The building cleaning and maintenance sector in Belgium offers consistent employment, as these services are always in demand across offices, schools, hospitals, and residential buildings.
Many roles in this industry do not require advanced degrees, making it accessible for individuals with different educational backgrounds.
Employees can grow from entry-level cleaning jobs to supervisory or specialized maintenance positions through experience and training.
Flexible working hours are often available, allowing workers to balance personal and professional responsibilities more easily.
By maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, workers play a key role in ensuring safe and healthy environments for communities.
Unlike some industries that are seasonal, cleaning and maintenance work is needed year-round, providing reliable income.
Building cleaning and maintenance offers international candidates one of the easiest entry points into Belgium’s job market, as the sector constantly welcomes motivated workers from abroad.
Workplaces in this field are often multicultural, creating an environment where international workers can integrate smoothly while building connections with colleagues from different backgrounds.
Many employers provide on-the-job training, making it possible for newcomers to develop practical skills without needing prior local experience or advanced certifications.
International candidates can grow beyond entry-level roles, moving into supervisory, specialized maintenance, or even facility management positions with time and dedication.
Working in cleaning and maintenance allows international workers to practice local languages like Dutch or French in a professional setting, helping them integrate faster into Belgian society.
The sector provides consistent demand throughout the year, giving international candidates reliable work opportunities while they settle into a new country.
Focused on offices, retail stores, banks, and other business facilities. Services often include daily cleaning, floor care, and waste management.
Covers apartments, houses, and shared living spaces. Tasks usually include regular housekeeping, deep cleaning, and seasonal maintenance.
Specialized cleaning in factories, warehouses, and production sites. It involves heavy-duty equipment, machinery cleaning, and compliance with safety standards.
Ensures high hygiene standards in hospitals, clinics, and care homes. This requires strict adherence to sanitation and infection control protocols.
Includes schools, universities, and training centers. Focus is on classrooms, cafeterias, gyms, and maintaining a safe learning environment.
Hotels, restaurants, and event venues rely on professional cleaning teams for guest rooms, kitchens, and public areas to meet quality expectations.
Tasks such as window cleaning at heights, carpet and upholstery care, floor polishing, and post-construction cleaning.
Covers broader upkeep tasks beyond cleaning, such as minor repairs, painting, plumbing checks, and preventive building maintenance.
Job Profile |
Salary (EUR) |
Salary (USD) |
Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
General Cleaner |
€2,000 |
$2,180 |
₹180,000 |
|
Office Cleaner |
€2,050 |
$2,235 |
₹184,500 |
|
Residential Cleaner |
€1,900 |
$2,070 |
₹171,000 |
|
Industrial Cleaner |
€2,300 |
$2,505 |
₹207,000 |
|
Window Cleaner (High-Rise) |
€2,400 |
$2,615 |
₹216,000 |
|
Hospital Cleaner |
€2,200 |
$2,395 |
₹198,000 |
|
School Cleaner |
€2,050 |
$2,235 |
₹184,500 |
|
Hotel Housekeeper |
€2,100 |
$2,295 |
₹189,000 |
|
Janitor |
€2,150 |
$2,345 |
₹193,500 |
|
Maintenance Worker |
€2,400 |
$2,615 |
₹216,000 |
|
Facility Maintenance Technician |
€2,800 |
$3,050 |
₹252,000 |
|
HVAC Maintenance Technician |
€3,000 |
$3,270 |
₹270,000 |
|
Electrical Maintenance Worker |
€3,100 |
$3,380 |
₹279,000 |
|
Plumbing Maintenance Worker |
€3,000 |
$3,270 |
₹270,000 |
|
Supervisor (Cleaning Team) |
€2,700 |
$2,945 |
₹243,000 |
|
Facility Supervisor |
€3,200 |
$3,485 |
₹288,000 |
|
Building Maintenance Manager |
€3,800 |
$4,145 |
₹342,000 |
|
Facility Manager |
€4,200 |
$4,580 |
₹378,000 |
|
Health & Safety Officer (Maintenance) |
€3,600 |
$3,925 |
₹324,000 |
|
Operations Manager (Cleaning & Maintenance) |
€4,500 |
$4,905 |
₹405,000 |
Criteria |
Requirements for International Candidates |
|---|---|
|
Work Permit / Visa |
Must obtain a Belgian work permit (Type B for employees, Type C for temporary/seasonal workers, or Single Permit for residence + work). |
|
Employment Contract |
A valid job offer or contract from a Belgian employer is usually required before applying for a work permit. |
|
Language Skills |
Basic knowledge of Dutch, French, or English is highly preferred (depending on the region). Not always mandatory for entry-level cleaning jobs, but helpful for integration. |
|
Education Requirements |
