The building cleaning and maintenance industry in Italy offers consistent job opportunities due to the ongoing need for cleanliness and upkeep in both residential and commercial spaces. This demand creates a stable employment environment.
Most roles in this sector require minimal formal education, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals, including immigrants and those seeking entry-level employment.
With experience and dedication, workers can advance to supervisory roles or start their own cleaning or maintenance businesses, providing room for career development.
Workers in this field play a vital role in maintaining hygiene standards, contributing to public health, especially in healthcare, education, and hospitality sectors.
International candidates can work across a variety of settings including historic buildings, luxury hotels, modern office spaces, and cultural institutions—each offering a unique experience and environment.
Italy is increasingly adopting eco-friendly cleaning methods. International workers can contribute innovative, sustainable techniques that align with global environmental standards.
The sector often includes multicultural teams, allowing international workers to share ideas, learn Italian work culture, and contribute fresh perspectives to cleaning and maintenance strategies.
Maintaining Italy’s blend of ancient and modern architecture requires adaptive thinking. Workers are often challenged to find innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of different structures and materials.
A role in cleaning and maintenance can serve as a stepping stone for international candidates to gain experience, build a local network, and explore long-term residency or career advancement in Italy.
Responsible for daily cleaning tasks in offices, homes, hotels, and public buildings. Duties include dusting, sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing surfaces.
Typically works in schools, hospitals, or large buildings, performing routine cleaning along with minor repairs, restocking supplies, and managing waste.
Works in factories, warehouses, or production facilities. Requires the use of specialized equipment and safety procedures for cleaning machinery and industrial areas.
Specializes in cleaning interior and exterior glass surfaces, often using ladders or lift equipment, especially in high-rise or commercial buildings.
Focuses on maintaining floors through scrubbing, buffing, waxing, and carpet cleaning. Common in hospitals, malls, and large office complexes.
Handles basic repairs such as plumbing, electrical, painting, and HVAC maintenance. Often employed by property management companies or hotels.
Works in hotels, resorts, or private residences, focusing on room cleaning, linen changes, and guest area upkeep to maintain high hospitality standards.
Ensures hygienic environments in places like hospitals, clinics, and food processing facilities, where strict health and safety standards are essential.
Manages cleaning staff, coordinates schedules, inspects work quality, and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations.
Maintains building exteriors, including pressure washing, gutter cleaning, façade repair, and groundskeeping duties.
Job Title |
Salary (EUR) |
Salary (USD) |
Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
General Cleaner |
€1,200 |
$1,308 |
₹110,400 |
|
Janitor (Custodian) |
€1,300 |
$1,417 |
₹119,600 |
|
Industrial Cleaner |
€1,400 |
$1,526 |
₹128,800 |
|
Window Cleaner |
€1,250 |
$1,363 |
₹115,000 |
|
Floor Technician |
€1,350 |
$1,472 |
₹124,200 |
|
Maintenance Technician |
€1,700 |
$1,853 |
₹156,400 |
|
Housekeeping Staff (Hotel) |
€1,300 |
$1,417 |
₹119,600 |
|
Sanitation Worker (Healthcare) |
€1,600 |
$1,744 |
₹147,200 |
|
Building Supervisor |
€1,900 |
$2,071 |
₹174,800 |
|
Exterior Maintenance Worker |
€1,500 |
$1,635 |
₹138,000 |
|
Waste Collection Worker |
€1,400 |
$1,526 |
₹128,800 |
|
Cleaning Equipment Operator |
€1,450 |
$1,581 |
₹133,400 |
|
Laundry Staff (Institutional) |
€1,250 |
$1,363 |
₹115,000 |
|
Pest Control Technician |
€1,600 |
$1,744 |
₹147,200 |
|
HVAC Maintenance Assistant |
€1,800 |
$1,962 |
₹165,600 |
|
Painter (Building Maintenance) |
€1,700 |
$1,853 |
