Magnus32Germany’s hotels, restaurants, and event venues keep hiring to meet steady travel demand and ongoing staff gaps. For non-EU applicants, that’s created real momentum in hospitality jobs in Germany with visa sponsorship, especially in large cities such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg where tourism, business travel, and trade fairs are constant.
Sponsorship isn’t automatic and it depends on role, employer, and eligibility. Still, some employers do sponsor when they can’t fill roles locally or when the position needs proven experience (kitchen leadership, management, banqueting, and front office are common examples). For visa basics, Germany’s official “Make it in Germany” portal explains the Skilled Worker route and entry requirements, and the Federal Employment Agency (BA) is central for work approvals and labor market checks in many cases (sources: Make it in Germany, Federal Employment Agency).
Below are seven roles that show up often in hiring plans and job ads, with what the work looks like, what employers want, what you can earn, and where to apply (without live links).
1) Hotel Receptionist (Front Desk Agent)
Hotel reception is one of the most visible hospitality jobs in Germany. You’re the first and last contact for guests, handling check-ins, check-outs, and the problems that pop up between. In major cities and tourist regions, reception teams often work with international guests all day, so English helps, and German becomes the key to moving up and earning more. Some employers sponsor for this role when they need night shift coverage, multilingual support, or staff for high-volume properties.
Reception work also gives you a stable path into hotel operations. Many people move from front desk into reservations, revenue support, guest relations, or duty manager tracks. If you want a job that builds a “German work history” quickly, this role is one of the most direct options.
Key responsibilities
- Welcome guests, confirm IDs, and run check-in and check-out
- Manage bookings, changes, and no-shows in the PMS
- Take payments, issue invoices, and handle deposits
- Answer calls and emails, confirm airport transfers and special requests
- Coordinate with housekeeping for room status and priority turns
- Log issues and follow up with maintenance and security
- Upsell room upgrades, breakfast, late check-out, and parking
- Handle guest complaints calmly and document outcomes
Required qualifications and skills
- Customer-facing experience (hotel, retail, airline, or call center counts)
- Comfortable with computers, email, and booking software
- German often expected around A2 to B1 for daily guest communication
- English for international hotels, a second language is a plus
- Clean record and reliable attendance, hotels track this closely
- Hospitality certificate or hotel training helps, but not always required
- Willingness to work weekends and late shifts
Salary expectations Many reception roles land around €28,000 to €35,000 gross per year, which is roughly €2,300 to €2,900 gross per month depending on shifts and property type. Night and weekend premiums can lift pay, and larger chains may add bonuses, meals, or staff-rate rooms. (Salary ranges reflect typical job-ad averages reported across German salary platforms and listings in 2025.)
Visa sponsorship and where to apply (no live links)
Some employers sponsor when they can’t fill shifts locally, but eligibility depends on your background and the visa route. For roles treated as “skilled,” the Skilled Worker pathways may apply if your qualification is recognized (source: Make it in Germany).
Where to apply:
- Make it in Germany job board (runs through the Federal Employment Agency network)
- Federal Employment Agency Jobbörse (official listings)
- Indeed.de (filter for English, hotel, and relocation)
- Hotelcareer.de (hospitality-focused listings)
- LinkedIn Jobs (good for chains and opening teams)
Application focus:
- Put shift flexibility (night, weekend) near the top of your CV
- Show measurable service wins (review scores, upsell results, zero-cash variances)
- State language level clearly (CEFR A2, B1, B2)
2) Chef de Partie (Line Cook)
Chef de Partie is one of the clearest “sponsorship-friendly” kitchen roles because proven kitchen skill is hard to replace quickly. You run a section (grill, sauce, pastry, or garde manger), keep service moving, and maintain quality under pressure. Hotels with banqueting, conference service, and high cover counts often need dependable section chefs. In many regions, chefs are repeatedly listed as shortage roles in hospitality hiring, which strengthens the case for sponsorship when the employer follows the rules.
This job suits cooks who already have kitchen experience and want a structured promotion ladder. With solid performance, you can move into junior sous chef roles and take on ordering, menu planning support, and staff training.
