The demand for building cleaning and maintenance services remains steady year-round, ensuring job stability. Many facilities require ongoing cleaning and upkeep, creating consistent work opportunities.
Sweden offers fair wages, regulated by collective agreements. Workers often receive benefits such as paid holidays, sick leave, and pension contributions, contributing to financial and job security.
The sector is open to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Many employers offer support with language training and integration, making it easier for newcomers to enter the workforce.
There are clear paths for advancement, from entry-level positions to supervisory or specialized roles. With additional training, workers can progress in their careers over time.
Swedish labor laws ensure safe working conditions and protect employees’ rights. Regular inspections and union support help maintain fair and ethical workplaces.
Many jobs in this sector offer part-time and full-time options, allowing workers to balance personal commitments with their professional life.
Building cleaners and maintenance workers play a key role in maintaining hygiene and safety in public and private spaces, making it a meaningful and respected profession.
Building cleaning and maintenance roles serve as an accessible entry point into Sweden’s labor market for international candidates. These roles often require minimal prior experience, making them ideal for newcomers eager to start working quickly.
This sector allows individuals to develop hands-on skills in areas like sanitation, surface care, machinery handling, and sustainable cleaning techniques—skills that are transferable and valued in many industries.
Many employers in Sweden offer support in learning Swedish on the job. This promotes integration, helping international workers improve communication skills and connect better with local communities.
Sweden is a leader in sustainability, and this is reflected in the cleaning industry. International candidates can engage with eco-friendly technologies, biodegradable products, and innovative maintenance solutions—building a future-ready skill set.
Steady employment in this field can lead to long-term residency or permanent settlement in Sweden. Building a strong work record helps international workers establish roots and contribute to Swedish society.
Work environments in this sector are often diverse, fostering collaboration between people from different countries and cultures. This inclusiveness enhances teamwork and creates a welcoming space for international employees.
Once settled, many international workers pursue training in specialized services like industrial cleaning, floor care, or property maintenance, opening doors to higher positions and better pay.
Responsible for routine cleaning of offices, schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings. Tasks include dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and waste removal.
Works in factories or warehouses, using specialized equipment and chemicals to clean large-scale machinery, production areas, and storage facilities.
Focuses on cleaning interior and exterior windows of buildings, often requiring the use of ladders, lifts, or rope access techniques for high-rise properties.
Specializes in floor care, including polishing, buffing, waxing, and deep-cleaning different surfaces like wood, tile, or carpet in commercial spaces.
Often employed in healthcare or food processing facilities, this role involves strict hygiene protocols to ensure sanitary conditions and prevent contamination.
Performs minor repairs and upkeep on plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, and other building components, often as part of a facility management team.
Handles a combination of cleaning and basic maintenance duties in residential or public buildings, including monitoring heating systems, small repairs, and resident support.
Trained in deep cleaning for environments like hospitals, laboratories, or cleanrooms where sanitation and safety standards are highly regulated.
Cleans up debris, dust, and materials at construction or renovation sites to keep the area safe and organized during and after the project.
Focuses on using environmentally friendly products and sustainable methods, increasingly in demand in both public and private sectors in Sweden.
