Germany has a robust and growing food & beverage (F&B) industry, creating consistent demand for skilled workers across production, logistics, hospitality, and culinary sectors.
Jobs in the F&B sector often come with fair wages, regulated working hours, and access to social benefits like healthcare and pensions, especially under German labor laws.
From traditional bakeries to international restaurants and food tech startups, the German F&B landscape offers varied roles for chefs, food scientists, service staff, and more.
Working in Germany can open doors to opportunities across the EU, thanks to its central location and integration within the European Single Market.
Germany is a leader in sustainable food production and innovative practices, offering professionals the chance to be part of cutting-edge developments in nutrition, packaging, and eco-friendly sourcing.
The industry thrives on multiculturalism. International workers bring valuable skills, and in return, gain experience in a well-structured, quality-driven environment.
Germany is not just about sausages and beer anymore — it's home to a dynamic culinary revolution. Cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich are hubs for fusion cuisine, vegan gastronomy, and Michelin-starred innovation, making it a great place for creative professionals in food and beverage.
Germany’s food & beverage sector is embracing technology — think sustainable packaging, plant-based meat alternatives, and AI-driven kitchen management. Startups like Infarm and Veganz offer exciting roles at the intersection of creativity, sustainability, and innovation.
International chefs, baristas, mixologists, and hospitality pros are welcomed. Multicultural teams are common, and global culinary experiences are valued in both fine dining and casual concepts.
Germany’s rising interest in specialty coffee, craft brewing, organic wines, and artisanal baking provides international candidates the chance to showcase niche skills and cultural flavors.
Germany offers culinary schools, apprenticeship programs (Ausbildung), and advanced hospitality training in English — a great opportunity for international candidates to gain credentials recognized across the EU.
The German labor system protects workers with regulated hours, holiday allowances, and healthcare access — ensuring a supportive environment for both personal growth and professional creativity.
From fine-dining restaurants to traditional German kitchens and international eateries, skilled cooks and chefs are always in demand.
Germany has a rich baking culture. Artisanal bakers and pastry chefs can find work in bakeries, cafés, and hotels.
This role involves quality control, product development, and food safety — ideal for those with a scientific or engineering background in food.
Service roles in restaurants, hotels, and cafés often hire international staff with basic German and good customer service skills.
Oversee daily operations, manage teams, and ensure excellent customer experiences — experience and German language proficiency are usually required.
With the rise of specialty coffee and craft cocktails, skilled baristas and bartenders are needed in urban cafés, bars, and hotels.
Work in factories or processing plants for food packaging, assembly lines, or quality control in large-scale production settings.
Catering companies and event organizers hire cooks, servers, and logistics personnel for weddings, conferences, and festivals.
Wine, beer, and spirits experts are valued in restaurants and high-end hotels — especially those with certifications.
Ideal for students or recent grads seeking hands-on experience in kitchens, hotels, or service settings, often via Ausbildung or Erasmus+ programs.
Job Title |
Average Salary (EUR/year) |
USD/year |
INR/year |
---|---|---|---|
Executive Chef |
€55,000 |
$59,400 |
₹49,50,000 |
Head Chef |
€48,000 |
$51,840 |
₹43,20,000 |
Sous Chef |
€38,000 |
$41,040 |
₹34,20,000 |
Pastry Chef (Konditor) |
€36,000 |
$38,880 |
₹32,40,000 |
Baker (Bäcker) |
€30,000 |
$32,400 |
₹27,00,000 |
Line Cook |
€28,000 |
$30,240 |
₹25,20,000 |
Restaurant Manager |
€45,000 |
$48,600 |
₹40,50,000 |
F&B Manager |
€50,000 |
$54,000 |
₹45,00,000 |
Waiter / Waitress |
€25,000 |
$27,000 |
₹22,50,000 |
Bartender |
€28,000 |
$30,240 |
₹25,20,000 |
Barista |
€26,000 |
$28,080 |
₹23,40,000 |
Sommelier |
€42,000 |
$45,360 |
₹37,80,000 |
Food Technologist |
€52,000 |
$56,160 |
₹46,80,000 |
Quality Control Specialist |
€46,000 |
$49,680 |
₹41,40,000 |
