Working as a Cook (Koch/Köchin) in Germany

Cooks (Köche/Köchinnen) plan dishes, prepare ingredients and cook meals under time pressure while following hygiene and quality standards. Germany has persistent demand across restaurants, hotels, hospitals, care homes and company catering, making this one of the most accessible skilled hospitality routes for foreigners.

What the job involves

• Prepare hot and cold dishes
• Plan menus and mise en place
• Follow HACCP hygiene rules
• Coordinate with service staff
• Check stock and food quality

Requirements

• Vocational cook qualification or German Ausbildung
• Food hygiene knowledge
• German A2-B1, often B1 for teams
• Shift and weekend readiness

Recognition of your qualification

For the skilled-worker route, a foreign vocational cooking qualification normally needs Gleichwertigkeit / Anerkennung (equivalence/recognition) unless the person trains in Germany.

German you'll need

This role typically expects around B1. Some employers start in English, but German is needed for everyday work.

What you can earn

Indicative gross monthly pay — varies by region, employer and collective agreements.

Possible routes to Germany

Depending on your situation, these routes may apply:

• Skilled Worker with vocational training (§18a) after recognition
• Recognition Partnership (§16d AufenthG)
• Vocational training visa (§16a) for Ausbildung (dual vocational training)
• Opportunity Card / Chancenkarte (§20a, points)

Typical employers

• Restaurants and bistros
• Hotels (Accor, Motel One, Marriott, Steigenberger)
• Catering companies (Apetito, Aramark)
• Hospitals and care-home kitchens
• Company canteens and event caterers

Outlook

Demand is strong because kitchens need skilled staff on site and the sector has high turnover. Automation can support prep and ordering but cannot replace flexible kitchen work in most restaurants and hotels.

Your next steps

• Collect certificates, curriculum and work references
• Check equivalence through Anerkennung in Deutschland
• Improve German for kitchen communication
• Apply to hotels, restaurants and caterers with shortage hiring
• Use §16d if recognition gaps must be completed in Germany

Sources

Federal Employment Agency (BA) Fachkräfteengpassanalyse · Make-it-in-Germany professions in demand · Anerkennung in Deutschland · Make-it-in-Germany visa information

General information, as of 2025. DeutschBound provides orientation and German-language training — not legal advice, visa application services or job guarantees. Always confirm current requirements with the official sources above.