Job Title |
Monthly Salary (SEK) |
Monthly Salary (USD) |
Monthly Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
General Cleaner |
24,000 |
2,285 |
184,615 |
|
Industrial Cleaner |
26,000 |
2,475 |
200,000 |
|
Window Cleaner |
25,000 |
2,380 |
192,300 |
|
Floor Maintenance Technician |
27,000 |
2,570 |
207,700 |
|
Sanitation Worker |
28,000 |
2,665 |
215,400 |
|
Property Maintenance Technician |
30,000 |
2,855 |
230,800 |
|
Janitor/Caretaker (Fastighetsskötare) |
29,000 |
2,760 |
223,100 |
|
Specialized Cleaning Technician |
31,000 |
2,950 |
238,400 |
|
Construction Site Cleaner |
26,000 |
2,475 |
200,000 |
|
Green Cleaning Specialist |
30,000 |
2,855 |
230,800 |
|
Pest Control Technician |
32,000 |
3,045 |
246,100 |
|
HVAC Maintenance Worker |
33,000 |
3,140 |
253,800 |
|
Electrical Maintenance Technician |
35,000 |
3,330 |
269,200 |
|
Plumbing Maintenance Technician |
34,000 |
3,235 |
261,500 |
|
Building Supervisor |
38,000 |
3,620 |
292,300 |
|
Waste Management Operator |
28,000 |
2,665 |
215,400 |
|
Elevator Maintenance Technician |
36,000 |
3,425 |
276,900 |
|
Grounds Maintenance Worker |
27,000 |
2,570 |
207,700 |
|
Facility Management Assistant |
29,000 |
2,760 |
223,100 |
|
Cleaning Supervisor |
33,000 |
3,140 |
253,800 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Work Permit / Residence Permit |
Required. Must obtain a work permit from the Swedish Migration Agency before entering Sweden. |
|
Job Offer from Employer |
A valid job offer from a Swedish employer is mandatory before applying for a work permit. |
|
Employment Contract |
Must include salary, job description, working hours, and duration, as per Swedish labor law. |
|
Minimum Salary Requirement |
Salary must meet or exceed the Swedish collective agreement or industry standard. |
|
Relevant Experience (Preferred) |
While not always required, experience in cleaning or maintenance roles is often preferred. |
|
Educational Qualification |
No formal education required for basic cleaning jobs; vocational training helps for advanced roles. |
|
Language Skills |
Basic Swedish or English is often sufficient; some employers offer on-the-job language training. |
|
Health and Physical Fitness |
Required. Jobs may involve lifting, bending, and extended periods of standing or movement. |
|
Background Check |
May be required, especially for jobs in schools, hospitals, or secure facilities. |
|
Union and Work Conditions |
Must comply with Swedish labor laws and often join a relevant union for benefits and support. |
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
1. General Cleaner |
Clean offices, homes, schools, or hospitals; dusting, vacuuming, mopping, trash removal. |
|
2. Industrial Cleaner |
Clean factory floors, equipment, and industrial zones; handle chemicals and heavy machinery. |
|
3. Window Cleaner |
Clean interior and exterior windows in commercial/residential buildings; use ladders and lifts. |
|
4. Floor Maintenance Technician |
Polish, wax, and deep clean floors; maintain different surfaces like marble, wood, and tile. |
|
5. Sanitation Worker |
Ensure hygienic conditions in hospitals, kitchens, or food facilities; follow health protocols. |
|
6. Property Maintenance Technician |
Perform minor plumbing, electrical, and HVAC repairs; ensure general building upkeep. |
|
7. Janitor/Caretaker (Fastighetsskötare) |
Oversee cleaning and light repairs; assist residents or tenants in apartment buildings. |
|
8. Specialized Cleaning Technician |
Clean high-risk or regulated environments like labs or hospitals; follow strict sanitation rules. |
|
9. Construction Site Cleaner |
Remove debris, clean work areas, maintain safety on active construction sites. |
|
10. Green Cleaning Specialist |
