Cleaning Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship

Imagine waking up to the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, not as a tourist, but as a resident building a new, secure life for yourself and your family. This dream is within your reach. In 2025, New Zealand is actively offering a powerful gateway for foreigners: cleaning jobs with full visa sponsorship.

You don’t need a university degree or years of experience. Your ticket is a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn. This is your chance to earn a stable income in one of the world’s most peaceful and beautiful countries.

This comprehensive guide is your first step. We will walk you through the attractive salary you can expect (typically NZD $23.00 – $27.00 per hour), the straightforward requirements like a clean police record and basic English, and the fantastic benefits, including potential help with accommodation and the security of a legal work visa. We’ll also answer all your burning questions in our detailed FAQ and show you exactly how to turn this opportunity into your reality. Your new future in New Zealand starts here.

Why the Demand for Cleaners is High

Several key factors drive the need for international cleaning staff:

• Economic Growth & Tourism: A rebound in tourism has increased the need for staff in hotels, resorts, and hospitality venues.
• Local Labor Shortages: Many New Zealanders pursue careers in other industries, creating gaps in essential services like cleaning.
• Strict Hygiene Standards: Industries like healthcare and aged care require a consistently high level of cleanliness, necessitating a dedicated workforce.

To address this, the New Zealand government facilitates the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), allowing approved businesses to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled workers from abroad.

Types of Cleaning Jobs Available

The opportunities are diverse and often entry-level:

• Commercial Cleaning: Offices, corporate buildings, and retail spaces.
• Hospitality Housekeeping: Cleaning guest rooms and public areas in hotels, motels, and resorts.
• Healthcare Sanitation: Maintaining sterile environments in hospitals, clinics, and aged care facilities (requires attention to detail).
• Industrial Cleaning: Factories, warehouses, and processing plants.
• Educational Institutions: Schools and daycare centers.
• Residential Cleaning: For private households or apartment complexes.

Most roles provide on-the-job training, and shifts can range from early mornings to evenings and weekends.

Salary and Benefits of Cleaning Jobs in New Zealand

Cleaning offers a stable income with protections under New Zealand law.

• Hourly Wage: Typically between NZD $23.00 – $27.00 per hour.
• Weekly Earnings: Approximately NZD $920 – $1,080 for a 40-hour week (before tax).
• Penalty Rates: Higher pay is often offered for weekend, night, or public holiday shifts.
• Additional Benefits: Some employers, especially in remote areas or resorts, may offer assistance with accommodation, transport, or relocation costs.

The Visa Sponsorship Process: The AEWV

The pathway to working legally is clear and secure with an accredited employer:

1. Employer Checks: The employer must be accredited with Immigration NZ and prove they cannot find a local worker for the role.
2. Job Offer: You receive a formal Job Offer and an Employer Supplementary Form.
3. Visa Application: You use these documents to apply for your Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
4. Approval & Travel: Once approved, you can legally travel to New Zealand and begin work.

Important: This is a legitimate process. You should never pay a fee to an employer to sponsor your visa.

Eligibility Requirements for Cleaning Jobs in New Zealand

To qualify, you must generally:

• Be at least 18 years old (some employers prefer 21+).
• Have a valid passport.
• Be in good health and physically fit for manual work.
• Possess a basic understanding of English (for safety and instruction).
• Have a clean police record.
• Be reliable, hardworking, and willing to learn.

Previous experience is beneficial but not always mandatory. A strong work ethic is often valued more.

Countries That Commonly Apply

Many workers come from countries like:

• Philippines
• India
• Nepal
• Bangladesh
• Sri Lanka
• Indonesia
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• Fiji
• Tonga
• Samoa
• South Africa

Essential Document Checklist for New Zealand Cleaning Jobs (AEWV Visa)

Preparing these documents before you start applying will make you a more attractive candidate and significantly speed up the process once you receive a job offer.