Food Safety Officer |
€44,000 |
$47,520 |
₹39,60,000 |
Food Production Worker |
€32,000 |
$34,560 |
₹28,80,000 |
Catering Manager |
€43,000 |
$46,440 |
₹38,70,000 |
Event Catering Staff |
€24,000 |
$25,920 |
₹21,60,000 |
Hospitality Intern / Trainee |
€18,000 |
$19,440 |
₹16,20,000 |
Culinary Instructor |
€48,000 |
$51,840 |
₹43,20,000 |
Job Title / Category |
Required Qualifications |
Language Requirement |
Work Visa Type |
Additional Requirements |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chef / Cook |
Culinary diploma or experience |
Basic to intermediate German (B1 preferred) |
Skilled Worker Visa (Blue Card optional) |
Experience & reference letters preferred |
Pastry Chef / Baker |
Pastry/Baking certificate or training |
B1 German |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Ausbildung (if under 25) also possible |
Waiter / Waitress |
Experience or training in hospitality |
A2-B1 German (essential) |
General Employment Visa |
Friendly attitude, customer handling skills |
Restaurant Manager |
Hospitality degree or equivalent experience |
B2 German |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Leadership experience required |
F&B Manager |
Degree in Hotel/F&B Management |
B2 German & English |
Blue Card or Skilled Worker Visa |
Strong background in team and cost management |
Barista / Bartender |
Short courses or experience |
A2-B1 German (English also useful) |
General Employment Visa |
Good social skills, bar knowledge |
Sommelier / Beverage Expert |
Certified Sommelier or wine qualification |
B1-B2 German |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Proven expertise in wine/beverages |
Food Technologist |
Bachelor's/Master's in Food Tech |
B1-B2 German (depending on company) |
Blue Card or Skilled Worker Visa |
May require recognized degree equivalency |
Quality Control Specialist |
Science degree (Chemistry, Biology, Food Sci) |
B1 German |
Blue Card / Skilled Worker |
Experience in QA/QC helpful |
Food Production Worker |
No formal qualification (preferred: basic training) |
A2-B1 German |
General Employment Visa |
Physically fit, shift readiness |
Catering Manager |
Degree/diploma in event or hospitality management |
B2 German |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Event planning experience helpful |
Event Service Staff |
Experience in events, catering |
A2-B1 German |
Seasonal Work Visa / General Employment |
Usually part-time or temporary work |
Hospitality Intern / Trainee |
Enrolled in hospitality/culinary course |
A2-B1 German or English |
Internship Visa / Student Visa |
Enrolment proof & internship agreement needed |
Culinary Instructor |
Culinary arts degree + teaching experience |
B2 German |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Teaching license (for vocational schools) |
Job Profile |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
---|---|
Executive Chef |
Oversee kitchen operations, design menus, manage kitchen staff, ensure food quality & hygiene. |
Head Chef (Chef de Cuisine) |
Lead the kitchen team, supervise cooking, manage inventory, ensure cost control. |
Sous Chef |
Support head chef, oversee specific sections, train junior cooks, maintain standards. |
Line Cook / Commis Chef |
Prepare and cook dishes, follow recipes, maintain cleanliness and assist in prep work. |
Pastry Chef (Konditor) |
Create baked goods and desserts, design pastry menus, manage ingredients and kitchen tools. |
Baker |
Mix and bake bread, rolls, and pastries, follow traditional and modern recipes, maintain ovens. |
Restaurant Manager |
Oversee daily operations, manage staff, ensure customer satisfaction, handle budgeting & compliance. |
F&B Manager |
Manage food and beverage services, supervise supply chain, develop sales strategies, control costs. |
Waiter / Waitress |
Take orders, serve food and drinks, handle billing, ensure guest satisfaction. |
Bartender |
Mix and serve drinks, maintain bar stock, engage customers, follow hygiene protocols. |
Barista |
Prepare espresso-based drinks, handle coffee machines, provide friendly service, manage stock. |
Sommelier |
Recommend wines, manage wine inventory, train staff, organize tastings, pair wines with meals. |
Food Technologist |
Develop food products, ensure quality and safety, oversee production processes, perform lab tests. |
Food Safety Officer |
Conduct inspections, monitor hygiene, enforce safety standards, ensure compliance with EU laws. |
Quality Control Specialist |
Inspect ingredients and finished goods, document standards, run lab tests, report deviations. |
