Norway has a consistent demand for cleaning and maintenance services across both public and private sectors. With growing urban development, the need for upkeep in residential, commercial, and industrial properties ensures job stability.
Workers in this sector often receive fair wages and enjoy benefits such as paid holidays, pension contributions, and access to healthcare—standard elements of Norwegian labor rights.
Many roles in this field require minimal formal education or Norwegian language proficiency, making it accessible to newcomers and those seeking a career shift.
With experience and additional training, employees can progress into supervisory roles or specialize in technical maintenance areas, leading to better pay and responsibilities.
Norwegian labor laws protect workers’ rights, ensuring safe working conditions, regulated hours, and protections against unfair dismissal.
Employers often emphasize a respectful and cooperative atmosphere. Many companies follow collective agreements that improve overall job satisfaction and security.
Cleaning and maintenance jobs can offer flexible schedules, including part-time and evening shifts, which can be ideal for those balancing work with other commitments.
This work supports public health and safety, playing a crucial role in maintaining hygiene and operational standards in schools, hospitals, offices, and more.
Norway’s building cleaning and maintenance sector actively welcomes international candidates. Employers value a multicultural workforce and often provide support such as language training, mentorship programs, and onboarding guidance to help foreign workers integrate smoothly.
What starts as an entry-level position can evolve into a skilled trade. International workers with motivation and a willingness to learn can move into specialized maintenance tasks—like floor treatment, facade cleaning, or eco-friendly sanitation techniques.
Norway is a leader in environmentally responsible practices. International workers have the chance to be part of a movement toward sustainable cleaning solutions, using non-toxic products and energy-efficient equipment.
Experience gained abroad is often recognized, and additional training is readily available. The industry encourages international workers to gain Norwegian certifications, which can enhance career progression and professional credibility.
Working in diverse cleaning teams creates a rich environment for cultural exchange. International staff contribute new perspectives while learning from Norwegian standards and practices, fostering both personal and professional growth.
All workers, regardless of origin, benefit from Norway’s strong labor laws. This includes fair wages, safe working conditions, social benefits, and protection from exploitation—creating a trustworthy and secure workplace.
Many cleaning companies collaborate with local municipalities to support international workers with housing, language courses, and social integration, making the transition to life in Norway more manageable.
For those seeking a future in Norway, this sector can serve as a stepping stone. With steady employment and integration, international workers may qualify for permanent residency or bring family members through reunification programs.
Responsible for routine cleaning tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and sanitizing surfaces in offices, schools, hospitals, and other facilities. Often done outside normal business hours.
Focuses on large-scale or specialized environments such as factories, warehouses, and construction sites. Requires knowledge of heavy-duty equipment and safety procedures.
Specializes in cleaning interior and exterior windows, often at height. May involve the use of ladders, scaffolding, or lift systems and requires attention to safety and detail.
Handles deep cleaning, polishing, and sealing of various floor surfaces such as hardwood, vinyl, stone, or tile. Uses specialized machines and products.
Performs a combination of cleaning and basic maintenance duties in schools, offices, or apartment buildings. Tasks may include light repairs, replacing bulbs, or checking heating systems.
Involves general upkeep of building systems—plumbing, electrical, ventilation, and minor repairs. May require vocational training or certification.
Works in private homes, hotels, or serviced apartments. Responsible for thorough room cleaning, laundry, and sometimes grocery shopping or organizing.
Focuses on hygiene and disinfection, especially in healthcare, food production, or high-traffic public areas. Emphasizes strict cleanliness protocols and safe chemical use.
Manages the overall condition of residential or commercial properties. Duties may include cleaning, minor landscaping, monitoring security, and tenant support.
Maintains the outer appearance and safety of buildings—clearing snow, removing graffiti, pressure washing, or painting. Often seasonal and physically demanding.
