleaning
Hotels across France – especially in tourist cities like Paris, Nice, and Lyon – constantly hire cleaners. Tasks include room cleaning, changing linens, and maintaining hygiene standards.
4. Industrial Cleaning
Factories, construction sites, and large facilities need trained cleaners for industrial hygiene and waste management.
5. Specialized Cleaning
Hospitals, airports, schools, and public transport stations require trained professionals for deep cleaning and sanitization.
6. Live-in Cleaner/Nanny-Housekeeper
Some families hire cleaners who live in their homes and perform household duties, sometimes combined with childcare.
Requirements for Foreign Workers
While each employer may have unique expectations, here are the general requirements:
- Legal Work Authorization: A valid work visa or residency permit is essential.
- Basic Language Skills: While some employers accept beginners, learning basic French increases job prospects.
- Physical Fitness: Cleaning can be physically demanding – standing, bending, lifting, etc.
- Clean Background Check: Especially important in residential and hospital settings.
- Experience: Not always required, but helpful. Some roles offer training on-site.
Visa and Work Permit Options
To work legally in France, foreign nationals must have the appropriate visa. Some common pathways include:
1. Long-Stay Work Visa (Visa de Long Séjour – VLS-TS)
This is the most common option for foreign workers employed by French companies. It allows you to stay and work in France for more than 3 months.
2. Temporary Work Visa
Ideal for seasonal or short-term cleaning contracts. Often used in hospitality sectors during peak seasons.
3. Student Visa
Allows students to work up to 20 hours per week legally. Many students work as part-time cleaners for extra income.
4. Au Pair Visa
Some cleaning/nanny hybrid roles may fall under this category for younger foreign nationals living with host families.
5. EU/EEA Citizens
Do not need a visa to work in France.
Steps to Obtain a Work Permit:
- Secure a job offer from an employer in France.
- Employer submits a work permit request to the French labor authorities.
- Apply for the visa at a French consulate.
- Upon arrival, validate your visa and register with the local prefecture.
READ MORE: Cleaning Jobs in USA for Foreign Workers: Opportunities, Requirements & How to Apply
How to Find Cleaning Jobs in France
1. Job Portals
- Indeed France
- Pôle Emploi
- Leboncoin – Jobs section
- Monster France
2. Cleaning Agencies
- Shiva
- O2
- Helpling
- Yoopies (good for babysitter-cleaner hybrid roles)
- Maison & Services
3. Social Media and Online Communities
- Facebook groups for expats (e.g., “Jobs in Paris for Foreigners”)
- Reddit (r/France, r/expat)
- WhatsApp job boards
4. Local Notice Boards
Check ads in supermarkets, laundromats, community centers, or churches.
5. Word of Mouth
Networking with fellow expats or community members can lead to reliable job leads.
Expected Salary and Benefits
Cleaning jobs in France are generally paid hourly. Rates depend on the location, type of cleaning, and whether it’s through an agency or direct employer.
Average Pay:
- Residential/House Cleaning: €10–€13/hour
- Commercial/Industrial Cleaning: €11–€15/hour
- Hotel Cleaning: €10.50–€12.50/hour
- Live-in Housekeeper: Monthly salary between €1,300 – €1,800 + accommodation and meals.
Benefits:
- Paid public holidays and annual leave (for full-time contracts).
- Health insurance (via French Social Security).
- Overtime pay (if applicable).
- Meal vouchers or transport compensation in some cases.
Worker Rights and Protections
France has robust labor laws to protect all legal workers:
- Minimum Wage (SMIC): As of 2025, approximately €11.65/hour gross.
- Work Hours: Typically 35 hours/week for full-time. Overtime is regulated.
- Paid Vacation: 5 weeks per year (for full-time workers).
- Health Coverage: Legal employees are enrolled in the French public health system.
- Social Security Contributions: Your employer must register you for coverage.
- Unions: Cleaners can join unions for better protection (e.g., CGT, CFDT).
Tips for Foreign Workers New to France
- Learn Basic French: Phrases related to cleaning tasks, tools, and time.
- Get Legal Help: Ensure your contract and visa comply with French law.
- Save Documents: Keep a copy of your employment contract, pay slips, and visa.
- Be Cautious of Scams: Avoid jobs that require upfront payment or don’t offer contracts.
- Join a Support Network: Many NGOs and expat groups offer legal, housing, and language support.
Real-Life Story: Marta from Brazil
Marta arrived in Paris in 2021 on a student visa. To support herself, she took part-time cleaning jobs through an agency. She later learned conversational French, got a full-time contract, and now works as a supervisor in a small cleaning company. “Cleaning gave me a start. I didn’t need perfect French, just determination. Now I have job security and a future in France.”
Conclusion
Cleaning jobs in France offer more than just a paycheck – they provide a stepping stone for foreign workers to build a life in a beautiful, opportunity-rich country. With accessible job roles, legal protection, and the chance to grow, it’s no surprise that thousands of foreigners successfully start their journey in France with a broom, vacuum, and lots of ambition.
If you’re considering this path, equip yourself with the right documents, stay informed, and take that first step toward a new beginning in France.