Food Production Worker |
Operate machinery, assist in packaging, follow production schedules, maintain cleanliness. |
Catering Manager |
Plan and organize catering services, manage teams, coordinate logistics, liaise with clients. |
Event Service Staff |
Set up event spaces, serve food and drinks, assist guests, maintain cleanliness during events. |
Hospitality Intern / Trainee |
Learn F&B operations, assist in kitchen and service areas, follow mentor instructions. |
Culinary Instructor |
Teach cooking skills, plan lessons, assess student performance, stay updated with culinary trends. |
Job Profile |
Educational Qualification |
German Language Level |
Work Visa Type |
Other Requirements |
---|---|---|---|---|
Executive Chef |
Culinary diploma + experience |
B1–B2 |
Skilled Worker Visa / Blue Card |
Strong portfolio, leadership skills |
Head Chef |
Culinary diploma or equivalent |
B1–B2 |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Proven kitchen management experience |
Sous Chef |
Culinary certification or training |
B1 |
Skilled Worker Visa |
2–4 years kitchen experience preferred |
Line Cook / Commis Chef |
Basic culinary training / experience |
A2–B1 |
General Employment Visa |
Willingness to work shifts, follow hygiene protocols |
Pastry Chef (Konditor) |
Pastry/baking course / diploma |
B1 |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Familiarity with European pastries is a plus |
Baker |
Baking apprenticeship or certificate |
B1 |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Early morning shifts, physical stamina |
Restaurant Manager |
Hospitality/Business degree |
B2 |
Blue Card / Skilled Worker Visa |
Team leadership, cost control experience |
F&B Manager |
F&B Management degree |
B2 |
Blue Card / Skilled Worker Visa |
Knowledge of inventory, planning, compliance |
Waiter / Waitress |
Training or experience in hospitality |
A2–B1 |
General Employment Visa |
Customer-friendly attitude, communication skills |
Bartender |
Bar experience or vocational training |
A2–B1 |
General Employment Visa |
Cocktail knowledge, social skills |
Barista |
Coffee training or experience |
A2–B1 |
General Employment Visa |
Espresso machine skills, fast service |
Sommelier |
Sommelier certification |
B1–B2 |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Wine knowledge, communication with customers |
Food Technologist |
Degree in Food Tech / Engineering |
B1–B2 |
Blue Card / Skilled Worker Visa |
Recognized academic qualifications |
Food Safety Officer |
Food safety/health science degree |
B2 |
Skilled Worker Visa |
HACCP knowledge, regulatory understanding |
Quality Control Specialist |
Science/food-related degree |
B1 |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Quality assurance skills, lab skills |
Food Production Worker |
Basic education / factory experience |
A2–B1 |
General Employment Visa |
Shift flexibility, physical fitness |
Catering Manager |
Degree in Hospitality/Event Mgmt |
B2 |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Event handling & vendor coordination |
Event Service Staff |
High school or hospitality course |
A2–B1 |
Seasonal / Short-Term Work Visa |
Flexibility for weekends/evenings |
Hospitality Intern / Trainee |
Enrolled in a hospitality program |
A2–B1 or English |
Internship Visa / Student Visa |
Internship contract, enrollment certificate |
Culinary Instructor |
Culinary degree + teaching experience |
B2 |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Teaching permit (Berufsschule), professional experience |
Job Profile |
Minimum Experience Required |
Preferred Experience / Notes |
---|---|---|
Executive Chef |
8–10 years |
International experience, leadership in fine dining or hotels |
Head Chef |
5–7 years |
Menu creation, kitchen team leadership |
Sous Chef |
3–5 years |
Team support, section management |
Line Cook / Commis Chef |
1–2 years |
Entry-level possible with training or apprenticeship |
Pastry Chef (Konditor) |
3–5 years |
Specialization in desserts and European pastries |
Baker |
2–3 years |
Apprenticeship (Ausbildung) preferred |
Restaurant Manager |
5–7 years |
Proven team management & operations experience |
F&B Manager |
5–8 years |
Strong background in cost control, staff coordination, and logistics |
Waiter / Waitress |
0–2 years |
Entry-level possible with good language and service skills |
Bartender |
1–3 years |
Cocktail knowledge, bar setup, POS handling |
Barista |
1–2 years |
Espresso machine experience, specialty coffee knowledge helpful |
