Ireland’s hospitality industry is booming, with thousands of restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses needing extra staff to meet growing demand. In 2025, many employers are opening opportunities for foreign workers to join as restaurant and kitchen helpers with free visa sponsorship.
If you are looking for a simple, stable job abroad with free visa support and the chance to live in Europe, then Ireland is an excellent option.
Why Ireland is Hiring Foreign Restaurant & Kitchen Helpers in 2025?
- Staff Shortages: Ireland’s local workforce is not enough to meet the rising demand in hotels and restaurants.
- Growing Tourism Industry: Millions of tourists visit Ireland each year, boosting the need for more kitchen and service staff.
- Visa Sponsorship Programs: To fill the labor gap, Irish employers are sponsoring foreign workers.
- Long-Term Career Growth: Restaurant and kitchen jobs can lead to supervisory and chef roles with better salaries.
Benefits of Restaurant & Kitchen Helper Jobs in Ireland
- Free Visa Sponsorship from approved employers
- Salary Range: €1,600 – €2,200 per month
- Free Meals during working hours
- Free or Subsidized Accommodation in some cases
- Overtime Pay for extra working hours
- Paid Annual Leave + Health Insurance
- Possibility of Permanent Residency after continuous employment
Average Salary for Helpers in Ireland (2025 Update)
- Restaurant Helper / Waiter Assistant → €10 – €12 per hour
- Kitchen Helper / Dishwasher → €1,600 – €1,800 per month
- Experienced Helper / Senior Kitchen Staff → €2,000 – €2,200 per month
Many employers also offer tips and bonuses, especially in restaurants and hotels.
Job Responsibilities of Restaurant & Kitchen Helpers
- Assisting chefs in food preparation
- Cleaning kitchen utensils, dishes, and cooking equipment
- Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in kitchens and dining areas
- Serving food and drinks to customers (in some roles)
- Unloading and organizing food deliveries
- Supporting kitchen staff during busy hours
Requirements for Foreign Workers (2025 Update)
- Minimum age: 18 years
- No advanced degree required
- Basic English skills (speaking and understanding)
- Physically fit to work in a fast-paced environment
- Prior hospitality experience is preferred but not mandatory
- Clean criminal record
Visa Options for Restaurant & Kitchen Jobs in Ireland
1. General Employment Permit
- Issued to foreign workers in sectors with labor shortages
- Valid for 2 years and renewable
2. Critical Skills Employment Permit (for higher roles)
- For professional chefs and experienced staff
- Leads to permanent residency faster
3. Seasonal & Temporary Work Permits
- Short-term permits for restaurants and hotels, valid up to 9 months
Related: Receptionist Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
How to Apply for Restaurant & Kitchen Helper Jobs in Ireland with Visa Sponsorship
- Find Approved Employers
- Look for restaurants, hotels, and catering services offering sponsorship.
- Prepare Application Documents
- CV/Resume
- Passport copy
- Work experience letters (if any)
- Education certificates (not mandatory)
- Submit Application
- Apply directly on Irish job portals or through licensed agencies.
- Interview & Job Offer
- Employers may interview online.
- Visa Sponsorship
- Employer applies for your General Employment Permit on your behalf.
- Relocate to Ireland
- After visa approval, you can start your new job.
Best Cities in Ireland for Hospitality Jobs
- Dublin → Restaurants, hotels, and catering companies
- Cork → Tourism and hospitality sector growing rapidly
- Galway → Popular tourist destination with high job demand
- Limerick → Large restaurants and hotel chains hiring staff
Where to Find Restaurant & Kitchen Helper Jobs in Ireland?
- JobsIreland.ie (Official Government Job Portal)
- EURES (European Job Mobility Portal)
- Indeed.ie & Glassdoor
- Irish Hospitality Recruitment Agencies
- Direct applications to restaurants and hotel chains
Challenges of Restaurant & Kitchen Jobs in Ireland
- Fast-Paced Work Environment → Requires energy and stamina
- Long Hours → Especially in peak tourist seasons
- Language Barrier → Basic English is required for communication
- Cost of Living → Dublin and Cork are more expensive than rural areas
Related: Caregiver Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need experience to apply?
No, beginners are welcome. Some employers train new helpers.
Q2: Do I need IELTS for visa sponsorship?
No, IELTS is not mandatory. Only basic English skills are required.
Q3: Can I apply directly without an agent?
Yes, you can apply directly via official Irish job portals.
Q4: Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, after securing a General Employment Permit, you may apply for dependent visas.
Q5: How long does the visa process take?
On average, 8–12 weeks, depending on the employer and country of application.
Final Thoughts
Restaurant & kitchen helper jobs in Ireland with free visa sponsorship in 2025 are a golden opportunity for foreigners who want to work in Europe. With good salaries, free visa sponsorship, meals, accommodation, and the possibility of permanent residency, this is one of the best entry-level jobs abroad.
If you are hardworking, flexible, and ready to learn, Ireland’s hospitality industry is waiting for you in 2025.