Job Title |
Avg. Monthly Salary (NOK) |
USD |
INR |
|---|---|---|---|
|
General Cleaner |
30,000 |
2,860 |
240,000 |
|
Industrial Cleaner |
32,000 |
3,050 |
256,000 |
|
Window Cleaner |
31,000 |
2,950 |
248,000 |
|
Floor Maintenance Technician |
33,000 |
3,145 |
264,000 |
|
Janitor (Vaktmester) |
34,000 |
3,235 |
272,000 |
|
Building Maintenance Technician |
38,000 |
3,620 |
304,000 |
|
Housekeeper / Hotel Cleaner |
29,000 |
2,765 |
232,000 |
|
Sanitation Worker |
32,000 |
3,050 |
256,000 |
|
Property Caretaker |
35,000 |
3,330 |
280,000 |
|
Exterior Maintenance Worker |
33,000 |
3,145 |
264,000 |
|
Facility Manager Assistant |
40,000 |
3,810 |
320,000 |
|
Office Cleaner |
30,000 |
2,860 |
240,000 |
|
Hospital Cleaner |
31,000 |
2,950 |
248,000 |
|
School Janitor |
32,000 |
3,050 |
256,000 |
|
Hotel Maintenance Worker |
34,000 |
3,235 |
272,000 |
|
Commercial Building Cleaner |
33,000 |
3,145 |
264,000 |
|
Pest Control Technician |
37,000 |
3,525 |
296,000 |
|
Laundry Worker (in institutions) |
28,000 |
2,670 |
224,000 |
|
Elevator Maintenance Assistant |
39,000 |
3,715 |
312,000 |
|
HVAC Maintenance Assistant |
40,000 |
3,810 |
320,000 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Legal Work Permit |
Must have a valid work visa or residence permit allowing employment in Norway. |
|
Job Offer from Norwegian Employer |
Required before applying for a skilled or unskilled work visa. Employer must meet legal obligations. |
|
Educational Requirements |
No formal education required for basic cleaning roles; technical roles may require vocational training or certification. |
|
Work Experience |
Previous cleaning or maintenance experience is preferred, especially for technical positions. |
|
Language Skills |
Basic Norwegian or English is often required. Some employers offer language training post-hiring. |
|
Health and Physical Fitness |
Must be physically fit and healthy to perform manual labor tasks. Medical fitness may be required. |
|
Police Clearance Certificate |
Must provide a clean criminal record from the home country during visa or job application process. |
|
Adaptability to Work Environment |
Ability to work in different weather conditions and environments, including indoors and outdoors. |
|
Knowledge of Safety Regulations |
Must follow Norwegian health, safety, and hygiene standards; training often provided on the job. |
|
Recognition of Foreign Skills |
For technical roles, foreign qualifications may need to be recognized by Norwegian authorities (e.g., NOKUT). |
|
Age Limit |
Generally 18 years and older. No strict upper age limit but must meet physical requirements. |
|
Union Registration (Optional) |
Joining a union is optional but can help protect worker rights and access better wages and benefits. |
Job Profile |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
1. General Cleaner |
Perform daily cleaning of floors, restrooms, kitchens, and common areas using standard tools. |
|
2. Industrial Cleaner |
Clean machinery, factory floors, and production areas; follow safety protocols in industrial settings. |
|
3. Window Cleaner |
Wash and polish interior and exterior windows, often using ladders or lift equipment. |
|
4. Floor Maintenance Technician |
Strip, wax, polish, and deep clean floors using specialized machines and chemicals. |
|
5. Janitor (Vaktmester) |
Handle cleaning, light repairs, bulb replacement, and facility inspections in schools or offices. |
|
6. Building Maintenance Technician |
Perform minor plumbing, electrical, and carpentry repairs; inspect building systems regularly. |
|
7. Housekeeper / Hotel Cleaner |
Clean guest rooms, bathrooms, and common areas; change linens and restock amenities. |
|
8. Sanitation Worker |
Disinfect surfaces, remove waste, and maintain hygiene standards in hospitals or food facilities. |
|
9. Property Caretaker |
Oversee property cleanliness, report damages, assist with small repairs, and support tenants. |
|
10. Exterior Maintenance Worker |
Maintain outdoor spaces (graffiti removal, pressure washing, snow removal, etc.). |
|
11. Facility Assistant |
Assist facility managers with scheduling maintenance, inventory, and equipment checks. |
|
12. Office Cleaner |