₹156,400 |
|
Plumbing Assistant |
€1,650 |
$1,799 |
₹151,800 |
|
Electrical Maintenance Worker |
€1,800 |
$1,962 |
₹165,600 |
|
Lift/Elevator Maintenance Operator |
€1,900 |
$2,071 |
₹174,800 |
|
Facilities Management Assistant |
€2,000 |
$2,180 |
₹184,000 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Work Visa / Permit |
Must have a valid Italian work visa or EU Blue Card. Non-EU citizens require employer sponsorship or entry via government programs. |
|
Legal Age Requirement |
Must be at least 18 years old to be legally employed. |
|
Educational Qualifications |
No formal degree required for most cleaning jobs. Basic education (8th or 10th grade) preferred. Technical roles may require vocational training. |
|
Work Experience |
Entry-level roles usually require no experience. Supervisory or technical roles may require 1–3 years of relevant experience. |
|
Language Requirements |
Basic Italian language skills (A1–A2) are preferred. Some jobs accept English-speaking applicants, especially in tourist-heavy cities. |
|
Health & Medical Fitness |
Must pass basic health and fitness checks. Some employers require vaccination records for healthcare or sanitation roles. |
|
Criminal Background Check |
A clean criminal record may be required, especially for work in schools, hospitals, or government buildings. |
|
Skill Certification (Optional) |
For roles like maintenance technician or HVAC assistant, certifications or vocational training are an advantage. |
|
Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) |
Required for non-EU nationals staying more than 90 days. Must be updated regularly. |
|
Employment Contract |
A formal job offer or contract from an Italian employer is required to apply for a work visa. |
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
1. General Cleaner |
Clean floors, dust surfaces, empty trash bins, sanitize restrooms, and maintain cleanliness standards. |
|
2. Janitor (Custodian) |
Perform daily cleaning, manage basic repairs, restock supplies, and report maintenance issues. |
|
3. Industrial Cleaner |
Clean industrial equipment and facilities using specialized chemicals and tools while following safety protocols. |
|
4. Window Cleaner |
Clean interior and exterior windows using squeegees, ladders, or lifts; ensure streak-free finishes. |
|
5. Floor Technician |
Clean, buff, strip, wax, and polish floors using machines; maintain various flooring materials. |
|
6. Maintenance Technician |
Conduct minor plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and HVAC repairs in buildings and facilities. |
|
7. Housekeeping Staff (Hotel) |
Clean guest rooms, change linens, restock supplies, and maintain hygiene in hospitality spaces. |
|
8. Sanitation Worker |
Perform deep cleaning and sanitization in healthcare, food, or high-risk environments. |
|
9. Building Supervisor |
Supervise cleaning staff, coordinate schedules, inspect work quality, and handle client communication. |
|
10. Exterior Maintenance Worker |
Maintain building exteriors, clean walls and gutters, perform minor facade repairs, and ensure cleanliness. |
|
11. Waste Collection Worker |
Collect and dispose of garbage, recyclables, and hazardous waste in compliance with local regulations. |
|
12. Cleaning Equipment Operator |
Operate machines like scrubbers, pressure washers, or vacuum systems; perform basic maintenance. |
|
13. Laundry Staff (Institutional) |
Wash, dry, iron, and fold linens and uniforms; maintain laundry equipment in hospitals or hotels. |
|
14. Pest Control Technician |
Inspect and treat buildings for pests; apply chemicals safely and advise clients on prevention methods. |
|
15. HVAC Maintenance Assistant |
Assist in maintaining and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. |
|
16. Painter (Building Maintenance) |
Paint and touch-up walls, ceilings, and exterior surfaces; prepare surfaces and select proper materials. |
|
17. Plumbing Assistant |
Help maintain and repair plumbing systems; install fixtures, clear drains, and check water systems. |
|
18. Electrical Maintenance Worker |
Assist with inspecting, repairing, and installing electrical systems in buildings. |
|
19. Lift/Elevator Maintenance Tech |
Inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot elevator systems; perform safety checks and basic repairs. |
|
20. Facilities Management Assistant |
Support the operations of building facilities; monitor maintenance schedules, supplies, and vendor coordination. |
Job Profile |
Education Level |
Experience Required |
Language Skills |
Certifications / Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. General Cleaner |
Basic education (8th–10th) |
Not mandatory (0–1 year helpful) |
Basic Italian (A1–A2) |
None |
|
2. Janitor (Custodian) |
Secondary school preferred |
1–2 years |
Basic Italian |
Health clearance, background check |
|
3. Industrial Cleaner |
Secondary school |
1–3 years in industrial settings |
Basic Italian |
Safety training (optional) |
|
4. Window Cleaner |
No formal education needed |
1 year (preferred) |
Basic Italian |
Safety training for heights |
|
5. Floor Technician |
Secondary school |
1–2 years |
Basic Italian |
Training in floor care equipment (preferred) |
|
6. Maintenance Technician |
Vocational diploma |
2–3 years |
Intermediate Italian |
Technical certification (plumbing, electrical, etc.) |
|
7. Housekeeping Staff (Hotel) |
Basic education |
0–1 year |
Basic Italian / English |
Grooming and hospitality skills |
|
8. Sanitation Worker |
Basic to secondary school |
1–2 years in health settings |
Basic Italian |
Health clearance, hygiene certification |
|
9. Building Supervisor |
Diploma / Degree |
3–5 years in cleaning sector |
Intermediate Italian |
Leadership experience, team management |
|
10. Exterior Maintenance Worker |
Basic education |
1–2 years |
Basic Italian |
Working at heights certificate (optional) |
|
11. Waste Collection Worker |
Basic education |
1 year |
Basic Italian |
Safety and handling training |
|
12. Cleaning Equipment Operator |
Secondary school |
1–2 years |
Basic Italian |
Training in machinery operation |
|
13. Laundry Staff (Institutional) |
Basic education |
0–1 year |
Basic Italian |
None |
|
14. Pest Control Technician |
Secondary school / Diploma |
1–2 years |
Intermediate Italian |
Pest control license (regional requirement) |
|
15. HVAC Maintenance Assistant |
Vocational training |
2–3 years |
Intermediate Italian |
HVAC technician certificate |
|
16. Painter (Building Maintenance) |
Basic to secondary school |
1–3 years |
Basic Italian |
None, but trade training preferred |
|
17. Plumbing Assistant |
Vocational school preferred |
1–2 years |
Basic to Intermediate Italian |
Apprentice license (helpful) |
|
18. Electrical Maintenance Worker |
Vocational diploma |
2–3 years |
Intermediate Italian |
Electrical technician certification |
|
19. Lift/Elevator Technician |
Vocational or technical degree |
2–3 years |
Intermediate Italian |
Lift maintenance certification (required) |
|
20. Facilities Management Assistant |
Bachelor’s or Diploma |
2–4 years |
Intermediate Italian |
Project or facilities management experience |
Job Role |
Experience Level Required |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
General Cleaner |
0–1 year (entry-level) |
Most roles require no experience; on-the-job training usually provided. |
|
Housekeeping Staff (Hotel/Residence) |
0–1 year |
Basic housekeeping skills preferred; training is typically offered. |
|
Janitor (Custodian) |
1–2 years |
Prior experience in building cleaning or janitorial work preferred. |
|
Industrial Cleaner |
1–3 years |
Experience using industrial cleaning machines and chemicals is important. |
|
Window Cleaner |
1–2 years |
Experience with heights and exterior cleaning tools often required. |
|
Floor Technician |
1–2 years |
Experience in floor care and use of buffer/polishing machines preferred. |
|
Maintenance Technician |
2–3 years |
Prior experience in plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems is essential. |
|
Sanitation Worker |
1–2 years |
Needed especially for healthcare, food, or regulated environments. |
|
Waste Collection Worker |
1 year |
Must be physically fit; experience with waste handling helpful. |
|
Pest Control Technician |
1–2 years |
Previous pest control work or certification is usually required. |
|
HVAC Maintenance Assistant |
2–3 years |
Vocational or hands-on experience is necessary. |
|
Electrical Maintenance Worker |
2–3 years |
