Working stay for specialty chefs
All information for restaurants and specialty chefs on applying for a work visa in Germany
Here you learn ...
when to apply for a cooking visa for Germany
what a specialty chef is in Germany
what a specialty restaurant is
How to apply for a work permit for specialty chefs
Author
Attorney
Reading Time
7 Min.
Release Date
22.02.2025
Table of Content
1. Visa for specialty chefs in Germany
2. What is a specialty chef?
3. What is a specialty restaurant?
4. Visa procedure for specialty chefs
5. Required documents: Cooking visa
6. FAQ
1. Visa for specialty chefs in Germany
Specialty chefs from third countries can work in Germany if they meet certain requirements and receive labor market approval from the Federal Employment Agency (see Section 19c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 11 of the Employment Ordinance ). Here you can find all the important information about the visa for specialty chefs and the application process at the Federal Employment Agency.
2. What is a specialty chef?
The visa for specialty chefs is only issued to chefs who have actually received specialized training in the respective country's cuisine. The following conditions apply to a foreign chef being permitted to work in a German specialty restaurant:
Professional qualifications: Completed culinary training at a vocational school with a minimum of two years of training. Additionally, at least two years of professional experience in a qualified company. Alternatively: Six years of professional experience as a chef if vocational training is not available in the country of origin.
Nationality of the country of origin of the specialty cuisine: The chef must be a national of the country whose cuisine the restaurant offers.
Special requirements for Chinese chefs: Chinese chefs also require an examination certificate for a practical and theoretical cooking and hygiene test, which must be completed at a training institution accredited by the Federal Employment Agency.
Number limit : A maximum of two specialty chefs may be employed per restaurant. Exceptions are possible if the restaurant has a demonstrably positive impact on the labor market (e.g., by providing apprenticeships).
3. What is a specialty restaurant?
A specialty restaurant is characterized by its predominantly regional dishes , prepared according to the original recipes of the respective country. This requirement is verified in detail by the authorities, for example, through a visit to the restaurant. The following are not considered specialty restaurants:
Snack bars
Fast food restaurants
Company canteens
Catering company
Delivery services
If you qualify as a specialty chef according to the above criteria and want to work at a specialty restaurant, you can apply for a chef visa at the embassy or immigration office. Below, we'll explain how to apply for a chef visa.
4. Visa procedure for specialty chefs
The process for applying for a work visa for specialty chefs at the embassy involves several steps:
Conclude an employment contract: The restaurant owner concludes a written employment contract with the foreign chef.
Apply for a visa: With the employment contract and other documents, the visa is applied for at the German diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in the country of origin.
Review by the Federal Employment Agency: The foreign mission forwards the documents to the Federal Employment Agency, which reviews the working conditions and the requirements for the work permit (specialty chef at a specialty restaurant). A priority review is also conducted, i.e., it determines whether the position can be performed by domestic employees.
Visa issuance: After successful review, the visa is issued. After entry, a residence permit must be applied for at the local immigration office.
5. Required documents: Cooking visa
The following documents must be submitted to the Federal Employment Agency as part of the visa procedure for specialty chefs:
employment contract
Declaration of employment relationship
Restaurant menu
Operational description
Chef's CV
Certificates and other proof of qualifications
In individual cases, the authorities may request additional documents, which they will then request from the specialty chef or the restaurant.
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6. FAQ Specialty Chefs
How long does the approval process for specialty chefs take?
The approval process with the Federal Employment Agency typically takes several weeks or months. Therefore, it is advisable to apply for the visa for specialty chefs early.
How much does the visa process for specialty chefs cost?
The Federal Employment Agency does not charge any fees. However, the usual visa fees at foreign missions apply (approximately €75 for a D visa).
Can the cooking visa also be applied for through pre-approval?
Yes, the visa for chefs can also be applied for through the pre-approval procedure at the Federal Employment Agency.
Can the chef visa also be granted for part-time employment?
No, according to the wording of Section 11 Paragraph 2 of the Employment Ordinance, the specialty chef visa must be applied for for full-time employment.
How long can I stay in Germany with a chef visa?
The visa for specialty chefs can be issued for a maximum of 4 years (Section 11 (2) of the Employment Ordinance).