1. Updated CV / Resume

• Purpose: To showcase your skills, experience, and reliability to potential employers.
• What to Include:
  • Contact Information: Full name, phone number, email, location.
  • Personal Summary: A brief statement about your work ethic and your goal to work in New Zealand (e.g., “Reliable and hardworking individual seeking a cleaning position with an accredited employer in New Zealand.”).
  • Work Experience: List any previous jobs, especially in cleaning, housekeeping, hospitality, or any physical labor. Include company names, your job title, and dates of employment.
  • Skills: Mention relevant skills (e.g., attention to detail, time management, physical stamina, use of cleaning equipment).
  • References: Ideally, provide 1-2 professional references from previous employers with their contact information. Always ask for their permission first.

2. Valid Passport

• Purpose: Essential for identifying yourself and for the visa application.
• Requirement: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in New Zealand. Check the expiry date now and renew it early if necessary.

3. Passport-Sized Photographs

• Purpose: Required for your visa application and possibly for employer records.
• Specification: Follow the standard New Zealand visa photo requirements: recent, color, plain white background, neutral expression, and no glasses or headwear (unless for religious reasons).

4. Police Clearance Certificate

• Purpose: To prove you are of good character and have no serious criminal history, as required by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
• Key Details:
  • You typically need a certificate from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
  • It is often recommended to apply for this from your home country early, as it can take time to process.
  • Some employers may request it with the application, but usually, it is submitted after the job offer during the official visa process.

5. Medical Certificate

• Purpose: To ensure you are in good health and are unlikely to pose a health risk or burden to New Zealand’s health system.
• Key Details:
  • This is not required for the initial job application.
  • You will only undergo the medical examination after you have received a job offer and are applying for your visa.
  • Immigration New Zealand will provide specific forms and a list of approved panel physicians (doctors) in your country that you must use.

6. A Short Cover Letter / Application Message

• Purpose: To introduce yourself personally, express your motivation, and explain why you are a good fit for the role and for working in New Zealand.
• What to Include:
  • Your interest in the specific job and moving to New Zealand.
  • A brief highlight of your relevant strengths (e.g., “I am hardworking, reliable, and a quick learner”).
  • Your visa status: Clearly state that you require an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) sponsorship.
  • Your availability to start work.

How to Apply for Jobs from Abroad

Follow these steps to find a legitimate opportunity:

1. Prepare Your Documents:
   • An updated CV/Resume (highlight any relevant experience, even informal).
   • A valid passport.
   • A simple cover letter expressing your willingness to relocate and work hard.
2. Search on Trusted Job Platforms:
   • New Zealand Sites: seek.co.nz, trademe.co.nz/jobs, indeed.co.nz.
   • Government Portal: jobs.govt.nz (often lists roles eligible for sponsorship).
   • Keywords: Use “cleaner visa sponsorship,” “AEWV cleaner jobs,” or “housekeeping jobs NZ accredited employer.”
3. Verify the Employer:
   • Crucial Step: Ensure the employer is accredited with Immigration New Zealand. This information is often in the job advertisement, or you can ask them directly.
4. Apply:
   • Submit your CV and a polite, professional application. Be clear about your need for visa sponsorship.
   • Be wary of any agent or employer asking for large upfront payments.

Next Steps After a Job Offer

Once you have a formal offer from an accredited employer, you will need to:

• Undergo a standard medical check.
• Obtain a police clearance certificate from your home country.
• Complete the online AEWV application with the documents provided by your employer.

Conclusion

A cleaning job in New Zealand is far more than just a job; it’s a validated pathway to a new life. It represents an opportunity to gain financial stability in a country known for its high quality of life, stunning natural environment, and strong worker protections. The demand is real, the process is clear, and the barrier to entry is refreshingly low.

While the work requires dedication and a strong spirit, the rewards are immense. With a sponsored visa, a fair wage, and the chance to build a future in a welcoming community, this is an opportunity to fundamentally change your trajectory.

Take the first step today. Prepare your documents, start your search on the recommended platforms, and approach this journey with confidence and hope. Your dream of working and living in New Zealand is waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions