3 Cleaner Jobs in New Zealand: Cleaning Jobs that Foreigners Can Apply for Right Now

Welcome back to Ceejayhome! I’m so glad you’ve joined me today.

Maybe you’re reading this from another country, thinking about what it would be like to live and work in beautiful New Zealand. Perhaps you’ve heard that some people find work here without a university degree and you’re wondering if that’s really possible.

Well, get ready because today’s article is for you. We are going to talk about securing a cleaning job in New Zealand. You’ll discover the truth about how it’s possible to get a job offer from overseas. I’ll explain the visa process and what you need to do to get a job offer.

The best part? I’ve done the hard work for you and found three real, available cleaner jobs that are open to international applicants right now. These are not just any jobs; they are genuine opportunities. So stick with me, and let’s unlock your future in New Zealand together.

new-zealand-cleaning-job-visa-sponsorship

Can I Really Get a Cleaning Job in New Zealand from Abroad?

The big question on everyone’s mind is, “Can I really get a cleaning job in New Zealand if I’m not already there?”

The answer is yes, you can. It’s a common and achievable goal. New Zealand’s economy has a constant need for reliable, hard-working people in service roles, and cleaning is a key part of that.

The path to getting a job here is usually through a visa called the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This visa is designed for people who have received a job offer from a New Zealand company that has been pre-approved by the government to hire workers from other countries. The employer has to prove that they couldn’t find a New Zealander to do the job first.

What Employers Are Looking For

For a cleaning job, you don’t need a formal education or a special degree. What New Zealand employers value most is:

• A good attitude
• A strong work ethic
• Honesty

Having a driver’s license can be a big advantage, especially for roles that require traveling to different locations, but it’s not always a requirement. Many companies will provide all the training you need once you start, so a lack of experience is not always a problem.

The most important thing to understand is that you must have a job offer before you can apply for the work visa. You cannot simply arrive in New Zealand and then start looking for work (unless you are on a specific visa like a Working Holiday Visa). That’s why your job search must focus on companies that are accredited employers. This is the crucial first step on your journey.

Current Job Openings for International Applicants

Right now, I have found three current job listings that foreigners, including those living outside of New Zealand, could apply for.

Job 1: Commercial Cleaner at Chatrath Limited

• Who is hiring? Chatrath Limited, a company that cleans residential and commercial spaces and does flooring.
• Role: Commercial Cleaner (4 positions available)
• Location: Christchurch, Canterbury
• Job Type: Permanent, Full-time (at least 30 hours per week, possibly more).
• Schedule: Monday to Saturday, with morning or afternoon shifts. You may occasionally need to travel to remote locations or stay overnight.
• Salary: $25 NZD to $30 NZD per hour. This is a good rate for this kind of work.
• Duties:
  • Cleaning commercial and residential premises.
  • Vacuuming carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture.
  • Dusting walls and ceilings.
  • Cleaning toilets.
  • Removing wax and polishing floors.
  • Potentially using a water blaster.
  • Maintaining safety and using cleaning chemicals carefully.
  • Reporting any issues to managers.
• Requirements:
  • Experience is preferred but not mandatory; training may be provided.
  • No formal qualifications required.
  • Must have physical stamina and the ability to use cleaning tools.
  • Must be flexible with hours and days of work.
  • For overseas applicants, they prefer a Class 1 driving license or equivalent.
• Can Foreigners Apply? The ad does not guarantee visa support, but the mention of an “overseas” driver’s license suggests they might consider international applicants. It is crucial to contact them directly and ask, “Do you accept applications from outside New Zealand, and will you help with a visa or work permit?”
• How to Apply:
  1. Prepare your resume (CV), listing any cleaning experience (even part-time or domestic).
  2. Write a cover letter. State that you are applying from outside New Zealand and ask if they accept overseas applicants and can support a visa. Express your flexibility and reliability.
  3. Find the listing on a job board like Jobspace and click “Apply Now.”
  4. Upload your CV and cover letter.
  5. Wait to be contacted for an interview or work trial.
• Urgency: This job was posted on August 21, 2025. With no listed closing date, it’s best to apply as soon as possible.

Job 2: Commercial Cleaner at MK Master Lieutenant

• Who is hiring? A business called MK Master Lieutenant in the Auckland region, specializing in residential and commercial cleaning and flooring.
• Role: Commercial Cleaner (15 positions available)
• Location: Auckland Region
• Job Type: Permanent, Full-time (minimum 30 hours a week).
• Schedule: Shifts may be mornings, afternoons, and sometimes weekends. Some locations outside the Auckland region may require travel.
• Salary: $25 NZD to $30 NZD per hour.
• Duties:
  • Similar to the first job: cleaning residential and commercial spaces.
  • Vacuuming, dusting, cleaning toilets, pipes, walls, and ceilings.
  • Stripping, waxing, and polishing floors.
  • Using cleaning chemicals and equipment safely.
  • Maintaining high standards and building good client relationships.
• Requirements:
  • No qualifications needed; training will be given.
  • Experience preferred but not mandatory.
  • Flexibility to work different shifts and travel.
  • Physical stamina and ability to handle cleaning equipment.
  • For overseas applicants, they prefer having a Class 1 driving license or equivalent.
• Can Foreigners Apply? Like the previous listing, this one does not explicitly state visa support is available. The mention of an overseas license is a positive sign. You must contact them and ask, “Do you accept applications from overseas, and will you help with a visa or work permit?”
• How to Apply:
  1. Prepare your CV/resume with any cleaning experience.
  2. Write a cover letter. Mention you live outside New Zealand and your visa plan. Highlight your availability and flexibility.
  3. Find the job link on a major job board and click “Apply Now.”
  4. Submit your CV and cover letter.
  5. Wait for the employer to respond for an interview or the next step.
• Urgency: This job was posted on September 10, 2025. As there is no closing date, it’s best to apply quickly.