Dust, vacuum, empty bins, and clean bathrooms in commercial office buildings. |
|
13. Hospital Cleaner |
Maintain strict cleanliness and sanitation in patient rooms, surgical areas, and labs. |
|
14. School Janitor |
Clean classrooms, corridors, and restrooms; ensure safe, clean learning environments. |
|
15. Hotel Maintenance Worker |
Conduct basic repairs (lighting, plumbing, HVAC), respond to guest service calls. |
|
16. Commercial Building Cleaner |
Clean large facilities such as malls or airports; may use ride-on machines or chemical cleaners. |
|
17. Pest Control Technician |
Identify and eliminate pest issues; apply chemicals safely; document findings. |
|
18. Laundry Worker |
Operate industrial washers/dryers; fold and sort laundry for hospitals or hotels. |
|
19. Elevator Maintenance Assistant |
Assist with inspection, cleaning, and minor repairs of elevator systems under supervision. |
|
20. HVAC Maintenance Assistant |
Support HVAC technicians in inspecting and cleaning ventilation, heating, and air-conditioning units. |
Job Profile |
Education Level |
Experience Required |
Language Requirement |
Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. General Cleaner |
None / Basic Education |
Preferred but not mandatory |
Basic English/Norwegian |
Physically fit, basic hygiene knowledge |
|
2. Industrial Cleaner |
None / Secondary Preferred |
1–2 years preferred |
Basic Norwegian/English |
Safety awareness, knowledge of industrial equipment |
|
3. Window Cleaner |
None |
1 year preferred |
Basic communication skills |
Comfortable working at heights, safety training |
|
4. Floor Maintenance Technician |
Vocational preferred |
1–2 years |
Basic Norwegian/English |
Equipment handling skills, product knowledge |
|
5. Janitor (Vaktmester) |
Secondary / Vocational |
1–3 years |
Moderate Norwegian |
Basic repair and maintenance skills |
|
6. Building Maintenance Technician |
Technical Certificate |
2–3 years |
Moderate to good Norwegian |
Recognized qualification, trade license may be required |
|
7. Housekeeper / Hotel Cleaner |
None |
Preferred |
Basic English/Norwegian |
Attention to detail, fast-paced work environment |
|
8. Sanitation Worker |
None / Basic Education |
Preferred |
Basic communication |
Follow hygiene protocols strictly, often in hospitals or kitchens |
|
9. Property Caretaker |
Secondary / Vocational |
2+ years |
Moderate Norwegian |
General maintenance skills, some admin ability |
|
10. Exterior Maintenance Worker |
None / Vocational |
1–2 years |
Basic Norwegian/English |
Able to work in various weather conditions, safety knowledge |
|
11. Facility Assistant |
Secondary / Admin Training |
1–2 years |
Moderate Norwegian |
Computer skills, scheduling ability, support tasks |
|
12. Office Cleaner |
None |
Entry-level |
Basic communication |
Routine cleaning tasks, reliability |
|
13. Hospital Cleaner |
None / Health Sector Knowledge |
Preferred |
Basic Norwegian |
Strict hygiene and infection control procedures |
|
14. School Janitor |
Secondary |
1–3 years |
Moderate to good Norwegian |
Cleaning and minor maintenance, background checks required |
|
15. Hotel Maintenance Worker |
Vocational |
2+ years |
Basic to moderate Norwegian |
Plumbing, electrical and HVAC support |
|
16. Commercial Building Cleaner |
None / Preferred training |
1–2 years |
Basic communication |
Use of floor machines, knowledge of chemical safety |
|
17. Pest Control Technician |
Vocational / Certified |
1–2 years |
Moderate Norwegian |
Certification may be required (local pest license) |
|
18. Laundry Worker |
None |
Entry-level |
Basic communication |
Physically demanding, sorting and operating machines |
|
19. Elevator Maintenance Assistant |
Technical Education |
2 years |
Moderate Norwegian |
Apprenticeship or under supervision of licensed technician |
|
20. HVAC Maintenance Assistant |
Technical Certification |
2+ years |
Moderate Norwegian |
Requires approval of foreign certification, may need license |
Job Profile |
Minimum Experience Required |
Experience Type |
Mandatory or Preferred |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. General Cleaner |
0–6 months |
Basic cleaning |
Preferred |
|
2. Industrial Cleaner |
1–2 years |
