Cook/Chef Jobs in Poland with Visa Sponsorship

Imagine your culinary artistry becoming your passport to a new life in the heart of Europe. Cook and chef jobs in Poland offer more than a kitchen role; they offer a celebrated career path where your skills are in such high demand that employers provide full visa sponsorship to secure international talent.

With a competitive salary of 2400 to 2800 PLN per month (and higher for specialists), plus benefits like free accommodation and health insurance, this opportunity blends professional growth with the adventure of living in a vibrant, historic country. If you’re a passionate chef ready to bring your flavors to a new audience, your European culinary journey starts here in Poland.

Read Also: Kitchen Jobs in Poland With Visa Sponsorship For Foreigners

Job Overview & Market Context

• Position: Cook (Kucharz), Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, Specialty Chef (Pastry, Asian, Italian, etc.).
• Location: Major cities (Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk) and tourist regions.
• Industry: Hotels, fine-dining restaurants, international chains, catering companies.
• Experience Required: Minimum 2-3 years of professional, verifiable experience is typically mandatory for visa sponsorship.
• Realistic Schedule: Often includes split shifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays. 40-50 hours per week is standard.
• Salary Range: 3,500 – 6,500 PLN gross per month (approx. $850 – $1,600 USD). Entry-level cooks start at the lower end, while experienced sous chefs or head chefs in upscale establishments can earn significantly more.
• Visa Sponsorship: Yes, for qualified candidates. This is the key benefit for non-EU nationals.
• Employment Type: Full-time, based on a fixed-term or indefinite contract.

Why Poland is Actively Recruiting Foreign Chefs

Poland’s hospitality industry growth outpaces the domestic labor supply. Many skilled Polish chefs work elsewhere in the EU, creating a demand that is met through strategic immigration. The Polish government lists culinary professions as in-demand, simplifying the work permit process for employers who wish to hire from outside the EU/EEA.

Eligibility & Professional Requirements

To be a viable candidate for visa sponsorship, you must demonstrate professional competence:

• Formal Culinary Education: A diploma or certificate from a recognized culinary school is highly advantageous and often required.
• Proven Work Experience: Minimum 2-3 years of relevant experience, documented with reference letters, employment contracts, or a detailed portfolio.
• Specialized Skills: Expertise in a specific cuisine (e.g., Italian, French, Asian, Pastry) increases your value and employability.
• Language Skills: Basic Polish (A1/A2 level) is increasingly important for daily kitchen operations and safety. English is often used in international hotel kitchens, but learning Polish is crucial for integration and long-term success.
• Health & Character: A medical fitness certificate and a clean criminal record.

The Visa Sponsorship Process

The employer acts as your sponsor. The standard pathway is:

1. Job Offer: Secure a formal employment contract from a Polish company.
2. Work Permit (Type A): Your employer applies for a work permit at the local Voivodeship Office. This permit is tied to the specific employer and position.
3. National Visa (Type D): With the work permit, you apply for a long-stay National Visa at the Polish consulate in your home country.
4. Temporary Residence Permit: After arriving in Poland, you must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit to cover your stay for the duration of your contract.

Benefits of Sponsored Culinary Roles in Poland

• Legal Pathway to the EU: Secure a residence and work permit in an EU member state.
• Professional Growth: Exposure to European culinary standards and techniques.
• Competitive Compensation: Salary coupled with a lower cost of living than Western Europe, enabling good savings potential.
• Common Benefits Package: Often includes meal allowances (often free shift meals), health insurance (NFZ), and sometimes accommodation assistance (especially in larger hotels).
• Travel Opportunity: Poland’s Schengen Area membership allows for easy travel across most of Europe.

Realistic Salary Expectations

• Commis Chef / Line Cook: 3,500 – 4,500 PLN/month
• Chef de Partie: 4,500 – 6,000 PLN/month
• Sous Chef: 5,500 – 8,000 PLN/month
• Head Chef / Executive Chef: 7,500 PLN/month and above
  *Salaries are gross. Net pay is approximately 70-75% of the gross amount after social security (ZUS) and tax deductions.*

How to Apply for Visa-Sponsored Chef Jobs

Step 1: Prepare a Professional EU-Style CV & Portfolio.

• Create a detailed CV with a professional photo, listing all relevant experience, education, and skills.
• Prepare a digital portfolio with photos of your dishes, menus you’ve created, and certificates.
• Collect reference letters from previous employers.

Step 2: Target Your Job Search.
Use Polish and international job platforms:

• Polish Sites: Praca.pl, Gratka Praca, OLX Praca.
• Specialized Hospitality Sites: GastroPraca.pl, HotelJobs.pl.
• International Platforms: Indeed.pl, LinkedIn (set location to Poland).
• Recruitment Agencies: Specialized agencies for hospitality staff.

Search Keywords: “kucharz praca dla cudzoziemców,” “chef praca Polska wiza,” “praca w kuchni z zakwaterowaniem.”

Step 3: Apply and Interview.
Submit tailored applications. Be prepared for video interviews where you may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge or discuss your approach to specific dishes or kitchen management.

Step 4: Secure Offer and Begin Visa Process.
Once hired, your employer will guide you through the work permit application. You will then proceed with the visa and residence permit steps as outlined above.

Critical Advice for Applicants

• Beware of Scams: No legitimate employer will ask you to pay for a job offer, work permit, or visa. Only pay official government fees at consulates.
• Verify the Employer: Research the restaurant or hotel. Ensure they have a legitimate business registration (REGON).
• Legalize Your Documents: Your educational diplomas and certificates may need to be legalized (apostilled) and translated by a sworn translator in Poland.
• Learn Basic Polish: Starting language study before you arrive is the single best step for successful integration and workplace safety.

Conclusion:

Cook and chef positions in Poland with visa sponsorship represent a premier opportunity for culinary professionals to advance their careers within the European Union. Recognized as a top in-demand occupation, these roles come with the significant advantage of employer-sponsored work permits, competitive compensation, and a supportive package that often includes housing.

For chefs with at least two years of experience, Poland offers not just a job but a sustainable pathway to live and work in a dynamic and growing hospitality market, making it an ideal destination for long-term professional and personal development.

Frequently Asked Questions