Use eco-friendly tools and methods; promote sustainable cleaning practices. |
|
11. Pest Control Technician |
Inspect buildings, apply pest control treatments, and maintain prevention programs. |
|
12. HVAC Maintenance Worker |
Service and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. |
|
13. Electrical Maintenance Technician |
Perform regular electrical inspections, troubleshoot wiring or lighting issues. |
|
14. Plumbing Maintenance Technician |
Fix leaking pipes, unclog drains, and maintain plumbing systems in buildings. |
|
15. Building Supervisor |
Oversee maintenance staff, schedule tasks, and ensure building systems run efficiently. |
|
16. Waste Management Operator |
Handle garbage disposal, recycling operations, and hazardous waste according to regulations. |
|
17. Elevator Maintenance Technician |
Maintain and repair elevators, escalators; conduct safety checks. |
|
18. Grounds Maintenance Worker |
Maintain outdoor spaces: lawn care, snow removal, planting, and minor landscaping. |
|
19. Facility Management Assistant |
Support facility managers with maintenance coordination, inventory, and contractor liaison. |
|
20. Cleaning Supervisor |
Lead cleaning teams, train staff, inspect work quality, and manage schedules and supplies. |
Job Profile |
Education Required |
Experience Required |
Language Skills |
Work Permit Needed |
Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. General Cleaner |
Not mandatory |
Preferred (0–1 year) |
Basic Swedish/English |
Yes |
Physically fit; able to follow hygiene protocols |
|
2. Industrial Cleaner |
Not mandatory |
1–2 years preferred |
Basic English |
Yes |
Knowledge of safety procedures, handling chemicals |
|
3. Window Cleaner |
Not mandatory |
Preferred |
Basic Swedish |
Yes |
No fear of heights; physical strength |
|
4. Floor Maintenance Technician |
Vocational (optional) |
1+ years |
Basic Swedish/English |
Yes |
Experience with floor machines |
|
5. Sanitation Worker |
Not mandatory |
1–2 years |
Basic Swedish |
Yes |
Training in health and sanitation standards |
|
6. Property Maintenance Technician |
Technical diploma |
2–3 years |
Intermediate Swedish |
Yes |
Electrical/plumbing skills, tool handling |
|
7. Janitor/Caretaker |
High school (optional) |
1+ years |
Basic to intermediate Swedish |
Yes |
Problem-solving skills; resident support |
|
8. Specialized Cleaning Technician |
Certificate (preferred) |
2+ years in related field |
Intermediate English/Swedish |
Yes |
Familiarity with specialized environments (e.g., labs, hospitals) |
|
9. Construction Site Cleaner |
Not mandatory |
Preferred |
Basic Swedish |
Yes |
Safety awareness; ability to lift and carry materials |
|
10. Green Cleaning Specialist |
Not mandatory |
1–2 years |
Basic English |
Yes |
Knowledge of eco-friendly products/methods |
|
11. Pest Control Technician |
Certified training |
2+ years |
Intermediate Swedish |
Yes |
Pest control license (as per Swedish regulations) |
|
12. HVAC Maintenance Worker |
Technical diploma |
2–3 years |
Intermediate Swedish |
Yes |
HVAC certification required |
|
13. Electrical Maintenance Technician |
Technical diploma |
2–3 years |
Intermediate Swedish |
Yes |
Must meet Swedish electrician standards |
|
14. Plumbing Maintenance Technician |
Technical diploma |
2–3 years |
Intermediate Swedish |
Yes |
Knowledge of Swedish plumbing codes |
|
15. Building Supervisor |
Diploma or relevant exp. |
3–5 years |
Good Swedish and English |
Yes |
Leadership and communication skills |
|
16. Waste Management Operator |
High school (preferred) |
1–2 years |
Basic Swedish |
Yes |
Knowledge of sorting and recycling regulations |
|
17. Elevator Maintenance Technician |
Vocational or diploma |
2+ years |
Intermediate Swedish |
Yes |
Elevator technician certification |