Factory/warehouse cleaning |
Preferred |
|
3. Window Cleaner |
6 months – 1 year |
Window/glass surface cleaning |
Preferred |
|
4. Floor Maintenance Technician |
1–2 years |
Floor machines, polishing |
Preferred |
|
5. Janitor (Vaktmester) |
2–3 years |
Cleaning + basic maintenance |
Often Mandatory |
|
6. Building Maintenance Technician |
2–4 years |
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC |
Mandatory |
|
7. Housekeeper / Hotel Cleaner |
0–6 months |
Hotel/housekeeping |
Preferred |
|
8. Sanitation Worker |
1 year |
Hospital/food facility cleaning |
Preferred |
|
9. Property Caretaker |
2–3 years |
Multi-task cleaning & maintenance |
Often Mandatory |
|
10. Exterior Maintenance Worker |
1–2 years |
Outdoor cleaning, snow/graffiti removal |
Preferred |
|
11. Facility Assistant |
1–2 years |
Admin + facility coordination |
Preferred |
|
12. Office Cleaner |
0–6 months |
Commercial/office space cleaning |
Preferred |
|
13. Hospital Cleaner |
1–2 years |
Clinical or sterile area cleaning |
Often Mandatory |
|
14. School Janitor |
2 years |
Cleaning + supervision/maintenance |
Mandatory |
|
15. Hotel Maintenance Worker |
2–3 years |
Repairs, technical support |
Mandatory |
|
16. Commercial Building Cleaner |
1 year |
Malls, airports, large facilities |
Preferred |
|
17. Pest Control Technician |
1–2 years |
Pest handling and chemical safety |
Mandatory |
|
18. Laundry Worker |
0–6 months |
Industrial laundry |
Preferred |
|
19. Elevator Maintenance Assistant |
2 years |
Elevator systems, under supervision |
Mandatory |
|
20. HVAC Maintenance Assistant |
2–3 years |
HVAC systems installation/service |
Mandatory |
Company Name |
Type of Services |
Known For |
Hiring International Workers |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ISS Facility Services |
Cleaning, maintenance, catering, security |
One of the largest facility service providers in Norway |
Yes |
|
Sodexo Norge |
Cleaning, facilities management, catering |
Global company with multilingual staff |
Yes |
|
Coor Service Management |
Technical maintenance, cleaning, FM services |
Focus on corporate and industrial sites |
Yes |
|
Toma Gruppen |
Cleaning, hygiene, security, and maintenance |
National presence with strong service culture |
Yes |
|
Ren Pluss |
Commercial cleaning and janitorial services |
Specializes in office and retail cleaning |
Yes |
|
CityMaid |
Residential and commercial cleaning |
Flexible part-time roles for newcomers |
Yes |
|
4Service Facility AS |
Cleaning, canteen, property services |
High focus on professional cleaning in schools/hospitals |
Yes |
|
Adecco Norge |
Staffing and recruitment (includes cleaning) |
Offers temporary and long-term placements |
Yes |
|
Manpower Norge |
Staffing agency |
Frequently recruits for cleaning and janitor roles |
Yes |
|
Elite Service Partner AS |
Commercial cleaning services |
Known for multi-lingual teams and city contracts |
Yes |
Job Profile |
Avg. Monthly Salary (NOK) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. General Cleaner |
30,000 |
Basic education, physically fit, basic English/Norwegian |
ISS, CityMaid, Toma Gruppen |
Routine cleaning of floors, restrooms, desks, and garbage removal |
|
2. Industrial Cleaner |
32,000 |
1–2 yrs experience, safety awareness, able to use machinery |
Coor, 4Service, Elite Service Partner |
Deep cleaning of industrial equipment, floors, and surfaces in factories |
|
3. Window Cleaner |
31,000 |
Physically fit, not afraid of heights, safety training |
ISS, Ren Pluss, Toma Gruppen |
Clean glass windows (interior/exterior), often using ladders or lifts |
|
4. Floor Maintenance Technician |
33,000 |
1–2 yrs experience, machine handling skills |
Coor, ISS, Manpower Norge |
Clean, polish, and maintain floors using scrubbers and waxing machines |
|
5. Janitor (Vaktmester) |
34,000 |
2–3 yrs experience, basic repairs knowledge, moderate Norwegian |
Adecco, Coor, Manpower Norge |
Minor repairs, cleaning, basic maintenance, reporting issues |
|
6. Building Maintenance Technician |
38,000 |
Technical certification, 2–4 yrs experience, good Norwegian |
Coor, Sodexo, ISS |
Electrical/plumbing repairs, system checks, preventive maintenance |
|
7. Housekeeper / Hotel Cleaner |