No formal higher education needed for most cleaning roles. Vocational training or technical certification may be required for maintenance technician positions. |
|
Experience |
Entry-level cleaning jobs may require little or no prior experience. Technical maintenance roles (HVAC, electrical, plumbing) usually demand 2–5 years of experience. |
|
Health & Safety Compliance |
Must be fit for physically demanding work. In some cases, a medical fitness certificate or safety training may be required. |
|
Criminal Record |
Applicants should provide a clean police clearance certificate from their home country. |
|
Work Conditions |
Must be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, or shifts depending on employer needs. |
|
EU vs Non-EU Nationals |
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can work freely without permits. Non-EU nationals must secure a work permit and residence authorization before employment. |
|
Age Requirement |
Minimum 18 years old (legal working age in Belgium). |
Job Profile |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
General Cleaner |
Perform daily cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, and waste removal. |
|
Office Cleaner |
Maintain cleanliness of office spaces, meeting rooms, restrooms, and kitchens. |
|
Residential Cleaner |
Provide household cleaning, deep cleaning, laundry, and upkeep of living spaces. |
|
Industrial Cleaner |
Clean factories, machinery, and production areas; follow strict safety and hygiene standards. |
|
Window Cleaner (High-Rise) |
Clean interior and exterior glass surfaces, often using safety harnesses and lift equipment. |
|
Hospital Cleaner |
Sanitize hospital rooms, corridors, and equipment, following infection control guidelines. |
|
School Cleaner |
Clean classrooms, hallways, sports areas, and toilets; ensure a safe learning environment. |
|
Hotel Housekeeper |
Clean guest rooms, change linens, restock amenities, and maintain hotel common areas. |
|
Janitor |
Provide general building upkeep, minor repairs, cleaning, and security-related tasks. |
|
Maintenance Worker |
Handle routine repairs, basic plumbing, painting, and preventive maintenance. |
|
Facility Maintenance Technician |
Maintain building systems such as lighting, heating, and ventilation. |
|
HVAC Maintenance Technician |
Install, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. |
|
Electrical Maintenance Worker |
Inspect, repair, and maintain electrical wiring, lighting, and equipment. |
|
Plumbing Maintenance Worker |
Handle water systems, drainage, pipe repairs, and sanitary fittings. |
|
Cleaning Supervisor |
Manage cleaning staff, assign tasks, monitor quality, and ensure safety compliance. |
|
Facility Supervisor |
Oversee cleaning and maintenance teams, coordinate schedules, and manage supplies. |
|
Building Maintenance Manager |
Ensure building systems are functioning, manage repairs, and supervise maintenance staff. |
|
Facility Manager |
Oversee the overall facility operations, budgeting, contracts, and service quality. |
|
Health & Safety Officer (Maintenance) |
Ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations, conduct risk assessments, and train staff. |
|
Operations Manager (Cleaning & Maintenance) |
Lead large cleaning/maintenance operations, manage client contracts, and ensure service efficiency. |
Job Profile |
Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
|
General Cleaner |
No formal education required; physically fit; basic language skills (Dutch/French/English) preferred. |
|
Office Cleaner |
Basic communication skills; reliability; experience in office cleaning is an advantage. |
|
Residential Cleaner |
No formal training needed; ability to handle household cleaning; trustworthiness important. |
|
Industrial Cleaner |
Experience in industrial cleaning preferred; must follow safety and hygiene regulations. |
|
Window Cleaner (High-Rise) |
Must be physically fit; training in working at heights; safety certification required. |
|
Hospital Cleaner |
Knowledge of hygiene standards; medical clearance; ability to follow infection control protocols. |
|
School Cleaner |
Basic cleaning skills; clean criminal record (due to work in schools); reliability. |
|
Hotel Housekeeper |
No formal education required; attention to detail; some hospitality experience is a plus. |
|
Janitor |
Basic repair skills; ability to manage cleaning and minor maintenance; trustworthy. |
|
Maintenance Worker |
Technical aptitude; vocational training helpful; experience in general repairs. |
|
Facility Maintenance Technician |
Diploma in technical field preferred; experience with building systems. |
|
HVAC Maintenance Technician |
Certified HVAC training; 2–3 years of relevant experience; knowledge of safety standards. |
|
Electrical Maintenance Worker |
Technical diploma in electrical work; certification required; prior experience preferred. |
|
Plumbing Maintenance Worker |
