Working as a Restaurant and Event Catering Specialist (Fachmann/-frau für Restaurants und Veranstaltungsgastronomie) in Germany
Restaurant and event catering specialists work in guest-facing service, from taking orders to managing banquets and events. The occupation is realistic for foreigners because Germany has a recognised Ausbildung pathway and many employers train or hire multilingual staff.
What the job involves
- Welcome and advise guests
- Serve food and beverages
- Prepare tables and event rooms
- Handle complaints professionally
- Bill guests and close shifts
Requirements
- Guest-service mindset
- German B1 for direct guest contact
- Hospitality training or willingness for Ausbildung
- Shift, weekend and event availability
Recognition of your qualification
A foreign vocational qualification used for skilled-worker employment normally needs Anerkennung (recognition) as equivalent to a German hospitality occupation.
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
| During training | €850–€1,150 / month (gross) |
| Entry level | €2,200–€2,900 / month (gross) |
| Experienced | €2,800–€3,800 / month (gross) |
Indicative gross monthly pay — varies by region, employer and collective agreements.
Possible routes to Germany
Depending on your situation, these routes may apply:
- Vocational training visa (§16a) for Ausbildung (dual vocational training)
- Skilled Worker with vocational training (§18a) after recognition
- Recognition Partnership (§16d AufenthG)
- Opportunity Card / Chancenkarte (§20a, points)
Typical employers
- Restaurants and cafés
- Hotels and resorts
- Event caterers and convention centres
- Large venues and stadium catering
- Railway and airport gastronomy
Outlook
Demand remains high in hotels, restaurants and event venues, especially where German-speaking service staff are scarce. Ordering apps reduce simple transactions but not guest care, upselling and event coordination.
Your next steps
- Decide between direct recognition and Ausbildung in Germany
- Build German for guest communication
- Prepare CV with service and cash-handling experience
- Apply to hotels, event caterers and restaurant groups
- Check visa route once an offer is available
Not sure this path fits you?
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Check your pathway Learn German →Sources
Federal Employment Agency (BA) Fachkräfteengpassanalyse · BERUFENET (Federal Employment Agency) · 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.