|
18. Grounds Maintenance Worker |
Not mandatory |
Preferred |
Basic Swedish |
Yes |
Ability to operate lawn/snow equipment |
|
19. Facility Management Assistant |
Diploma or vocational |
2+ years |
Intermediate Swedish |
Yes |
Admin and scheduling experience |
|
20. Cleaning Supervisor |
High school or diploma |
2–3 years |
Good Swedish and English |
Yes |
Leadership, training, and quality control |
Job Profile |
Minimum Experience Required |
Preferred Experience |
Experience Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. General Cleaner |
None |
6 months – 1 year |
Entry-level jobs available; on-the-job training often provided. |
|
2. Industrial Cleaner |
6 months |
1–2 years |
Experience with industrial equipment or hazardous materials preferred. |
|
3. Window Cleaner |
None |
6 months – 1 year |
Practical experience climbing and working at heights is an advantage. |
|
4. Floor Maintenance Technician |
6 months |
1–2 years |
Use of polishing and scrubbing machines preferred. |
|
5. Sanitation Worker |
1 year |
2 years |
Familiarity with hygiene protocols is often required in sensitive environments. |
|
6. Property Maintenance Technician |
2 years |
2–3 years |
Requires multi-skill knowledge: plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc. |
|
7. Janitor/Caretaker |
1 year |
1–2 years |
Some handyman or resident service experience preferred. |
|
8. Specialized Cleaning Technician |
1 year |
2–3 years |
Experience in hospitals, labs, or clean rooms is highly preferred. |
|
9. Construction Site Cleaner |
None |
6 months – 1 year |
Physical labor experience on construction sites is beneficial. |
|
10. Green Cleaning Specialist |
6 months |
1–2 years |
Background in sustainable or eco-friendly cleaning is a plus. |
|
11. Pest Control Technician |
1 year |
2–3 years |
Often requires previous work and a license or certification in pest management. |
|
12. HVAC Maintenance Worker |
2 years |
3 years |
Technical training and hands-on maintenance experience required. |
|
13. Electrical Maintenance Technician |
2 years |
3 years |
Must meet Swedish safety and certification standards. |
|
14. Plumbing Maintenance Technician |
2 years |
3 years |
Plumbing repair and installation experience needed. |
|
15. Building Supervisor |
3 years |
4–5 years |
Leadership in facility operations or team management is essential. |
|
16. Waste Management Operator |
6 months |
1–2 years |
Experience in sorting, disposal, or recycling systems preferred. |
|
17. Elevator Maintenance Technician |
2 years |
3 years |
Certified training and experience with elevator systems required. |
|
18. Grounds Maintenance Worker |
None |
6 months – 1 year |
Experience in lawn care, snow removal, or landscaping is helpful. |
|
19. Facility Management Assistant |
1 year |
2 years |
Prior experience with scheduling, maintenance tracking, or admin work is helpful. |
|
20. Cleaning Supervisor |
2 years |
3–4 years |
Requires prior work as a cleaner and team leadership experience. |
Company Name |
Type |
Roles Commonly Hired |
Hiring International Workers? |
Head Office Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ISS Facility Services AB |
Global Facility Management |
Cleaners, Maintenance Techs, Janitors |
Yes |
Stockholm |
|
Coor Service Management |
Integrated Facility Services |
Cleaning Staff, Property Maintenance, HVAC Technicians |
Yes |
Solna |
|
Sodexo AB |
Multinational Services |
Cleaning, Catering, Maintenance, Sanitation Workers |
Yes |
Stockholm |
|
Lokalvårdarna Sverige AB |
Cleaning Services |
Office Cleaners, Floor Technicians, Window Cleaners |
Yes |
Gothenburg |
|
Rengörare Näslund AB |
Professional Cleaning Services |
General and Specialist Cleaners |
Yes |
Umeå |
|
MIAB AB |
Cleaning & Facility Services |