Vocational training in plumbing; relevant work experience; understanding of Belgian standards. |
|
Cleaning Supervisor |
Experience in cleaning services; leadership and organizational skills; language proficiency helpful. |
|
Facility Supervisor |
Technical background preferred; supervisory experience; ability to coordinate teams. |
|
Building Maintenance Manager |
3–5 years of experience; strong technical knowledge; leadership skills. |
|
Facility Manager |
Degree or diploma in facility management preferred; 5+ years of experience; contract management skills. |
|
Health & Safety Officer (Maintenance) |
Certification in occupational safety; knowledge of Belgian safety laws; relevant work experience. |
|
Operations Manager (Cleaning & Maintenance) |
Strong leadership; business management skills; 5–7 years in the cleaning/maintenance sector. |
Job Profile |
Experience Required |
|---|---|
|
General Cleaner |
No prior experience required; on-the-job training provided. |
|
Office Cleaner |
0–1 year; previous office cleaning experience is an advantage. |
|
Residential Cleaner |
0–1 year; household or domestic cleaning experience preferred. |
|
Industrial Cleaner |
1–2 years; prior work in industrial or heavy-duty cleaning recommended. |
|
Window Cleaner (High-Rise) |
1–2 years; must have prior training/experience working at heights. |
|
Hospital Cleaner |
1 year; experience in healthcare or hygiene-sensitive environments preferred. |
|
School Cleaner |
0–1 year; basic cleaning experience sufficient. |
|
Hotel Housekeeper |
0–2 years; prior housekeeping/hospitality experience preferred. |
|
Janitor |
1–2 years; experience in building cleaning and minor repairs required. |
|
Maintenance Worker |
1–3 years; general repair/maintenance experience expected. |
|
Facility Maintenance Technician |
2–3 years; background in technical or facility maintenance. |
|
HVAC Maintenance Technician |
2–5 years; certified HVAC experience required. |
|
Electrical Maintenance Worker |
2–5 years; electrical maintenance or technician background necessary. |
|
Plumbing Maintenance Worker |
2–5 years; plumbing repair/installation experience required. |
|
Cleaning Supervisor |
2–3 years; previous cleaning experience with some team leadership. |
|
Facility Supervisor |
3–5 years; supervisory and technical background preferred. |
|
Building Maintenance Manager |
5+ years; strong experience in building operations and management. |
|
Facility Manager |
5–7 years; proven experience in facility management and leadership. |
|
Health & Safety Officer (Maintenance) |
3–5 years; background in occupational health & safety. |
|
Operations Manager (Cleaning & Maintenance) |
5–7 years; leadership and sector-specific management experience required. |
Company Name |
Specialization |
Why They Hire International Candidates |
|---|---|---|
|
ISS Facility Services Belgium |
Facility management, commercial & industrial cleaning |
Large multinational, actively recruits diverse workforce. |
|
Sodexo Belgium |
Cleaning, catering, facility & technical services |
Known for hiring international staff; strong presence in hospitals and offices. |
|
Atalian Global Services Belgium |
Cleaning, security, technical maintenance, energy services |
Operates in multiple sectors; open to international hires. |
|
Seris Cleaning Belgium |
Professional cleaning services |
Offers entry-level cleaning roles suitable for international applicants. |
|
GOM Belgium |
Office, school, and healthcare cleaning |
Provides stable jobs and training for newcomers. |
|
Europaz Belgium |
Residential and commercial cleaning |
Known for employing international candidates for flexible cleaning roles. |
|
Vinçotte Belgium |
Safety, inspection & maintenance |
Hires experienced technical and maintenance staff. |
|
Facilicom Group Belgium |
Cleaning, security, and facility services |
Large service provider with opportunities for international workers. |
|
CIS Cleaning Services |
Office & industrial cleaning |
Recruits international candidates for basic and skilled cleaning jobs. |
|
Cleandienst Belgium |
Specialized and industrial cleaning |
Provides opportunities in high-demand cleaning sectors. |
|
WISAG Belgium |
Facility management & maintenance services |
International-friendly hiring policy, especially in maintenance roles. |
|
Oranje Services |
Residential & hospitality cleaning |
Flexible jobs for newcomers and international staff. |
|
Hago Belgium |
Large-scale cleaning services |
Commonly recruits for schools, offices, and public spaces. |
|
Vebego Belgium |
Cleaning, healthcare support, facility management |
Actively employs foreign workers in cleaning roles. |
|
Multi Masters Group |
Cleaning, security, maintenance, landscaping |
Multiservice provider with a multicultural workforce. |
|
BNP Paribas Real Estate Services (Facility) |
Facility & building management |
Hires maintenance staff, including international workers. |