Key responsibilities
- Own a station and execute dishes to spec during service
- Prep mise en place, portion proteins, and plan service timing
- Follow hygiene rules and document food safety controls (HACCP is standard)
- Check deliveries, rotate stock, and reduce waste
- Coordinate with other stations so pick-up stays smooth
- Train commis chefs and support apprentices where used
- Keep your area clean, labeled, and audit-ready
- Step in for the sous chef when needed
Required qualifications and skills
- Culinary training or equivalent experience (many kitchens accept strong proof of work)
- 2 to 5 years in a professional kitchen, more for fine dining
- Food safety habits and comfort with documented hygiene routines
- Stamina for long services, split shifts, and peak season workload
- German often targeted around B1 for kitchen communication, English helps
- Knife skills and speed without sacrificing consistency
- A portfolio helps (photos of plates, sample menus, references)
Salary expectations Chef de Partie often falls around €32,000 to €42,000 gross per year, or €2,700 to €3,500 gross per month. Upscale hotels and busy city restaurants pay more, and some include staff meals, uniform cleaning, and paid overtime depending on contract terms.
Visa sponsorship and where to apply (no live links)
Chefs are frequently treated as priority hires because kitchens struggle to fill experienced positions. Sponsorship depends on contract, proof of skills, and the correct immigration route (source: Make it in Germany).
Where to apply:
- Gastrojobs.de
- Hotelcareer.de
- Make it in Germany job board (BA network)
- Federal Employment Agency Jobbörse
- Indeed.de
Application focus:
- List your station history (grill, sauté, pastry) with covers per service
- Mention HACCP experience and audit readiness
- Offer a short paid trial shift if the employer requests it
3) Waiter or Waitress (Service Staff)
Service staff keep guest satisfaction alive, and in Germany the best servers are valued because they increase repeat business and review scores. You’ll run sections, manage orders, handle timing with the kitchen, and keep guests comfortable. In tourist-heavy cities and seasonal regions, some employers sponsor when staffing is tight, but it’s more common when you bring experience, language ability, and strong references.
This role can pay better than it looks on paper because tips add up, especially in high-traffic properties, hotel bars, and venues with business travelers. It also opens doors into supervisor roles, banqueting captain tracks, and restaurant management.
Key responsibilities
- Set up tables, run sections, and manage table turns
- Take food and drink orders accurately and confidently
- Coordinate pacing with kitchen and bar
- Upsell specials, wine pairings, and desserts
- Handle bills, card payments, and split checks
- Keep service stations stocked and clean
- Resolve complaints quickly and log serious issues
- Support events and banquets when scheduled
Required qualifications and skills
- Restaurant or hotel service experience (even 6 to 12 months helps)
- German often expected around A2 to B1 for guest interaction
- English useful in city hotels and tourist areas
- Strong memory, speed, and basic math for billing
- Calm attitude under pressure and clean presentation
- Knowledge of allergens and menu ingredients, this matters in Germany
- Wine and coffee basics help for higher-end venues
Salary expectations Base pay often shows up around €25,000 to €32,000 gross per year (about €2,100 to €2,700 gross per month), with tips adding meaningful upside. Tips vary widely by venue and season, and can add several hundred euros monthly in busy locations.
Visa sponsorship and where to apply (no live links)
Sponsorship is possible with the right employer and a clear staffing need, but it depends on role, employer, and eligibility. Roles with stronger skill proof and language ability tend to get more traction. Visa basics and requirements are outlined by Make it in Germany, and the Federal Employment Agency can be involved in approvals in many cases (sources: Make it in Germany, Federal Employment Agency).
Where to apply:
- Hotelcareer.de
- Indeed.de
- Federal Employment Agency Jobbörse
- Make it in Germany job board
- Direct hotel chain career pages (often the fastest response)
Application focus:
- Put language level and section size on your CV
- Show upsell wins (average spend, wine sales, review mentions)
- Note availability for weekends and split shifts
4) Housekeeper (Room Attendant)
Housekeeping is one of the most consistently available hospitality jobs in Germany. Hotels can’t operate without clean rooms, and occupancy swings create constant hiring. Some employers sponsor for housekeeping when they’ve got ongoing shortages or high turnover, but results vary a lot by city, contract type, and whether the role is direct-hire or via a service provider.
This job rewards reliability and speed. If you deliver quality rooms and show up on time, you become valuable quickly. Many hotels also promote strong room attendants into floor supervisor roles.
Key responsibilities
- Clean guest rooms to brand standards within time targets
- Change linen, make beds, and restock amenities
- Sanitize bathrooms and high-touch surfaces carefully
- Vacuum, dust, and spot clean as needed
- Report lost property and follow security rules
- Note maintenance issues (leaks, broken fixtures) and report them
- Handle laundry tasks or coordinate with linen supply
- Keep carts organized and maintain chemical safety practices
Required qualifications and skills
- Prior cleaning experience helps, but many employers train on-site
- Physical stamina and comfort with repetitive movement
- Basic German (A1 to A2) for instructions and safety notes
- Strong attention to detail, hotels inspect rooms
- Reliability and speed without cutting corners
- Understanding of hygiene and safe chemical handling
Salary expectations Housekeeping often runs around €24,000 to €30,000 gross per year, or roughly €2,000 to €2,500 gross per month depending on region, hotel type, and schedule. Some properties add bonuses during peak season or pay extras for weekend work.