Requires relevant electrical experience and certifications. |
|
Plumbing Assistant |
1–2 years |
Experience assisting or working under certified plumbers is preferred. |
|
Painter (Building Maintenance) |
1–3 years |
Practical painting experience in residential or commercial settings. |
|
Lift/Elevator Technician |
2–3 years |
Mandatory technical experience and industry certification. |
|
Exterior Maintenance Worker |
1–2 years |
Experience with outdoor tools and safety procedures is required. |
|
Cleaning Equipment Operator |
1–2 years |
Must know how to operate and maintain cleaning machines. |
|
Laundry Staff (Institutional) |
0–1 year |
Experience in hospital or hotel laundry operations is a plus. |
|
Building Supervisor |
3–5 years |
Experience leading cleaning teams and managing schedules is essential. |
|
Facilities Management Assistant |
2–4 years |
Experience in building operations and vendor coordination is required. |
Company Name |
Specialization |
Notes for International Candidates |
|---|---|---|
|
ISS Facility Services Italia |
Integrated facility management, cleaning, and maintenance |
Known for hiring foreign workers; operates in large cities and airports. |
|
Manutencoop Facility Management |
Building maintenance, sanitation, and cleaning services |
One of Italy's largest facility service companies; offers large-scale contracts. |
|
Sodexo Italia |
Corporate cleaning, food, and facilities services |
Global company; hires diverse international workforce. |
|
Pulisystem S.r.l. |
Civil and industrial cleaning services |
Frequently hires entry-level and skilled foreign workers. |
|
CNS Consorzio Nazionale Servizi |
Public-sector cleaning and maintenance contracts |
Works in hospitals, schools, and transport systems. |
|
Dussmann Service Italia |
Cleaning, facility services, and healthcare sanitation |
Active in multilingual environments; open to international hiring. |
|
Markas S.p.A. |
Hospital and hotel cleaning and maintenance |
Frequently recruits foreign nationals, especially for healthcare cleaning roles. |
|
La Lucente S.p.A. |
Civil, industrial, and public cleaning |
Operates across northern and central Italy; offers contracts to international staff. |
|
Clean Service S.r.l. |
Residential and commercial cleaning |
Smaller firm that works with local communities and foreign applicants. |
|
Coopservice Soc. Coop. |
Multiservice facility management |
A large cooperative that actively hires in logistics, cleaning, and maintenance. |
|
Gruppo Gesan |
Sanitation and maintenance services for public spaces |
Known for working with government tenders and hiring through agencies. |
|
Roma Multiservizi S.p.A. |
Cleaning and facility maintenance in Rome |
Operates under public contracts and accepts foreign applications. |
|
Engie Servizi S.p.A. |
Technical facility management and energy maintenance |
International group that occasionally hires for technical cleaning and upkeep. |
|
Facility Management Group (FMG) |
Comprehensive cleaning and maintenance services |
Offers roles across healthcare and commercial buildings. |
|
Azienda Servizi Integrati (ASI) |
Multi-sector cleaning and building maintenance |
Often recruits foreign workers for regional contracts. |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (EUR/month) |
Job Requirements |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. General Cleaner |
€1,200 |
Basic education, no experience needed, basic Italian |
Clean floors, restrooms, surfaces; remove trash |
ISS, Markas, CNS, Pulisystem |
|
2. Janitor (Custodian) |
€1,300 |
Secondary school, 1–2 years experience, basic Italian |
Daily cleaning, minor repairs, restocking supplies |
Coopservice, Manutencoop, Dussmann |
|
3. Housekeeping Staff |
€1,300 |
Basic education, 0–1 year experience, Italian/English |
Clean guest rooms, make beds, replenish supplies |
Sodexo, Markas, Roma Multiservizi |
|
4. Industrial Cleaner |
€1,400 |
Secondary school, 1–3 years experience, safety knowledge |
Clean machines and industrial areas using chemicals/equipment |
ISS, Manutencoop, Clean Service S.r.l. |
|
5. Sanitation Worker |
€1,600 |
Secondary school, 1–2 years, health clearance |
Sanitize public or healthcare environments |
CNS, FMG, Markas |
|