Sommelier |
2–4 years |
Wine certification + fine dining or wine retail experience |
Food Technologist |
2–4 years |
R&D, food lab, or production experience preferred |
Food Safety Officer |
3–5 years |
HACCP/ISO experience, auditing skills required |
Quality Control Specialist |
2–3 years |
Lab testing, food compliance, and production QA experience |
Food Production Worker |
0–1 year |
Entry-level possible; experience in food manufacturing is a plus |
Catering Manager |
3–5 years |
Event planning, catering logistics, and client management |
Event Service Staff |
0–1 year |
Entry-level possible; experience in event setup or service is a plus |
Hospitality Intern / Trainee |
None |
Must be currently enrolled in a hospitality or culinary course |
Culinary Instructor |
5–7 years |
Professional cooking + teaching experience; vocational teaching license may apply |
Company / Brand |
Sector |
Why They're Known for Hiring International Talent |
---|---|---|
Marriott International (Germany) |
Hotel & F&B |
Multinational hotel chain; English-speaking roles, international internships offered. |
Hilton Hotels Germany |
Hospitality & Restaurants |
Global brand with inclusive hiring policies and international kitchen teams. |
Hyatt Regency (Berlin, Düsseldorf) |
Luxury Hotels & Dining |
High-end dining concepts; actively recruits chefs and service staff from abroad. |
Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts |
Luxury Hospitality |
Recruits globally for chefs, front office, and F&B managers. |
Käfer Gruppe (Feinkost Käfer) |
Fine Dining & Catering |
Known for gourmet food services; international chefs and pastry experts welcome. |
Feinkost Albrecht (ALDI Süd & Nord) |
Retail Food & Beverage |
International logistics & food tech roles; expanding English-friendly corporate roles. |
EDEKA Group |
Retail Supermarkets |
Opportunities in food production, logistics, and quality control. |
Metro AG |
Wholesale & Food Services |
International food logistics and wholesale roles across Germany. |
McDonald’s Germany |
Fast Food / Quick Service |
Known for hiring international staff and offering Ausbildung programs. |
Burger King Germany |
Fast Food |
Entry-level and management training roles, often hiring non-German speakers. |
Aramark Germany |
Catering & Facility Management |
Global company offering catering, kitchen, and event roles across sectors. |
Sodexo Germany |
Corporate & Institutional F&B |
Known for hiring international workers in corporate food services. |
Infarm |
Agri-Food Tech Startup |
Sustainable urban farming; hires international tech & food science professionals. |
Veganz Group AG |
Vegan Food Manufacturer |
Plant-based innovation; food technologists and QC staff welcome from abroad. |
Leonardo Hotels Germany |
Hotel & Restaurant |
Active recruitment of international culinary and hospitality staff. |
Block House Group |
Restaurant Chain & Meat Producer |
Large steakhouse group hiring kitchen, service, and logistics workers. |
L'Osteria |
Italian Restaurant Chain |
Popular for hiring international cooks, waiters, and kitchen staff. |
BackWerk |
Bakery & Fast Food |
Self-service bakery chain with entry-level opportunities for non-German speakers. |
Bayerischer Hof (Munich) |
5-Star Hotel & Fine Dining |
Renowned hotel that hires internationally for culinary and guest service roles. |
Accor Group (Pullman, Novotel, Ibis) |
Global Hospitality Group |
Offers mobility programs, internships, and skilled worker roles for international staff. |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (EUR/year) |
General Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
Key Roles & Responsibilities |
---|---|---|---|---|
Executive Chef |
€55,000 |
Culinary degree, 8–10 yrs exp, B2 German |
Marriott, Hyatt, Bayerischer Hof |
Oversee kitchen operations, menu design, team management |
Head Chef |
€48,000 |
Culinary degree, 5–7 yrs exp, B1–B2 German |
Steigenberger, Käfer Gruppe |
Lead kitchen team, ensure food quality, manage costs |
Sous Chef |
€38,000 |
Culinary training, 3–5 yrs exp, B1 German |
Accor Hotels, Hilton |
Assist head chef, supervise line cooks, ensure prep |
Line Cook / Commis Chef |
€28,000 |
1–2 yrs exp or Ausbildung, A2–B1 German |
L'Osteria, Block House |
Prepare ingredients, cook dishes, follow hygiene rules |
Pastry Chef |
€36,000 |
Baking/pastry diploma, 3–5 yrs exp, B1 German |
Käfer Gruppe, Marriott |
Create desserts, maintain pastry station, follow recipes |
Baker |
€30,000 |