Visa sponsorship and where to apply (no live links)
Sponsorship for housekeeping is employer-dependent and can be harder than for skilled kitchen roles, but some hotels and staffing partners do sponsor when shortages are severe. Always confirm whether the role is direct-hire and whether the employer supports the paperwork.
Where to apply:
- Federal Employment Agency Jobbörse
- Make it in Germany job board (BA network)
- Indeed.de
- Hotelcareer.de
- Local hotel group websites (regional chains often hire steadily)
Application focus:
- Highlight cleaning volume (rooms per shift) and inspection scores
- Show stability (longer tenures matter in housekeeping)
- Mention readiness for early starts and weekend schedules
5) Bartender (Hotel Bar or Cocktail Bar)
Bartenders in Germany earn their value through speed, consistency, and guest connection. In hotels, the bar also supports conferences and events, which increases hours and tip potential. Some employers sponsor bartenders when they need reliable late shifts, English-speaking staff, or cocktail-focused skills that match their brand. Tourist cities and nightlife areas often have steady openings.
This role also fits candidates who want visible performance results. When you raise drink sales, reduce wastage, and keep guests staying longer, managers notice.
Key responsibilities
- Mix classic cocktails and execute house recipes consistently
- Serve beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks quickly
- Manage bar mise en place and keep service smooth
- Handle cash and card payments, close tills accurately
- Track stock, reduce waste, and report ordering needs
- Keep bar area clean and follow hygiene standards
- Support event bars, banquets, and room service when assigned
- Enforce responsible alcohol service and handle difficult guests
Required qualifications and skills
- Bar experience (cocktail, hotel bar, or high-volume service)
- Mixology knowledge and comfort with specs and prep batches
- German often A2 to B1 for guest interaction and safety issues
- English for international venues, extra languages help
- Speed, coordination, and calm behavior at peak hours
- Hygiene awareness and clean working habits
- Training certificates help, but strong references can substitute
Salary expectations Bartender pay commonly lands around €26,000 to €34,000 gross per year, or about €2,200 to €2,900 gross per month, with tips adding extra income. Late shifts and premium venues can raise totals, and some hotels include meals or allowances.
Visa sponsorship and where to apply (no live links)
Sponsorship depends on the venue and whether they need specialized bar skills. Upscale hotels, branded concepts, and properties with heavy event calendars are the most likely to consider it.
Where to apply:
- Hotelcareer.de
- Indeed.de
- Gastrojobs.de
- Make it in Germany job board
- LinkedIn Jobs (good for hotel brands and new openings)
Application focus:
- List signature drinks, bar volumes, and stock control experience
- Note POS systems used and cash handling accuracy
- Add a short portfolio section (menu photos, cocktail list contributions)
6) Restaurant Manager (Restaurantleiter)
Restaurant managers are high-value hires because they drive revenue, reduce staff turnover, and keep operations compliant. You manage schedules, service standards, costs, and guest complaints. Since this role is harder to fill with proven experience, some employers sponsor when they need leadership right away. German language expectations are usually higher because you lead teams, negotiate with suppliers, and handle formal documentation.
This is one of the strongest “commercial intent” roles because it ties directly to profit. If you’ve managed labor costs, grown average check size, or improved reviews, you can sell that story in your application.
Key responsibilities
- Run daily operations and keep service consistent
- Hire, train, and supervise staff, including shift leaders
- Build schedules and control labor cost targets
- Manage suppliers, deliveries, and inventory
- Handle guest recovery and maintain review performance
- Track KPIs (sales mix, wastage, table turns, staff productivity)
- Maintain compliance (hygiene, safety, working time records)
- Report to ownership or hotel management on P&L performance
Required qualifications and skills
- 3 to 5+ years in supervisory or management roles
- Strong understanding of service standards and cost control
- German often expected at B1 to B2 for leadership communication
- Confident with POS, reservations, and reporting tools
- Ability to coach staff and reduce turnover
- Solid conflict management and guest handling
- Degree or formal training helps, experience often matters more
Salary expectations Restaurant manager roles often start around €42,000 gross per year and can go higher depending on venue size and concept. Monthly gross pay often falls in the €3,500+ range, with bonuses in some groups tied to revenue and cost goals.
Visa sponsorship and where to apply (no live links)
Managers may qualify under skilled routes when education and salary thresholds match requirements. The EU Blue Card is a separate option for certain high-skilled roles with recognized qualifications and salary thresholds (source: Federal Foreign Office).
