In 2025, the availability of restaurant assistant positions in Portugal with visa sponsorship is on the rise as the country’s hospitality sector expands to accommodate the increasing demand from local residents and tourists. Restaurants, cafés, and hotel dining services in well-known cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and Faro are currently recruiting foreign workers to fill positions such as kitchen aides, waitstaff, dishwashers, cleaners, and front-of-house assistants. These positions are particularly well-suited for candidates who lack advanced qualifications, as they typically necessitate fundamental communication skills, a positive attitude, and a willingness to work flexible hours. The Temporary Stay Visa and Job Seeker Visa pathways are being utilized by numerous employers to sponsor international recruits. These pathways provide legal employment, accommodation assistance, and the possibility of obtaining residency after five years. These positions offer a valuable entry point for individuals seeking to reside and develop in Europe, as they offer competitive compensation, access to public healthcare, and Portugal’s welcoming work culture.
Job Details:
| Job Location | Portugal |
| Job Title | Restaurant Assistant |
| Experience required | 1-2 Years |
| Visa SPonsorship | Yes |
Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in neighborliness or a related field.
- Three or more years of experience in restaurant management is preferred.
- Proven abilities in administration and problem-solving
- Outstanding communication and customer service abilities
- While participation is not mandatory, it is greatly valued.
- There is no data that is essential.
- Basic English Dialect Capability, as assessed by the IELTS 4.
- Energy and adaptability are indispensable in the workplace.
Responsibilities:
- Your visitors should be greeted equitably and assisted in locating locations.
- They have a variety of experiences managing consumer orders and installments.
- The neophyte must possess the ability to modify the menu in order to address client concerns.
- Sterilization and cleaning of instruments, food equipment, and workspaces are essential.
- Monitoring the status of the issue and requesting additional information if necessary.
- Guarantee that all employees are adhering to company policies and fulfilling their responsibilities.
- Ensure that the eatery is kept tidy and secure.
- Address client grievances and resolve them in a manner that is both efficient and reasonable.
- Assist in the development of contemporary staff members and provide ongoing support and training to current employees.
- Following the implementation of health and safety protocols, it is imperative that all food be precisely stored and organized.
Benefits:
- Cultural Presentation:
Working in Portugal’s eatery industry offers an introduction to the country’s conventional food, dynamic culture, and worldwide culinary patterns. It is an uncommon strategy for developing neighborliness in a multicultural setting, particularly in well-known cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. - Tourism Industry Development:
Portugal’s flourishing tourism industry requires talented eatery faculty. This demand regularly increases employment stability, especially in tourist-heavy districts where eateries are in high demand year-round. - Career Headway:
With the proper preparation and experience, entry-level positions such as Eatery Right Hand can lead to higher positions, such as Boss or Manager, in various Portuguese eateries that prioritize growth. - Work-Life Adjustment:
Portugal prioritizes work-life adjustment, and eatery plans often allow workers to require customary breaks. Moreover, unlike other countries, Portugal has a critical number of eateries closed on particular days or hours, restricted to those who work continuously. - Competitive Compensation and Benefits:
Restaurant positions in Portugal habitually incorporate tips, and they can offer competitive pay rates and benefits. Moreover, certain managers may offer wellness protections, feast stipends, and other benefits. - Learning Openings:
Being an Eatery Collaborator provides common sense experience in client benefit, nourishment dealings, and administration aptitudes, making it a perfect career choice for people curious about the neighborliness or client benefit sectors. - Potential for Visa Sponsorship:
Portuguese managers may sponsor people from overseas, especially if they encounter a shortage of talented neighborliness personnel. - Networking:
Portugal’s neighborliness industry is dynamic, providing openings to set up profitable, proficient associations and connect with people from different countries.
Check Also: Unskilled Jobs in Portugal with Visa Sponsorship – Apply Now
Salary:
The average compensation for a waiter/waitress is €15,521 a year and €20 an hour in Portugal. The average compensation run for a waiter/waitress is between €12,091 and €17,725.
How to Apply?
Although a few positions necessitate the submission of a CV and cover letter, the majority of graduate positions necessitate the completion of an Application Form. The majority of job application forms must be submitted online through the company’s website; however, paper forms are still accepted in a few instances.
Step-By-Step:
- Additionally, it is advantageous to compose or enhance your curriculum vitae at the commencement of your job application preparation. Despite the fact that not all employers require you to submit a CV, you can utilize it to aid in the completion of all application forms.
- Jobs are advertised through a variety of channels, including master enrollment destinations, employers’ websites, social media, recruitment organizations, daily newspapers, trade/professional periodicals, career administrations, the Jobcentre Plus, and recruiting fairs.
- Once you have identified an opportunity that aligns with your qualifications and are certain that you meet the basic requirements, it is common practice to submit an online application, despite the fact that some employers may request a curriculum vitae or require you to complete a paper application.
- It necessitates time to ensure that it is executed correctly, so there is no need to risk missing the deadline; submitting your application early may garner your attention. Employers frequently reserve the right to cease accepting applications prior to the deadline.
- You will have already acquired some knowledge about the association; however, it is advisable to review the employer’s website, social media pages, and other resources, as they may contain information that you will need to include in your application.
- Refer to the word “tally” or the amount of space required to respond to each address. In addition to the basic information contained in your CV, you will be asked a series of competency questions to ascertain how you have handled various situations and demonstrated specific abilities, such as how you have solved a problem, provided exceptional customer service, or collaborated with a team.
Conclusion:
Portugal has approximately 57,357 job openings. The most sought-after occupations include data and communication advancements, commerce back centers, healthcare, neighborliness, agricultural, development, and renewable energy divisions. The lifting of COVID-19 restrictions resulted in a 5.5% increase in Portugal’s GDP.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What roles are available with sponsorship?
Restaurants, cafes, and hotels in areas like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve are actively hiring restaurant assistants, back-of-house kitchen helpers, and general hospitality staff, often offering visa sponsorship with accommodation included
Kitchen assistant/helper positions also frequently include sponsorship and free lodging .Do I need prior experience or specific qualifications?
No formal education required for most roles. Previous hospitality experience is beneficial but not mandatory
For kitchen roles, 1 year of experience is often preferred
Language: Basic English is typically required; some employers value basic Portuguese skillsHow much do these jobs pay?
Restaurant assistant roles offer around €20.40–€20.60/hour (~€750–1,600/month)
Kitchen assistants earn approximately €9/hour, with free accommodation included
