Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany, is not just a hub for tech startups, culture, and history—it’s also a city with a growing demand for skilled domestic workers.
As the population ages and more families seek professional help for household management, childcare, and elder care, domestic jobs are becoming more attractive and better paid.
In 2026, with Germany’s economy stable and labor shortages in service sectors, international workers can find high-paying roles that often include benefits like visa support, housing allowances, and pathways to long-term residency.
If you’re looking for steady work that combines practical skills with decent earnings, Berlin offers real opportunities without needing advanced degrees. Let’s dive into what these jobs look like, how much they pay, and how to get started.
Why Berlin Is a Great Place for Domestic Jobs.
Berlin’s diverse, multicultural scene makes it welcoming for foreigners. With over 3.8 million residents, including a large expat community, there’s constant need for domestic services in affluent neighborhoods like Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, and Charlottenburg.
The city’s elderly population is growing—projected to rise by 10% by 2030—boosting demand for care roles. Plus, Berlin’s high standard of living means employers pay competitively to attract talent.
Unlike low-end gig work, “high-paying” domestic jobs here often mean roles with structure, benefits, and salaries above the national minimum wage (€12.41/hour in 2026).
Many positions are full-time (35–40 hours/week), with overtime pay at 1.25–1.5 times the rate.
Employers in premium households or agencies frequently sponsor EU Blue Cards or residence permits for non-EU workers, especially in shortage occupations.
This can lead to permanent residency after 21–33 months if you learn basic German (A1–B1 level).
The job market is robust: According to Glassdoor and Indeed data for 2026, there are over 500 housekeeping and care listings in Berlin alone, with salaries 15–20% higher than the national average due to urban demand.
If you have experience in caregiving or household management, you could earn €30,000–€50,000 annually, plus perks like free meals, transport subsidies, or live-in arrangements that save on rent (average €800–€1,200/month in Berlin).
Top High-Paying Domestic Job Types in Berlin.
Domestic jobs in Berlin span from basic cleaning to specialized roles. Here’s a breakdown of the most lucrative ones, based on 2026 market trends from SalaryExpert and Jooble:
- Household Managers/Butlers — Oversee daily operations in wealthy homes, including cleaning schedules, meal planning, and staff coordination. Ideal for organized multitaskers. Average salary: €35,000–€45,000/year (€2,900–€3,750/month). High-end families in areas like Grunewald pay more for discretion and experience.
- Nannies/Au Pairs (Professional Level) — Care for children in expat or affluent families, often including light housekeeping and tutoring. Live-in options common. Salary: €28,000–€40,000/year (€2,300–€3,300/month), plus room/board. Agencies like GreatAuPair sponsor visas for qualified candidates.
- Elderly Care Assistants — Provide companionship, medication reminders, and daily support in homes or assisted living. With Berlin’s aging demographic, demand is high. Salary: €32,000–€42,000/year (€2,700–€3,500/month). Roles in private care can include bonuses for night shifts.
- Private Cleaners/Housekeepers — Deep cleaning, laundry, and organization for upscale apartments or offices. Part-time can turn full-time. Salary: €25,000–€35,000/year (€2,100–€2,900/month) for experienced workers; hotels like JW Marriott offer €2,000–€2,400/month entry-level.
- Personal Chefs/Cooks — Prepare meals for families or events, focusing on healthy or dietary needs. Popular among busy professionals. Salary: €38,000–€50,000/year (€3,200–€4,200/month) for skilled cooks with culinary training.
- Gardeners/Maintenance Workers — For larger homes with outdoor spaces, handling landscaping and repairs. Salary: €30,000–€40,000/year.
These roles often require no formal education beyond secondary school, but certifications (e.g., in first aid or hygiene) boost pay by 10–20%.
| Job Type | Average Annual Salary (EUR) | Hourly Rate (EUR) | Key Skills Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Household Manager | 35,000–45,000 | 18–23 | Organization, basic German |
| Nanny | 28,000–40,000 | 14–20 | Childcare experience, patience |
| Elderly Care Assistant | 32,000–42,000 | 16–21 | Compassion, medical basics |
| Housekeeper | 25,000–35,000 | 13–18 | Cleaning efficiency, reliability |
| Personal Chef | 38,000–50,000 | 19–25 | Culinary skills, menu planning |
| Gardener | 30,000–40,000 | 15–20 | Outdoor maintenance knowledge |
Salaries are pre-tax; net take-home is about 65–75% after deductions. Overtime and tips can add €5,000–€10,000 yearly.
Requirements and Eligibility.
To land these jobs, focus on practical qualifications:
- Age & Fitness: 18–55 typically; physically fit for active roles.
- Experience: 1–3 years in similar work; references help.
- Language: Basic German (A1–A2) for most; English suffices in expat households.
- Visas: Non-EU citizens need a work visa or EU Blue Card (salary threshold €45,934 for shortages). Employers sponsor if you’re skilled.
- Certifications: For care roles, a caregiving certificate (e.g., from Red Cross) or police clearance is often required.
Berlin’s job market favors diversity—many employers seek multilingual workers from Asia, Africa, or Eastern Europe. No degree needed, but vocational training (e.g., in hospitality) increases chances.
How to Find and Apply for These Jobs.
Start with platforms like Indeed.de, StepStone.de, or Glassdoor.de—search “domestic jobs Berlin visa sponsorship”. Agencies like Care.com or Hauspersonal.de specialize in placements.
Steps:
- Update your CV: Highlight experience, languages, and reliability.
- Apply online: Include a cover letter explaining why Berlin.
- Interview: Often virtual; show enthusiasm for the role.
- Visa process: Employer handles sponsorship; expect 2–4 months.
- Relocate: Many offer trial periods or relocation aid.
Top employers: Hotels (Marriott, Hilton) for housekeeping; agencies like AWO or Caritas for care; private listings on Kleinanzeigen.de.
Challenges and Tips for Success.
Berlin’s cost of living is moderate (€1,200–€1,800/month for basics), but high rents mean live-in roles save money. Competition is moderate, but learning German (free via apps like Duolingo or Volkshochschule courses) helps. Union protections ensure fair pay and safety.
Key Tips: Network on LinkedIn with Berlin expats; get certified online; target regional shortages for faster sponsorship.
In summary, high-paying domestic jobs in Berlin offer more than income—they provide stability, cultural immersion, and migration paths. With salaries up to €50,000 and demand rising, 2026 is a great time to apply.
Whether helping families or elders, these roles make a difference while building your future in one of Europe’s coolest cities.
