Does it require a degree to secure a visa on hospitality job?

No. The new Skilled Immigration Act clearly provides the possibility to the professionals having non-academic work qualifications (such as a certified chef or hotel professional) or at least two years of the professional experience to apply to the Skilled Worker Visa.

How much does a waiter earn in Germany?

Salaries: Competitive.19 There is a national minimum wage in Germany that covers all jobs, including the entry-level waiter jobs. In qualified positions, the salaries can be determined by collective agreements (Tarifvertrage) and are usually initially significantly higher than the minimum wage with the possibility of tips.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. Both the Skilled Worker Visa and the EU Blue Card contribute to the family reunification Germany meaning that your spouse/partner and minor children may accompany you.

Germany Hospitality Jobs for International Workers

Hospitality and tourism industry in Germany is facing a severe labor shortage situation and it is therefore a very strong attractant to potential expatriates seeking Hospitality employment in Germany owing to the ease of visa procedures, good wages, and it is also easy to access Permanent Residence Germany.

Best In-Demand Hospitality jobs to be sponsored by Visa

The lack is not reduced to top management, but extends across the board, across the entire industry, providing many significant opportunities to skilled and even semi-skilled employees in large metropolitan and tourist destinations, such as Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg.4

The German Language Factor

Although most of the jobs in international hotel chains are hospitality jobs that require English speaking, being familiar with German is a huge bonus:

Basic German (A1/A2): This is necessary to occupy semi-skilled jobs and fit in the local German work culture. It satisfies the eligibility requirement of the Opportunity Card concerning language.
Intermediate German (B1/B2): A qualification needed in guest-facing positions not in the major international hotels, and which will go a long way towards achieving that next step of becoming management.

Capitizing on the New Immigration Laws

The new developments in the German immigration law have also established two main non-EU channels through which people seek jobs in the Germany hospitality industry as a host to international employees.

The Skilled Worker Visa (Section 18a)

This is the conventional path, which suits one with formal education and a secured employment opportunity.

Eligibility: You must possess a known vocational qualification (2 years of training or university degree that is equivalent to a German qualification (verified through Anabin or ZAB).
The Job Offer: You need to get a binding job offer with German employer in a qualified position making use of your skills.
Salary Threshold: the salary has to be on the same level as a local German employee (a payment based on the collective agreement is often enough).7 this is the most appropriate way of Chefs, Hotel Management and experienced Patissiers.

The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

It is the first of its kind, a radical visa that will enable you to travel to Germany without a job offer in order to find employment during a maximum of one year.

Eligibility: Must have a points based system, which is based on:
Qualification: two years of vocational training or university degree.
Language: Basic German (A1) or English (B2).
Additional Factors: Age, job experience, connection to Germany (e.g., past residence).
Advantage: It can provide you with a guaranteed work permit after arriving, enabling you to accept part-time employment (no more than 20 hours a week) until you find a full-time job. This is game changer to those who would like to pursue Restaurant jobs in Germany because they need to interview in person.

Application Guide Step-by-Step

Finding employment and visa in Germany is a complex and exact procedure.

Preparation of Your Documentation:

Qualification Recognition Your foreign qualification must be recognized or established as being comparable, which is called the Qualification Recognition (Skilled Worker Visa). One should initiate this procedure as early as possible, the qualification recognition application to Germany may require months.

Language Proof: Take official certificates (Goethe Certificate or others) of your necessary German/English level.
CV: Develop a German-style CV (Europass format is usually suggested) and append a specific cover letter (Anschriben).

Secure the Job Offer

Prioritize big foreign hotel franchises in Germany (e.g., Hilton, Radisson, IHG) as they have experience in providing visa sponsorship and addressing immigration issues. Use sites such as Hotelcareer and Gastrojobs to locate employers that are seeking international talent.

The Visa Application

After either a binding employment contract, (in case of Skilled Worker Visa) or having collected enough points, (in case of Opportunity Card), apply at the German Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence to get your visa.

Priority: In some instances, your German employer is able to employ the Fast Track Procedure of the Skilled Workers to accelerate the bureaucracy.

FAQs

Does it require a degree to secure a visa on hospitality job?
No. The new Skilled Immigration Act clearly provides the possibility to the professionals having non-academic work qualifications (such as a certified chef or hotel professional) or at least two years of the professional experience to apply to the Skilled Worker Visa.
How much does a waiter earn in Germany?
Salaries: Competitive.19 There is a national minimum wage in Germany that covers all jobs, including the entry-level waiter jobs. In qualified positions, the salaries can be determined by collective agreements (Tarifvertrage) and are usually initially significantly higher than the minimum wage with the possibility of tips.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Both the Skilled Worker Visa and the EU Blue Card contribute to the family reunification Germany meaning that your spouse/partner and minor children may accompany you.

Final Thoughts

Germany is not only an employment opportunity, but a long-term career opportunity.21 With the help of the Opportunity Card to conduct a productive job search, or a Skilled Worker Visa and a recognized vocational qualification, you have preconditioned your own success. With a couple of years of full-time work (particularly when you are proficient in German – B1/B2) you are eligible to a German settlement permit, and that is what lands you straight to Permanent Residence Germany. Do not wait long, the market of skilled service workers is growing, and it is the best time to begin your adventure.

Dynamic Disclaimer

This is purely an informational and educative article. This is not any legal migration advice. The German immigration law, such as the Skilled Immigration Act, the Opportunity Card, and the qualification recognition requirements Germany, are to be changed by the German authorities.