|
Alcor Facility Services |
Cleaning, catering, and technical services |
Provides entry-level opportunities for foreign candidates. |
|
Care NV |
Professional cleaning (schools, offices, industries) |
Offers jobs for non-native workers with training support. |
|
ISS Industrial Cleaning Division |
Industrial cleaning & maintenance |
Hires for high-demand industrial cleaning roles. |
|
ENGIE Belgium (Facility Services) |
Technical maintenance & energy services |
Employs skilled maintenance technicians, including international hires. |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (EUR/month) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General Cleaner |
€2,000 |
No formal education; physically fit; basic language skills |
GOM, Care NV, Hago |
Daily cleaning (sweeping, mopping, dusting, waste removal). |
|
Office Cleaner |
€2,050 |
Reliability; basic cleaning skills; 0–1 year exp. |
ISS, Sodexo, Vebego |
Clean offices, meeting rooms, kitchens, restrooms. |
|
Residential Cleaner |
€1,900 |
No experience needed; trustworthiness; flexible hours |
Oranje Services, Europaz |
Household cleaning, laundry, seasonal deep cleaning. |
|
Industrial Cleaner |
€2,300 |
1–2 years exp.; safety training; physically fit |
ISS Industrial, Atalian |
Factory/machinery cleaning; follow safety protocols. |
|
Window Cleaner (High-Rise) |
€2,400 |
Training in working at heights; safety certification |
Cleandienst, Multi Masters Group |
Clean high-rise windows using lifts and harnesses. |
|
Hospital Cleaner |
€2,200 |
1 year exp.; knowledge of hygiene standards; medical clearance |
Sodexo, GOM, Vebego |
Sanitize hospital rooms, equipment, and hallways. |
|
School Cleaner |
€2,050 |
Clean record (police clearance); reliability |
Care NV, Hago, Multi Masters Group |
Clean classrooms, sports halls, toilets; ensure hygiene. |
|
Hotel Housekeeper |
€2,100 |
Hospitality exp. preferred; attention to detail |
ISS, Sodexo, Oranje Services |
Clean guest rooms, change linens, restock amenities. |
|
Janitor |
€2,150 |
1–2 years exp.; basic repair skills |
Facilicom, Atalian, ISS |
Cleaning, waste management, minor building repairs. |
|
Maintenance Worker |
€2,400 |
1–3 years exp.; general repair skills |
ENGIE, Sodexo, Atalian |
Routine repairs, plumbing checks, painting, upkeep. |
|
Facility Maintenance Technician |
€2,800 |
Technical diploma; 2–3 years exp. |
ENGIE, Vinçotte, ISS |
Maintain building systems (lighting, ventilation, elevators). |
|
HVAC Technician |
€3,000 |
HVAC certification; 2–5 years exp. |
ENGIE, Vinçotte, ISS |
Install, maintain, and repair HVAC systems. |
|
Electrical Maintenance Worker |
€3,100 |
Electrical diploma; certification; 2–5 years exp. |
ENGIE, Sodexo, Vinçotte |
Inspect, repair, and maintain electrical systems. |
|
Plumbing Maintenance Worker |
€3,000 |
Plumbing training; 2–5 years exp. |
ENGIE, Facilicom, Atalian |
Repair and install pipes, water systems, drainage. |
|
Cleaning Supervisor |
€2,700 |
2–3 years cleaning exp.; leadership skills |
ISS, Sodexo, Multi Masters Group |
Manage cleaning teams, assign tasks, check quality. |
Visa / Permit Type |
Who It’s For |
Eligibility Requirements |
Duration |
Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Single Permit (Residence + Work) |
Non-EU nationals hired for jobs in Belgium |
Job contract from Belgian employer, employer applies on behalf of worker |
1–3 years (renewable) |
General cleaners, technicians, supervisors, facility staff |
|
Work Permit Type B |
Non-EU nationals hired for short/medium-term jobs |
Employer sponsorship, specific job offer, regional approval |
12 months (renewable annually) |
Entry-level cleaning & maintenance workers |
|
EU Blue Card |
Highly skilled non-EU workers (technical/managerial) |
University degree, job contract, salary threshold (€45,000+ per year) |
1–4 years (renewable) |
Facility managers, operations managers, health & safety officers |
|
Seasonal Work Visa (Short-Term) |
Temporary/seasonal workers in service sector |
Employer applies for permit; limited to specific sectors & durations |
Up to 150 days per year |
Temporary cleaning staff (hotels, events, seasonal cleaning) |
|
Student Work Permit (for International Students) |
Non-EU students studying in Belgium |
Must be enrolled in Belgian institution; up to 20 hours/week during term |
Valid as long as study visa is active |
Part-time cleaning jobs for students |
|
Family Reunification with Work Rights |
Family members of legal residents in Belgium |
Residence permit through family reunification |
Duration linked to sponsor’s residence permit |
Cleaning or maintenance jobs without needing separate work permit |
|
Self-Employed Professional Card |
Non-EU nationals running own cleaning/maintenance service |
Business plan approval, financial stability proof |
2–5 years (renewable) |
Entrepreneurs in cleaning or facility services |