General Cleaners, Site Supervisors |
Yes |
Stockholm |
|
Hemfrid AB |
Home & Office Cleaning |
Home Cleaners, Housekeeping Staff |
Yes |
Stockholm |
|
PA Clean AB |
Commercial Cleaning Services |
Office and Retail Cleaners |
Yes |
Malmö |
|
NCA Facility Services |
Facility & Maintenance |
Cleaners, Maintenance Workers, Groundskeepers |
Yes |
Stockholm |
|
Björns Trädgårdsservice |
Outdoor & Grounds Maintenance |
Grounds Maintenance, Snow Removal, Gardeners |
Yes (seasonal roles) |
Jönköping |
|
Miljöteamet AB |
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Services |
Green Cleaning Specialists |
Yes |
Linköping |
|
Fastighetsägarna Service |
Property Management & Service |
Janitors, Property Technicians |
Yes |
Stockholm |
|
L&T FM AB (Lassila & Tikanoja) |
Nordic Facility Management |
Facility Services, Cleaners, Maintenance Techs |
Yes |
Malmö |
|
Vardagsfrid AB |
Domestic Services Provider |
Home Cleaners, Housekeepers |
Yes |
Stockholm |
|
Swoosh Sverige AB |
Sewer & Property Maintenance |
Pipe Cleaners, Technicians, Maintenance Staff |
Yes |
Västra Frölunda (Gothenburg) |
|
HSB Städservice |
Housing Cleaning Services |
Stairwell Cleaners, Janitors, Laundry Room Attendants |
Yes |
Nationwide (various offices) |
|
Samhall AB |
State-Owned Social Enterprise |
Cleaners (diverse backgrounds), Janitors, Sanitation Workers |
Yes (diversity & inclusion focus) |
Nationwide |
|
Avancia AB |
Facility & Maintenance |
Office Cleaners, Site Maintenance Staff |
Yes |
Gothenburg |
|
Freska Sweden AB |
Home Cleaning Services |
House Cleaners, Domestic Staff |
Yes |
Stockholm |
|
PIMA AB |
Commercial Cleaning Services |
Specialist and General Cleaners |
Yes |
Västerås |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (SEK/month) |
Job Requirements |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General Cleaner |
24,000 |
No formal education, basic Swedish or English, physically fit |
Clean offices/homes, dusting, mopping, trash collection |
ISS, Coor, Hemfrid, MIAB, PIMA |
|
Industrial Cleaner |
26,000 |
1–2 yrs experience, safety awareness, basic English |
Clean factories/warehouses, use chemicals/machines |
Sodexo, ISS, Coor, MIAB |
|
Window Cleaner |
25,000 |
Not afraid of heights, basic training, basic Swedish |
Clean windows (interior/exterior), use lifts/ladders |
PA Clean, Lokalvårdarna Sverige, MIAB |
|
Floor Maintenance Technician |
27,000 |
Experience with polishing machines, 6–12 months exp. |
Polish, wax, clean different floor types |
ISS, Coor, PIMA, HSB Städservice |
|
Sanitation Worker |
28,000 |
Health/hygiene training, 1–2 years exp., basic Swedish |
Sanitize surfaces, handle chemicals, work in healthcare/food environments |
Sodexo, Samhall, Coor |
|
Property Maintenance Technician |
30,000 |
Technical diploma, 2–3 years exp., plumbing/electrical knowledge |
Repair systems (plumbing, HVAC, electrical), building upkeep |
Coor, Fastighetsägarna, L&T FM, Samhall |
|
Janitor/Caretaker |
29,000 |
High school diploma, handyman experience, Swedish language |
Daily building checks, light repairs, assist residents |
Fastighetsägarna, HSB Städservice, Samhall |
|
Specialized Cleaning Technician |
31,000 |
2+ years exp., hospital/lab cleaning exp., hygiene certifications |
Clean sterile environments, follow strict cleaning protocols |
Samhall, MIAB, Coor |
|
Construction Site Cleaner |
26,000 |
Basic labor experience, physically fit |
Remove debris, keep site clean, ensure safety |
PA Clean, PIMA, Samhall |
|
Green Cleaning Specialist |
30,000 |
Knowledge of eco-products, experience preferred |
Clean using sustainable tools/methods |
Miljöteamet, Freska, MIAB |
|
Pest Control Technician |
32,000 |
Pest control license, 2+ years exp., intermediate Swedish |
