Are you searching for a restaurant assistant job in Portugal with free visa sponsorship in 2025?
Portugal has become a top destination for international job seekers, thanks to its booming hospitality industry, competitive wages, and attractive benefits. If you have experience in the food service sector and are eager to work in a dynamic environment, this guide will help you explore job opportunities, eligibility requirements, salary expectations, and where to apply.
With the rising demand for skilled restaurant assistants, many employers are offering visa sponsorship, free accommodation, meal allowances, health benefits, and more to attract foreign workers.
Why Choose Portugal for a Restaurant Assistant Job?
Portugal is known for its rich culture, warm climate, and growing economy. Here’s why many job seekers are choosing Portugal for restaurant jobs:
1. High Demand for Hospitality Workers
Portugal’s tourism and hospitality industry is booming, creating a high demand for restaurant assistants, chefs, waiters, and kitchen staff.
2. Competitive Salaries
Restaurant assistants in Portugal earn between €10 to €20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
3. Free Visa Sponsorship
Many employers provide visa sponsorship to attract foreign workers, making it easier for you to move and work legally.
4. Additional Benefits
- Free accommodation or housing allowance
- Meal allowances
- Health insurance
- Work permit assistance
Job Description: What Does a Restaurant Assistant Do?
A restaurant assistant plays a key role in ensuring smooth operations in restaurants, cafes, and food establishments. Your main responsibilities include:
1. Customer Service
- Greeting and seating guests
- Taking food and drink orders
- Addressing customer inquiries and complaints politely
2. Food Preparation & Serving
- Assisting chefs and kitchen staff
- Delivering food and beverages to tables
- Ensuring food hygiene and safety standards
3. Cleaning & Maintenance
- Keeping the restaurant clean and organized
- Restocking supplies and ensuring cleanliness of dining areas
- Assisting in dishwashing and waste disposal
Salary & Benefits of Restaurant Assistant Jobs in Portugal
The salary of a restaurant assistant in Portugal varies based on experience, location, and employer. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Salary Expectations
- Entry-level restaurant assistants: €10 – €14 per hour
- Experienced restaurant assistants: €15 – €20 per hour
- Monthly salary range: €1,500 – €3,000
2. Benefits Offered
- Free visa sponsorship (work permit assistance)
- Free accommodation or housing allowance
- Free meals during shifts
- Paid overtime & tips
- Annual bonuses & salary increments
- Health insurance & social security benefits
Top Companies Hiring Restaurant Assistants in Portugal (With Visa Sponsorship)
Several hospitality companies in Portugal are currently hiring restaurant assistants with visa sponsorship. Here are some of the top employers:
- McDonald’s Portugal – Hiring restaurant assistants for multiple locations.
- Tivoli Hotels & Resorts – A top luxury hotel chain hiring food service staff.
- Pestana Hotels & Resorts – Offers visa sponsorship for hospitality workers.
- Four Seasons Hotel Lisbon – Recruiting restaurant and kitchen assistants.
- Hard Rock Café Lisbon – Hiring restaurant staff with accommodation.
- Starbucks Portugal – Offering jobs for baristas and restaurant assistants.
- Local Portuguese Restaurants & Cafés – Many independent restaurants are looking for foreign workers.
Where to Find Free Visa Sponsorship Restaurant Assistant Jobs in Portugal?
Finding a restaurant assistant job with visa sponsorship requires searching on the right job boards. Here are the top 7 platforms to find these jobs:
- Indeed Portugal (www.indeed.pt) – Search for ‘restaurant assistant jobs with visa sponsorship’.
- LinkedIn Jobs (www.linkedin.com) – Connect with recruiters and apply for jobs.
- Glassdoor Portugal (www.glassdoor.com) – Find detailed company reviews and salary insights.
- Jooble Portugal (www.jooble.org) – Search for hospitality and restaurant jobs.
- Turijobs Portugal (www.turijobs.pt) – Focuses on tourism and hospitality sector jobs.
- EURES Jobs (www.eures.europa.eu) – Official EU job portal with visa sponsorship listings.
- SimplyHired Portugal (www.simplyhired.com) – Aggregates job listings from multiple sources.
How to Apply for Restaurant Assistant Jobs in Portugal?
To increase your chances of getting hired, follow these 5 steps:
1. Prepare a Professional CV & Cover Letter
- Highlight your restaurant/hospitality experience
- Mention relevant skills (customer service, food handling, teamwork)
- Emphasize your willingness to relocate and work legally in Portugal
2. Apply Online via Job Portals
Use the job boards listed above to find suitable openings and submit your application.
3. Network with Recruiters on LinkedIn
- Connect with HR managers from restaurants and hotels.
- Engage with job posts and industry professionals.
4. Attend Virtual Job Fairs
Many Portuguese employers conduct virtual job fairs for foreign workers. Look for these opportunities and apply directly.
5. Prepare for Interviews
- Research common restaurant assistant interview questions.
- Be ready to discuss your experience, availability, and willingness to relocate.
FAQs About Free Visa Sponsorship Restaurant Assistant Jobs in Portugal
1. Can I get a restaurant assistant job in Portugal without experience? Yes! Some employers provide training for entry-level workers.
2. Do Portuguese employers offer free accommodation for restaurant assistants? Many do, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve.
3. What is the minimum wage for restaurant assistants in Portugal? The national minimum wage is €820 per month, but restaurant assistants typically earn more with tips and overtime.
4. How long does it take to get a work visa for Portugal? Processing time varies but usually takes 1–3 months.
5. Do I need to speak Portuguese to work as a restaurant assistant? While not mandatory, knowing basic Portuguese helps in customer interactions.
6. Can I switch employers after getting a visa-sponsored job? Yes, but you must follow legal procedures for work permit transfer.
7. What are the peak hiring seasons for restaurant jobs in Portugal? Summer and holiday seasons see the highest demand for restaurant staff.
Final Thoughts
Portugal offers great opportunities for foreign workers in the restaurant industry, with free visa sponsorship, accommodation, and competitive wages.
If you’re looking truly for a rewarding hospitality job in 2025, start your search today using the job portals listed above.