Baking certificate or apprenticeship, B1 German |
BackWerk, EDEKA, ALDI |
Bake bread/pastries, manage baking schedules |
Restaurant Manager |
€45,000 |
Hotel/Restaurant degree, 5–7 yrs exp, B2 German |
Leonardo Hotels, Hyatt, Novotel |
Oversee operations, staff scheduling, guest satisfaction |
F&B Manager |
€50,000 |
F&B/hospitality degree, 5–8 yrs exp, B2 German |
Hilton, Accor Group, Sodexo |
Manage all food & beverage departments, budgeting, vendor liaison |
Waiter / Waitress |
€25,000 |
0–2 yrs exp, A2–B1 German |
McDonald's, Burger King, Hyatt |
Take orders, serve guests, handle bills |
Bartender |
€28,000 |
1–3 yrs bar exp, A2–B1 German |
Marriott, Hilton, Bars & Clubs |
Mix drinks, maintain bar area, interact with guests |
Barista |
€26,000 |
Coffee training, 1–2 yrs exp, A2 German |
BackWerk, L'Osteria, Cafés |
Prepare coffee, operate machines, serve pastries |
Sommelier |
€42,000 |
Sommelier certificate, 2–4 yrs exp, B1 German |
Fine Dining Hotels, Steigenberger |
Recommend wines, manage cellar, pair wines with food |
Food Technologist |
€52,000 |
Food tech/engineering degree, B2 German |
Veganz, Infarm, Metro AG |
Product development, quality testing, food innovation |
Food Safety Officer |
€44,000 |
Food safety or science degree, 3–5 yrs exp, B2 German |
Aramark, EDEKA, Sodexo |
Inspect processes, enforce hygiene protocols, ensure compliance |
Quality Control Specialist |
€46,000 |
Science or food-related degree, 2–3 yrs exp, B1 German |
ALDI, Metro AG, Veganz |
Lab testing, production audits, maintain standards |
Food Production Worker |
€32,000 |
No formal education; factory experience preferred, A2–B1 German |
EDEKA, ALDI, Aramark |
Machine operation, packaging, follow safety guidelines |
Catering Manager |
€43,000 |
Hospitality/event degree, 3–5 yrs exp, B2 German |
Käfer Gruppe, Aramark, Sodexo |
Plan catering, manage logistics and staff, handle client requests |
Event Service Staff |
€24,000 |
Entry-level, A2–B1 German |
Event agencies, Hilton, Hyatt |
Setup/cleanup for events, food & drink service |
Hospitality Intern / Trainee |
€18,000 |
Enrolled in hospitality course, internship agreement, A2 German or English |
Marriott, Accor, Hilton, Ausbildungsbetriebe |
Assist in service/kitchen tasks, learn hotel/restaurant operations |
Culinary Instructor |
€48,000 |
Culinary degree + 5–7 yrs exp, teaching experience, B2 German |
Culinary schools, vocational institutes |
Teach culinary theory and skills, prepare lessons, guide trainees |
Visa Type |
Who It's For |
Key Requirements |
Duration & Path to Residency |
---|---|---|---|
Skilled Worker Visa (§18a AufenthG) |
Professionals with vocational training or equivalent work experience |
Recognized qualification (or Ausbildung), job offer, basic German (A2–B1), relevant experience |
Initial: 4 years or contract term; renewable; PR possible after 4–5 years |
EU Blue Card(§18b AufenthG) |
Degree holders in skilled professions (e.g., food technologist) |
Recognized degree, job offer with min. salary (~€45,300/year), B1 German (optional, but helpful) |
PR after 33 months (or 21 with B1 German) |
General Employment Visa |
Non-degree holders with job offer in low-to-medium skill F&B jobs |
Job offer, proof of experience or training, A2–B1 German, financial self-sufficiency |
Usually tied to job contract; PR possible later via long-term stay |
Seasonal Work Visa (short-term) |
Temporary workers (event staff, harvest, catering) |
Employment contract (up to 90 days), no formal qualifications needed, A2 German usually required |
Max 90 days in a 180-day period; non-extendable |
Ausbildung (Apprenticeship) Visa |
Young candidates (often under 25) pursuing vocational training |
School certificate, contract with a company, A2 German, financial support proof |
Valid for duration of Ausbildung (2–3 years); leads to permanent visa |
Internship Visa / Student Visa |
Students enrolled in hospitality, culinary, or hotel management |
Internship contract, university enrollment proof, financial proof (~€934/month) |
Valid for internship duration; work in F&B is limited to 120 days/year |
Job Seeker Visa |
Qualified professionals looking for F&B jobs on-site |
Recognized qualification, proof of funds, health insurance, B1 German recommended |
6-month stay to find a job; convert to work visa upon job offer |
Freelance Visa (for Chefs/Trainers) |
Freelancers such as culinary instructors or private chefs |
Portfolio, client contracts, business plan, proof of income, B1 German recommended |
1–3 years; renewable; may lead to PR |