From Romania to London: How Cleaning Jobs in London Open the Door to a Better Life

When Carmen first boarded a plane from Bucharest to London, her heart raced — not just from the thrill of adventure, but from the weight of uncertainty. With a small suitcase packed with clothes, a few family photos, and an enormous hope for a better life in the UK, Carmen took the leap that thousands of Romanians have made over the years.

For many Romanian migrants, the journey to London represents a shot at something bigger: financial stability, personal growth, and the dream of a better standard of living. While cleaning jobs in London are often the first stop on this journey, Romanians arrive to work across all sectors — from skilled trades and construction to healthcare, IT, and hospitality.

This blog explores why cleaning jobs matter, how they serve as a gateway to opportunity, and shares Carmen's inspiring story — a journey from scrubbing floors to running her own business.

Why Romanians Choose London: The Magnetic Pull

Romania’s entry into the European Union in 2007 opened the door for free movement, and London quickly became a top destination. Why? Because it promises higher wages, more job opportunities, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere where hard work can change lives.

Of course, not all Romanians come to work as cleaners. Many arrive as tradesmen, builders, electricians, plumbers, nurses, software engineers, restaurant managers and many other types of professionals. But tradesmen, labourers and cleaning jobs in London remain one of the most accessible paths for newcomers due to shortage of casual workers, therefore, offering immediate employment without requiring advanced English or specific certifications.

For Carmen, like many others, cleaning was never the final goal — it was the crucial first step.

The Transformative Power of Cleaning Jobs

To some, cleaning jobs may seem like a last resort, but for many Romanian migrants in London, they provide:

Financial Stability

Cleaning wages in London far exceed similar jobs back home. Carmen was able to cover her rent, send money to her mother in Bucharest, and even save for English classes — all on a cleaner’s salary.

Language Development

Working in diverse teams helps migrants pick up English in real-world settings. Carmen jokes that her first “teacher” wasn’t a language app, but her supervisor Emma, who taught her everything from “good morning” to “Can you grab the mop?”

Professional Growth

What begins as a cleaning job can evolve into team leadership roles, management positions, or even entrepreneurship. Many Romanians transition into running their own cleaning companies, hospitality ventures, or moving into new industries altogether.

Carmen’s Journey: From Cleaner to running a London Cleaning Agency

Carmen arrived in London with little more than determination. She landed her first cleaning job through an agency, by doing housekeeping jobs in private homes and cleaning offices in the City. The hours were long but Carmen kept her eyes on the bigger picture.

“I kept telling myself, this is my beginning, not my end,” Carmen recalls.

Within six months, Carmen was promoted to team leader. She balanced work with evening business courses, building her skills and confidence. Five years later, she co-owns a thriving London cleaning agency that employs over 12 people, many of them newcomers from Romania.

“Cleaning gave me my first opportunity,” Carmen says. “It gave me the chance to dream — in English.”

The Wider Picture: Romanians transforming London’s Economy

It’s important to highlight that Romanians aren’t just filling cleaning jobs. You’ll find Romanian tradesmen, electricians, builders, nurses caring for NHS patients within dental practices to hospitals, software developers innovating in tech startups, and chefs redefining London’s food scene and much more.

Still, cleaning jobs in the UK remain a valuable entry point, helping migrants build the foundation for future success.

Overcoming Challenges Along the Way

Life in London isn’t always smooth sailing. Romanian migrants face:

• Language barriers that can make simple tasks stressful,

  
  

• Post-Brexit legal uncertainties affecting work permits and residency,

  
  

• Stereotypes that reduce migrants to narrow roles, and

  
  

• Emotional strain from being far from home.

But there’s strength in community. Cleaning companies often act as informal support hubs. Romanian churches, cultural associations, and online groups help newcomers find housing, jobs, and friendship. Sometimes, it’s as simple as chatting with a fellow Romanian on similar jobs and local communities, that makes the city feel a little smaller and a little warmer.

Romanians are reshaping London in countless ways. They’re not just part of the workforce — they’re driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange. From Carmen’s cleaning business in London to Mihai’s electrical company or Elena’s role as an NHS nurse, Romanian migrants are transforming what it means to succeed abroad.

Advice for Romanians Thinking of London

If you’re reading this from Romania, picturing your own leap to London, here’s what Carmen and others recommend:

• Do your homework. Check entry requirements to the UK, and the relevant work permit needed for your specific skill set or sector you want to work in.

  
  

• Job opportunities — reach out to trusted job agencies — I personally started with Maid of London and you may also contact them directly for cleaning work within private homes.

  
  

• Housing options — carefully reach out to reputable agencies as such Spareroom or Gumtree as well Facebook groups

  
  

• Learn some English. Even basic phrases will help immensely. You will find a lot of material on Youtube

  
  

• Find your network. Whether it’s through Romanian churches, communities on Facebook groups, or local meetups, connection is key.

  
  

• Be realistic but hopeful. Success takes time — embrace each stage as part of the journey.

  
  

• And yes, bring a good raincoat. Carmen laughs, “The weather’s not always friendly, but the city has its charms.”

My Final Thoughts: From Romania to London — Turning Cleaning Jobs into New Beginnings

For thousands of Romanians, cleaning and housekeeping jobs in London aren’t just about mops and buckets — they’re about new beginnings, self-discovery, and resilience.

As Carmen puts it: “I arrived with nothing but dreams. Now I have a life I never thought possible. And it all started with a job that taught me responsibility, perseverance, and pride.”

For all those who are thinking about this, or are already on this journey — I want you to know: you are not just cleaners, you are builders of new lives. Every early morning, every long shift, every step you take in a foreign land is proof of your strength and resilience. You carry with you the heart of Romania and the spirit of progress. Let no job define your worth — instead, let your determination, pride, and unwavering pursuit of a better future speak louder than words. London is lucky to have you. Keep going. You’re not just chasing a new life — you’re creating it.