Imagine launching your European career in the heart of a professional kitchen, where your hard work is the key ingredient for success. Poland’s thriving hospitality sector is actively seeking dedicated kitchen assistants, offering full visa sponsorship to international candidates ready to roll up their sleeves.
This isn’t just a job; it’s your accessible pathway to legal EU employment, with competitive pay of PLN 22-28 per hour and the potential for free accommodation. If you’re reliable, hardworking, and eager to learn, your recipe for a new life in Europe starts here in a Polish kitchen.
Why Poland is Actively Recruiting International Kitchen Staff
Poland’s culinary scene is thriving. From the fine-dining restaurants of Warsaw to the tourist-heavy eateries of Kraków and the hotel kitchens along the Baltic coast, the demand for skilled hospitality workers far outpaces the local supply.
This chronic labor shortage, particularly for entry-level but essential roles, has led Polish employers to actively recruit from abroad. They are increasingly familiar with the visa sponsorship process, making this a structured and legal pathway for international candidates.
The Role: The Backbone of the Kitchen
A kitchen assistant is the engine room of any professional kitchen. This is a physical, demanding, but incredibly valuable role where you learn the fundamentals of the trade.
Your core responsibilities will include:
- Food Preparation: Washing, peeling, and chopping vegetables; preparing simple ingredients as directed by chefs.
- Cleaning and Sanitation: Maintaining impeccable hygiene by cleaning work surfaces, equipment, floors, and storage areas.
- Dishwashing: Operating industrial dishwashers and ensuring all kitchenware is cleaned, sanitized, and stored properly.
- Stock Management: Assisting with receiving deliveries, rotating stock, and keeping storage areas organized.
- Supporting Chefs: Helping during service by fetching items, basic plating, and ensuring chefs have what they need.
This role is your classroom. It’s the first step toward potentially becoming a commis chef, line cook, and beyond.
Requirements
You are an ideal candidate if you:
- Are at least 18 years old and in good physical health for long hours on your feet.
- Have a strong work ethic, are reliable, and can work well under pressure in a team.
- Possess a positive attitude and a genuine willingness to learn.
- Have basic communication skills in English. (Knowledge of Polish is a bonus but not required in international kitchens).
- Understand the importance of strict hygiene and safety protocols.
No formal culinary education or extensive experience is required. A great attitude and demonstrated reliability are your most valuable assets.
Understanding Your Legal Pathway: Visa Sponsorship
The standard route is a Temporary Residence Permit based on a work permit. Your employer acts as your sponsor.
Here’s the typical process:
- Secure a Job Contract: You sign a formal employment contract with a Polish company that is licensed to hire non-EU citizens.
- Work Permit Application: Your employer applies for your work permit (zezwolenie na pracę) in Poland.
- National (D-Type) Visa: With the work permit, you apply for a long-stay National Visa at the Polish consulate in your home country, allowing you to enter Poland.
- Residence Permit: Once in Poland, you convert your visa into a Temporary Residence Permit, legalizing your stay for the duration of your contract (typically 1-2 years, renewable).
Reputable employers or agencies will guide you through this process.
Salary, Benefits, and Cost of Living
Earnings:
- Monthly Salary: Typically between PLN 3,500 to PLN 4,500 net (after tax), which is approximately €800 to €1,050 or $900 to $1,150 USD.
- Overtime: Often available and paid at a higher rate, especially during weekends and holidays.
Standard Benefits Package:
- Legal Employment Contract: Ensuring all your rights under Polish labor law.
- Health Insurance: Full access to the Polish public healthcare system (NFZ).
- Paid Leave: Entitlement to paid annual leave.
- Meals on Duty: Often provided free or at a heavily subsidized cost.
- Uniform: Typically provided by the employer.
While major cities like Warsaw are more expensive, your salary is sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle, especially with shared accommodation. Smaller cities offer a significantly lower cost of living.
Where Are the Jobs Located?
Opportunities are abundant in:
- Warsaw: The capital, with the highest concentration of international restaurants and hotels.
- Kraków: A major tourist destination with a vibrant culinary scene.
- Wrocław & Poznań: Dynamic cities with growing business and student populations.
- The Tricity (Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot): A popular coastal region with seasonal tourism.
Your Step-by-Step Action Plan to Apply
Step 1: Prepare a Clear and Honest CV
- Focus on any experience that demonstrates reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic (e.g., any manual labor, cleaning, or customer service).
- Highlight soft skills and your willingness to learn.
- Clearly state: “Requires visa sponsorship.”
Step 2: Target Your Job Search Effectively
Use precise keywords on job platforms:
- “Pomoc kuchenna dla cudzoziemców” (Kitchen help for foreigners)
- “Zmywacz naczyń praca ze pozwoleniem” (Dishwasher work with permit)
- “Kitchen assistant Poland visa sponsorship”
Key Platforms to Use:
- Praca.pl and OLX Praca (major Polish job boards).
- EURES (the European job mobility portal).
- International recruitment agencies specializing in hospitality.
Step 3: Ace the Interview
Be prepared for a video call. Be honest about your experience and demonstrate your understanding of the role’s physical demands. Show your enthusiasm for working in Poland and your commitment to being a reliable team member.
Conclusion
A kitchen assistant position in Poland represents a genuine entry point to the European job market for motivated individuals without formal qualifications. Supported by structured visa sponsorship, fair wages, and opportunities for career advancement, this role offers both immediate stability and long-term potential.
The consistent demand for hospitality staff across Poland ensures job security for those willing to work hard and learn quickly. If you’re ready to turn your strong work ethic into a European career, now is the time to begin your application journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the salary, and are benefits included?
Kitchen assistants earn PLN 22-28 per hour, translating to PLN 3,500-4,200 monthly for full-time work. Many employers provide meal allowances during shifts, work uniforms, and health insurance. Some positions may also include accommodation assistance.
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Do I need previous kitchen experience or specific qualifications?
No formal culinary education or extensive experience is required. Employers value reliability, physical stamina, and willingness to learn above all. Basic food handling knowledge is helpful but often taught on the job.
