Building Cleaning Jobs in Japan for All Nationals

You are an international jobseeker from Asia, Africa, or South America thinking of moving to a developed country in search of a better future, and your eyes have landed on Japan. But you have no clue where to start, what profession to apply for, or which documents are needed. Don’t worry — you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I am going to explain which blue-collar professions are easily accessible to foreigners, how to apply, and what life is like on the ground.

Why Are Cleaning Professionals in High Demand in Japan?

Now, you might be wondering why cleaning workers are in such high demand. This is due to the country’s aging population and declining birthrate, which have led to a significant labor shortage, especially in sectors like facility cleaning and maintenance. This gap has opened doors for international jobseekers, especially Asians from countries like Nepal, India, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Other reasons might include:

• The Growth of tourism, leading to more hotels, train stations, offices, and public places needing cleaning staff
• Strict hygiene standards of Japanese culture
• The reluctance of locals to take physically demanding or low-skilled jobs
• The relaxation of immigration policies through the introduction of Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa
• Many employers prefer to hire affordable foreign workers

Why Choose a Building Cleaning Job?

Let’s not sugarcoat it — these are blue-collar jobs. You won’t be sitting in an air-conditioned office, sipping tea while typing away on a laptop. Rather, you would be doing physical work while getting sweaty and tired.

So why should you consider it then? Here are a few reasons:

• The pay is good compared to jobs in your home country
• Safe working environment
• Steady shifts and work hours
• Cleaners are treated with respect in Japan
• Legal work status through the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa
• No degree required

Cleaning jobs now fall under the Specified Skilled Worker visa category, which was introduced to bring in workers from abroad for sectors where Japan simply doesn’t have enough manpower.

What Does the Work Actually Involve?

What does the job involve? Cleaning office buildings, shopping centers, apartments, sometimes even schools and hospitals. Not everything is spotless like you might imagine from anime — there’s real dirt, real work.

Tasks might include:

• Mopping floors and vacuuming carpet
• Wiping windows and polishing glass
• Maintaining entryways
• Cleaning elevators, restrooms, and hallways
• Taking out the trash
• Disinfecting surfaces, especially in hospitals and schools

Now, let’s talk about general working conditions:

Work is usually done early in the morning or after office hours. You might work 6 to 8 hours a day, and sometimes shifts are split between morning and evening.
But, you are not running around with a mop and a bucket like in cartoon. You will likely be trained to wear a uniform, use machines, and follow a schedule.

Depending on where you work, your task might vary. Skyscraper offices have different cleaning requirements compared to a local hospital, for instance.
Some jobs may involve working during the night – not always fun, but it pays better.

Who is Hiring?

Typical cleaning job employers are:

• Property management firms
• Schools or hospital facilities
• Building maintenance companies
• Specialized cleaning services providers

The employer will sponsor your visa if your profile is compatible with the job requirements. You will be dealing directly with them — no shady middlemen.

Basic Requirements

There are only two basic requirements that you have to fulfill.

1. Learn Basic Japanese

Don’t panic. You don’t need to speak fluent Japanese. But you do need to pass either the JLPT N4 level or the JFT-Basic test. Believe me, it’s not that hard, and it will assist you a lot in integrating into the Japanese culture.

There are thousands of videos, apps, and websites that can help you prep. Set a goal of studying a couple of hours every day. I promise you that in three months you will be ready to take the test.

2. Pass the Building Cleaning Skills Test

Now, you can’t just say you want to clean in Japan and hop on a plane. You need to prove your skills. You need to pass a skills test conducted by the Japan Building Maintenance Association (JBMA).

This test has two parts:

• Written Test: Covers cleaning tools, chemicals, cleaning procedures, and safety precautions
• Practical Test: You will have to demonstrate cleaning certain surfaces, managing waste and operating cleaning machines

These tests are conducted in countries where Japan has made arrangements—Pakistan, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc. The schedule is published on official embassy websites and the JBMA portal.

Can You Apply While Still in Your Country?

Yes, and that’s the best part. You don’t need to be in Japan to apply. In fact, the Japanese government encourages applications from abroad. Here’s how you do it step by step, and trust me, if you follow this guide properly, you’ll be ahead of 80% of the people out there.

How To Apply?

You’ve passed your Japanese language test and the cleaning skills test. What next?

Now you start your job hunt—secure a job offer and apply for a visa. Look for only those jobs that are open to foreign workers under the SSW program. I am going to list some job portals that regularly post legit openings:

• YOLO Japan
• Quick Jobs Japan
• GaijinPot Jobs
• Aurawoo

Sign up for these websites and set up your profile. Make sure you have a Japanese-style resume. You can find free templates online. If possible, get someone who understands Japanese HR culture to help you tweak your resume.

Once you land a job offer, your employer will help you apply for SSW1 visa.

Salary and Benefits

Most building cleaning jobs in Japan pay ¥1,100 to ¥1,300 per hour. If you work full-time, that adds up to ¥180,000 to ¥220,000 per month.
It’s not bad at all if you’re starting out. You’ll have to pay rent, food, taxes, and maybe send money back home, but it’s still a decent life. And remember—many companies help with accommodation or give you a dorm-style room for cheap.

Conclusion

Look, I’m not here to sell you dreams. I’ve spoken to guys who made it and those who gave up halfway. It’s not always easy. But if you’ve got the courage to start, Japan’s building cleaning industry might just be your first step toward something bigger.

So stop scrolling. Start preparing. Study the language. Look up the skills test dates in your country. Build that resume. Send in applications.

You’re not the only one trying. But if you’re the one who doesn’t quit, you just might be the one who gets on that flight.

And hey, if you’ve got questions or want help finding the right test centers or job portals, drop a comment or contact us. I’ll be glad to point you in the right direction.

Click here to learn about babysitter and nanny jobs in the Gulf.

Visit this link to learn about house maid jobs in Dubai.

Explore farmer jobs in Italy here.

Learn more about construction worker jobs in Poland.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Japan Safe?
Yes. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world.

Q2: Do I need a work visa to work in Japan?
Yes. You must obtain a visa or work permit tied to your job offer.

Q3: Are Japanese employers trustworthy?
Yes. But always go through a registered agency or everything in writing — contract, salary, working hours, accommodation.

Q4: Is the Japanese language necessary?
You should be able to speak basic Japanese.

Important Links

For more information or to discuss job opportunities, feel free to contact us directly.

Learn more about us and what we do.