6. Window Cleaner |
€1,250 |
No formal education, 1 year preferred, safety at heights |
Clean building windows, glass walls, often at height |
Dussmann, Clean Service S.r.l. |
|
7. Floor Technician |
€1,350 |
Secondary school, 1–2 years, machine handling |
Strip, polish, and clean various types of floors |
Manutencoop, ISS |
|
8. Maintenance Technician |
€1,700 |
Vocational diploma, 2–3 years experience, certifications |
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC repairs |
Engie, Coopservice, FMG |
|
9. Plumbing Assistant |
€1,650 |
Vocational training, 1–2 years, basic plumbing skills |
Assist with pipe fitting, leak repairs |
Engie, CNS, FMG |
|
10. Electrical Maintenance |
€1,800 |
Electrical diploma, 2–3 years, certified |
Repair and maintain building electrical systems |
Engie, Coopservice, FMG |
|
11. HVAC Assistant |
€1,800 |
Technical training, 2–3 years, HVAC certs |
Assist with heating/cooling systems maintenance |
Engie, Manutencoop |
|
12. Painter |
€1,700 |
Secondary school, 1–3 years, knowledge of paints/materials |
Paint walls, prepare surfaces, touch-ups |
Coopservice, FMG, Dussmann |
|
13. Pest Control Technician |
€1,600 |
High school, 1–2 years, pest control license |
Treat and prevent pest infestations |
Gruppo Gesan, Pulisystem |
|
14. Laundry Staff |
€1,250 |
Basic education, 0–1 year, hospital/hotel laundry exp. |
Wash, iron, and fold linens |
Markas, Sodexo, CNS |
|
15. Waste Collection Worker |
€1,400 |
Basic education, physical fitness, 1 year experience |
Collect, sort, and dispose of waste and recyclables |
Roma Multiservizi, CNS |
|
16. Cleaning Equipment Operator |
€1,450 |
Secondary school, 1–2 years, machine training |
Operate floor scrubbers, sweepers, and pressure washers |
Manutencoop, ISS |
|
17. Exterior Maintenance Worker |
€1,500 |
Basic education, 1–2 years, safety at height |
Maintain building exteriors, clean facades, remove graffiti |
Dussmann, Clean Service S.r.l. |
|
18. Building Supervisor |
€1,900 |
Diploma, 3–5 years in cleaning/maintenance, leadership |
Oversee cleaning teams, ensure quality, manage schedules |
Manutencoop, CNS, Coopservice |
|
19. Lift/Elevator Technician |
€1,900 |
Technical diploma, 2–3 years, lift cert |
Install and maintain elevators, perform regular safety checks |
Engie, FMG, Manutencoop |
|
20. Facilities Mgmt. Assistant |
€2,000 |
Diploma/degree, 2–4 years in facility management |
Support building operations, vendor coordination, basic admin |
ISS, Coopservice, Engie |
Visa Type |
Purpose |
Eligibility |
Key Requirements |
Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree) Work Visa |
Seasonal and non-seasonal work in specified sectors |
Non-EU citizens with a job offer in cleaning, construction, agriculture, etc. |
Valid job contract from Italian employer, employer must apply for nulla osta (work authorization). |
Entry-level & skilled cleaning workers |
|
Subordinate Work Visa (Lavoro Subordinato) |
Full-time employment contract with Italian employer |
Job offer in Italy and quota availability under Decreto Flussi |
Work contract, proof of accommodation, passport, application through Italian consulate. |
Long-term employment in maintenance/cleaning |
|
EU Blue Card (Highly Skilled Workers) |
High-skilled, high-salary professions |
University degree, high salary threshold (not typical for cleaning sector) |
Not applicable for most building cleaning roles. |
Not suitable for this sector |
|
Intra-Company Transfer Visa |
Transfer within a multinational company |
Already employed with company that has branch in Italy |
Proof of employment, transfer agreement, valid passport. |
Facility managers working for global firms |
|
Seasonal Work Visa (Lavoro Stagionale) |
Temporary work in agriculture or tourism (limited) |
For certain short-term jobs (cleaning in tourism may qualify) |
Employer sponsorship, seasonal work contract, quota under Decreto Flussi. |
Hotel housekeeping, tourist facility cleaners |
|
Family Reunification Visa (Ricongiungimento Familiare) |
Join family member already working in Italy |
Spouse, parent, or child of legal resident in Italy |
Must show proof of income, housing, relationship. Allows work after obtaining residence permit. |
Spouses of migrants already in Italy |