Need More Help?

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. For personalized guidance, you can book a one-on-one consultation with me for free. I also offer CV review services to help make your application stand out. You can get started by filling the form below to message me directly.

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Name *

First

Last

Email *

Are Name cleaning

How old are you? *

Do you have any previous cleaning experience? *--- Select Choice ---YesNo

What kinds of cleaning equipment are you familiar with?

(e.g., floor polishers, industrial vacuums, steam cleaners)

Are you knowledgeable about different cleaning chemicals and their proper, safe usage? *--- Select Choice ---NoYes

What is your official language? *

Are you comfortable working at heights (if window cleaning is involved) or in confined spaces? *--- Select Choice ---YesNo

Do you have a valid International passport? *--- Select Choice ---YesNo

Tell Us about Yourself *

Submit

Job 3: Night Shift Cleaner at TNL Cleaning Services

• Who is hiring? TNL Cleaning Services Ltd, a commercial cleaning business in Auckland City.
• Role: Night Shift Cleaner (Full-time)
• Location: Auckland City (working across multiple sites like Three Kings, Parnell, Henderson, etc.)
• Job Type: Full-time, mostly night shifts.
• Schedule: Six nights a week, Tuesday to Sunday, between 7:30 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. (approx. 35 to 42 hours weekly).
• Salary: $25 NZD to $27 NZD per hour, depending on the site or shift.
• Duties:
  • Cleaning restrooms, common areas, floors, and surfaces.
  • Handling cleaning chemicals and equipment carefully.
  • Working professionally on live sites, which may include responding to alarms or security issues.
  • Note: Some client sites include veterinary clinics, so you must be comfortable around animals.
• Requirements:
  • No formal qualifications are required.
  • Previous cleaning experience is preferred.
  • Must have reliable transport or the ability to travel to different locations.
  • Basic English skills to understand safety alarms and communicate with staff.
  • Comfortable around pets.
  • Physically able to work nights.
• Can Foreigners Apply? The job listing does not clearly state if they welcome foreign applicants. Because formal qualifications are not required, there is some flexibility. If you are overseas, you should contact TNL Cleaning directly to ask if they accept overseas applicants and can help with a work permit or visa.
• How to Apply:
  1. Prepare your CV, emphasizing any cleaning experience, reliability, and willingness to work nights.
  2. Write a cover letter indicating you are applying from abroad and ask if they accept overseas applicants.
  3. Go to the job listing on a platform like Jobspace and click “Apply Now.”
  4. Submit your CV and cover letter.
• Urgency: This job was posted on August 30, 2025. With no explicit closing date, apply soon.

Tips & Advice for Applying from Outside New Zealand

Now that we’ve looked at three job leads, here are some important tips to increase your chance of success:

1. Always Confirm Visa Support. If a job ad doesn’t mention sponsorship, ask directly in your cover letter. Use polite wording like, “I am currently living overseas. Do you accept applications from outside New Zealand, and is the company able to support a work permit, such as the AEWV?”
2. Prepare Strong Documents. Have your CV, references, and any photos or proof of past cleaning work ready. Also, have copies of any certifications, your driver’s license, and a police background certificate if possible.
3. Be Flexible. Highlighting your willingness to work night shifts, travel between sites, or work weekends can give you an edge over other applicants.
4. Show Reliability. Cleaning is a job where trust matters. Use your cover letter to emphasize that you are punctual, detail-oriented, and committed to safety.
5. Target Accredited Employers. Large companies are often more likely to have the capacity and processes in place to handle visa applications.
6. Monitor Job Listings Daily. Cleaning jobs can fill quickly. Set up alerts on sites like Jobspace and Seek using keywords like “cleaner visa sponsorship” or “cleaning commercial accredited employer.”

Your Dream of Working in New Zealand is Possible

So, there you have it: a clear pathway and three fantastic cleaner jobs in New Zealand that are open to applications right now. While it can feel like a big journey, it is absolutely possible to get a cleaning job in New Zealand as a foreigner.

The key is to find the right employer who can help you with the visa process. Remember, the most important steps are finding an accredited employer, getting a job offer, and then applying for your work visa.

I really hope this guide has given you some real opportunities to pursue your dream of working in Aotearoa New Zealand. If you found this article helpful and informative, please share it with anyone who might benefit.

Thanks for reading!