Where to apply:
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Hotelcareer.de
- Indeed.de
- Make it in Germany job board
- Executive search and hospitality recruiters active in Germany
Application focus:
- Add a “Results” block: revenue growth, cost savings, review score lift
- Show team size managed and shift structure
- State your language level and leadership style plainly
7) Hospitality Event Coordinator (Hotel Events and Banqueting)
Germany’s conference and trade fair calendar keeps hotel events teams busy, especially in major hubs. Event coordinators manage weddings, corporate meetings, and banquets from inquiry to final invoice. It’s a role that rewards strong planning and calm communication, and it can be sponsorship-friendly when you bring proven hotel events experience, language ability, and software comfort.
You’ll work across departments, and success is measurable. When timelines hold, guest feedback is strong, and billing stays clean, you become hard to replace.
Key responsibilities
- Plan event timelines, room layouts, and service flow
- Coordinate with kitchen, banquets, AV teams, and front office
- Confirm BEOs (banquet event orders) and handle last-minute changes
- Manage vendor coordination and on-site logistics
- Support pricing, deposits, and final invoicing
- Conduct site visits and client calls, document outcomes
- Oversee set-up and break-down checks
- Produce post-event notes and improvement actions
Required qualifications and skills
- 1 to 3+ years in hotel events, banquets, or conference service
- Strong organization and calm client communication
- German typically around B1 for client and internal coordination
- English for international corporate events
- Comfort with event software, CRM, and spreadsheets
- Negotiation and problem-solving under time pressure
- A portfolio helps (event photos, timelines, BEO samples without sensitive data)
Salary expectations Event coordinator roles often sit around €30,000 to €38,000 gross per year, or about €2,500 to €3,200 gross per month, with higher ranges for larger hotels and high-volume venues. Some employers add event-based incentives or overtime pay during peak periods.
Visa sponsorship and where to apply (no live links)
Sponsorship depends on your experience and the property’s event volume. Large conference hotels and chain properties are more likely to support relocation if you can start quickly and handle client pressure. Visa basics are outlined by Make it in Germany, and work approvals may involve the Federal Employment Agency depending on the case (sources: Make it in Germany, Federal Employment Agency).
Where to apply:
- Hotelcareer.de
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Indeed.de
- Make it in Germany job board
- Federal Employment Agency Jobbörse
Application focus:
- Show event types handled (weddings, MICE, banquets) and guest counts
- Note coordination with AV and banquet staffing
- Include one-page examples of planning outputs (timeline, checklist)
How to Apply for Hospitality Jobs in Germany with Visa Sponsorship (Practical Flow)
- Target employers that regularly hire internationally (large hotel chains, conference hotels, resorts, and high-volume restaurants).
- Apply on reputable job boards: Make it in Germany job board, Federal Employment Agency Jobbörse, Hotelcareer.de, Gastrojobs.de, Indeed.de, and LinkedIn Jobs.
- Use a Germany-friendly CV: clear dates (month/year), role duties, measurable outcomes, language level (CEFR), and availability.
- Call out sponsorship needs early: a short line in your cover letter is enough, so the employer can confirm whether they sponsor.
- Prepare proof that reduces hiring risk: references, certificates, portfolio items (kitchen photos, event plans), and a clear start date.
Official sources for visa basics and work authorization include Make it in Germany, the Federal Foreign Office, and the Federal Employment Agency.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
- What visa routes are common for hospitality roles?
Skilled roles often align with the Skilled Worker pathways when qualifications are recognized, and high-paid, high-skilled roles may fit EU Blue Card rules (sources: Make it in Germany, Federal Foreign Office). - Do I need German for sponsorship?
Some employers accept English for certain hotels and kitchens, but German usually increases hiring chances and job stability. Many roles list A2 to B1 as a practical baseline, and managers often need B1 to B2. - Which cities tend to have more openings?
Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg show steady demand due to tourism, business travel, and events, based on current hiring patterns in 2025 listings. - Do tips count toward salary for visa purposes?
Employers and authorities typically focus on contracted salary terms. Tips can raise take-home pay, but they’re not a reliable substitute for contract pay. - Which role has the best sponsorship odds?
Chef de Partie and experienced managers often have stronger odds because they’re harder to fill quickly. It still depends on role, employer, and eligibility. - Where should I apply first if I want an “official” channel?
Start with the Make it in Germany job board connected to the Federal Employment Agency network, and the Federal Employment Agency Jobbörse.
Visa sponsorship, salary ranges, and requirements vary by employer, location, and your qualifications. This article is general information, not legal advice. Always verify requirements on official government sites and with the hiring employer.
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