29,000 |
No education required, fast-paced, detail-oriented |
CityMaid, Sodexo, Adecco Norge |
Clean rooms, change linens, restock items, maintain guest area hygiene |
|
8. Sanitation Worker |
32,000 |
1–2 yrs experience, hygiene training, PPE knowledge |
Sodexo, 4Service, Elite Service Partner |
Disinfect high-contact areas in hospitals, kitchens, food areas |
|
9. Property Caretaker |
35,000 |
2–3 yrs experience, general maintenance knowledge, moderate Norwegian |
ISS, Coor, Toma Gruppen |
Building inspection, light repairs, tenant communication |
|
10. Exterior Maintenance Worker |
33,000 |
1–2 yrs experience, work in outdoor weather, physically strong |
Ren Pluss, 4Service, Elite |
Graffiti removal, pressure washing, snow/ice clearing |
|
11. Facility Assistant |
40,000 |
Admin and coordination experience, computer skills, moderate Norwegian |
Coor, ISS, Sodexo |
Support facility manager, monitor services, inventory, reports |
|
12. Office Cleaner |
30,000 |
Entry-level, reliability, time management |
CityMaid, Toma Gruppen, ISS |
Vacuuming, dusting, restroom cleaning in office environments |
|
13. Hospital Cleaner |
31,000 |
1–2 yrs healthcare experience, infection control training |
Sodexo, 4Service, Manpower |
Clean patient rooms, disinfect medical areas, follow hygiene protocols |
|
14. School Janitor |
32,000 |
2 yrs experience, background checks, basic repair skills |
Coor, Elite Service Partner, Adecco |
Clean classrooms, restrooms, maintain playgrounds |
|
15. Hotel Maintenance Worker |
34,000 |
2–3 yrs experience, HVAC/plumbing knowledge |
Sodexo, 4Service, Adecco |
Handle in-room repairs, check boilers, air conditioning, emergency fixes |
|
16. Commercial Building Cleaner |
33,000 |
1 yr experience, commercial cleaning product knowledge |
ISS, Coor, Ren Pluss |
Clean lobbies, lifts, corridors, and public spaces in malls, airports, etc. |
|
17. Pest Control Technician |
37,000 |
Certified, 1–2 yrs experience, knowledge of chemicals |
Rentokil, ISS, Toma Gruppen |
Inspect and treat pest issues, report and follow safety measures |
|
18. Laundry Worker |
28,000 |
Entry-level, physically demanding, sorting knowledge |
Sodexo, 4Service, Manpower Norge |
Wash, dry, and fold laundry for hotels, hospitals, or large facilities |
|
19. Elevator Maintenance Assistant |
39,000 |
Technical background, 2 yrs experience, under licensed supervisor |
Coor, KONE, ISS |
Support elevator technician in inspection, cleaning, minor repairs |
|
20. HVAC Maintenance Assistant |
40,000 |
Technical degree, 2–3 yrs HVAC experience, certified |
Coor, ISS, Adecco Norge |
Assist with HVAC installation, filter cleaning, performance testing |
Visa Type |
Eligibility |
Validity |
Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Skilled Worker Visa |
Applicants with a job offer and relevant qualifications or experience |
Up to 2 years (renewable) |
Valid job offer, full-time work contract, accommodation, proof of skills |
|
Unskilled/Seasonal Worker Visa |
For temporary, low-skilled work such as cleaning or facility services |
Up to 6 months |
Job offer for seasonal work, proof of return travel, valid passport, accommodation |
|
Job Seeker Visa (EU/EEA only) |
Citizens from EU/EEA countries seeking work in Norway |
Up to 6 months |
EU/EEA citizenship, proof of financial support, health insurance |
|
Family Reunification Visa |
Family members of legal residents or workers in Norway |
Varies |
Proof of relationship, sponsor’s income, accommodation |
|
Student Visa with Part-time Work |
International students enrolled in Norwegian institutions |
Valid for study duration |
Enrollment proof, allows up to 20 hrs/week of part-time work |
|
Permanent Residency (after 3 years) |
Workers who have legally lived and worked in Norway for 3+ years |
Indefinite |
Continuous residence, language and social studies completion, clean police record |
|
Asylum Seeker or Refugee Status |
Refugees or asylum seekers legally residing in Norway |
Varies |
Must apply through proper channels, permission to work depends on case outcome |
|
EU/EEA Free Movement Right |
Citizens of EU/EEA countries |
No visa required |
Must register with the police within 3 months of arrival |