Inspect buildings, apply treatments, advise on prevention |
Nomor, Anticimex, Samhall |
|
HVAC Maintenance Worker |
33,000 |
HVAC diploma/certification, 2–3 years exp. |
Install/repair heating, ventilation, air-conditioning systems |
Coor, L&T FM, Fastighetsägarna |
|
Electrical Maintenance Tech. |
35,000 |
Electrical diploma, certified in Sweden, 2–3 years exp. |
Repair electrical systems, lighting, wiring |
Coor, Samhall, PIMA |
|
Plumbing Maintenance Technician |
34,000 |
Plumbing diploma, 2–3 years exp., tools knowledge |
Fix leaks, install fixtures, maintain plumbing systems |
Fastighetsägarna, Coor |
|
Building Supervisor |
38,000 |
3–5 years exp., team management, Swedish & English |
Oversee maintenance teams, plan work schedules, manage building operations |
Coor, Samhall, ISS |
|
Waste Management Operator |
28,000 |
Physically fit, safety training, 1–2 years exp. |
Handle waste disposal, recycling, hazardous material handling |
Samhall, MIAB, HSB Städservice |
|
Elevator Maintenance Tech. |
36,000 |
Elevator certification, 2–3 years exp., safety certified |
Maintain and repair elevators/escalators |
KONE, Otis, Swoosh Sverige AB |
|
Grounds Maintenance Worker |
27,000 |
Basic outdoor equipment use, seasonal work exp. |
Lawn care, snow removal, outdoor cleanliness |
Björns Trädgårdsservice, Samhall |
|
Facility Management Assistant |
29,000 |
Admin/maintenance background, 1–2 years exp. |
Support facility manager, coordinate repairs, manage inventory |
Coor, ISS, L&T FM |
|
Cleaning Supervisor |
33,000 |
3+ years cleaning exp., leadership skills, bilingual preferred |
Lead cleaning teams, manage schedules, inspect work quality |
Hemfrid, Samhall, MIAB |
Visa Type |
Who It's For |
Eligibility Criteria |
Valid Duration |
Can Lead to PR? |
Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd) |
Non-EU/EEA nationals with a job offer in Sweden |
Valid job offer, employer must meet salary & contract standards, passport, insurance |
1–2 years (renewable) |
Yes (after 4 years) |
Most common visa for cleaners and maintenance workers |
|
EU Blue Card |
Highly skilled professionals from outside the EU |
Higher education, job offer with salary above threshold (currently ~SEK 57,300/month) |
2 years (renewable) |
Yes |
Rarely used in cleaning sector due to high salary threshold |
|
Seasonal Work Permit |
Workers hired for seasonal jobs (e.g., snow removal) |
Job offer for up to 6 months, health insurance, accommodation |
Max 6 months |
No |
Suitable for short-term outdoor or maintenance roles |
|
ICT Permit (Intra-Company Transfer) |
Employees transferred within a multinational company |
Must be currently employed by the same group company outside Sweden |
1–3 years |
No |
Mostly for managerial or technical roles, not typical for cleaning jobs |
|
Residence Permit for Self-Employment |
Entrepreneurs starting a cleaning/maintenance business |
Business plan, relevant experience, financial backing |
2 years (renewable) |
Yes (after 4–5 years) |
For those starting their own cleaning firm or service operation |
|
Job Seeker Visa (New graduates / researchers) |
Graduates or researchers from Swedish universities |
Must apply after finishing studies, financially self-sufficient |
Up to 1 year |
Possible (after job offer) |
Can be used to find work in any sector including cleaning |
|
Asylum/Refugee Status (if applicable) |
Asylum seekers in Sweden |
Approved asylum status, right to work under certain conditions |
Varies |
Depends on case |
Some refugees may enter the labor market through integration programs |
|
Dependent/Family Visa |
Spouses of skilled workers or residents |
Partner must hold valid Swedish residence/work permit |
Same as main permit |
Yes |
Can work in most sectors, including cleaning and maintenance |