Hotel jobs in Europe: wages, requirements, documents for foreigners
When it comes to seeking hotel jobs in Europe, numerous factors come into play, including the state of the hotel market in each country, required education and training, in-demand positions, necessary documentation, European-wide salary ranges, and many other details
While all European countries boast a robust hotel industry, certain nations rely more heavily on this sector, offering greater employment prospects. Primarily located in the southern regions, these countries benefit from a more favorable climate that attracts a higher influx of tourists. Examples include Cyprus, Greece, and Malta, which provide ample opportunities for hotel jobs in Europe due to their thriving hospitality industries.
Overview of the hotels's jobs in Europe
Working in a hotel entails a diverse array of roles and responsibilities distributed across various departments to ensure smooth operations and guest satisfaction. From receptionists and concierges to housekeeping staff, maintenance personnel, sales and marketing teams, and of course, hotel managers, a wide range of positions are available within a hotel setting.
While all European countries generally boast a robust hotel industry, some nations have economies more heavily reliant on this sector, thus offering greater employment opportunities in all these positions we have mentioned. One indicator of job prospects in the European hotel sector is the importance of the hospitality industry within each country and the percentage of people employed in this field.
Statistics say
With data from Eurostat regarding the relative importance of hospitality activities in Europe in 2021, we can gauge the significance of hotel employment across different nations.
According to these data, it becomes evident that countries located in southern regions with more favorable climates and higher tourist influxes tend to rely more on the hotel industry for economic sustenance. Topping the list in terms of employment percentages is Cyprus, with 5.88% of the workforce employed in the sector and 3.24% of the economy's value-added represented by the hotel industry. Following closely are Greece, Malta, Croatia, and Austria.
While countries at the top of the list may offer ample job opportunities, other factors must also be considered, such as wage levels and working conditions.
Training and skills necessary to work in hotels in Europe
Given the diverse range of professions within the accommodation sector, the possibilities for studies are varied, spanning across different types and durations. While some positions, such as receptionist or room attendant, may be accessible without formal education, training can facilitate job search, lead to better salaries, and aid in professional advancement. For roles with higher responsibilities, formal education becomes imperative and may last several years.
In Europe, numerous educational options exist for those interested in working in the hotel industry. Below is an overview of common study types and their approximate durations.
Some European countries offer vocational programs in hospitality and tourism, lasting between 1 and 3 years, depending on the level and specialization.
Many European universities provide bachelor's programs in Hotel Management, Tourism Business Administration, or related fields, typically lasting between 3 and 4 years.
After completing a bachelor's degree, some students opt for a master's in Hotel Management, Tourism, or related subjects, lasting 1 to 2 years.
Apart from academic programs, short courses and certifications focus on specific areas of the hotel industry, such as event management, hotel marketing, and food and beverage management, among others. The duration of these courses varies from a few days to several months, depending on the content and institution.
For those seeking the best places to study hotel management in Europe, Top Universities provides a list of the top European universities in the hospitality field. Switzerland dominates the top positions, with institutions like EHL Hospitality Business School, Swiss Hotel Management School, César Ritz Colleges Switzerland, Les Roches Global Hospitality Management Education, and the Hotel Institute Montreux.
How to get a hotel job in Europe
In this section, we'll explore the employment opportunities in the hotel sector in Europe, focusing on hotel jobs in Europe for foreigners. We'll look at the available roles in the hotel industry and examine the requirements for foreigners seeking employment in the region.
Which jobs are most demanded in Europe?
In the hospitality sector, there's a wide range of positions, and here are some of the most common and in-demand roles.
A chance to grow
While positions such as receptionist or housekeeping staff are in high demand, the demand for candidates for positions such as yield manager or hotel manager is not as significant, although the candidate pool is comparatively smaller.
What papers do you need to work in the hospitality sector as a foreigner?
To work in Europe in the hospitality sector, several requirements must be met, which can be grouped into two main categories: residency requirements and work requirements. Although they may seem separate, they are closely related because residency often depends on obtaining a job contract.
These requirements can vary depending on factors such as your circumstances, family situation, country of origin, educational level, specialty to be practiced, destination country, and many other variables.
Do you speak?
Qualifications to work
CDI contract is the best option
Residence permit and work permit
How to land a job in the hotel and hospitality sphere in Europe?
If you're interested in the hospitality sector and wondering where to find hotel jobs in Europe, we've got you covered. We'll explore top job portals, examine the best places to find work, and take a look at freelance opportunities.
Job research online and offline
The best place to research the job market is online, with numerous job portals hosting thousands of job postings. These platforms allow you to filter job offers based on your desired sector, educational level, or required work experience.
- Job websites
Among the various portals, some offer international or European-level job opportunities, while others are more local, focusing primarily on specific countries. International portals include eures.europa.eu (the European Union's portal), eurojobs.com, eurojobsites.com, experteer.com, indeed.com, page.com and LinkedIn.com.
- Networking and personal approach
Another effective approach to job hunting is leveraging your network of contacts. Utilising your professional network is one of the most efficient ways to find employment. Reach out to individuals in your network who work in your field in Europe, whether they are friends, former classmates who have relocated to Europe and are now working there, or former colleagues from your home country who have emigrated to Europe.
- LinkedIn sources
LinkedIn can also be a valuable tool for connecting with professionals in the hospitality field, even if you don't know them personally. When reaching out, be sure to introduce yourself and explain why you're contacting them. Some individuals may be willing to assist you. Additionally, try to expand your professional network by joining professional organisations or attending industry events.
Freelance and interim work in the hospitality sector
Working independently in the hospitality industry typically involves establishing a hotel, hostel, or similar establishment such as a rented apartment on Airbnb. This requires a significant investment of time and money, as well as adherence to numerous legal requirements and responsibilities, including licensing, compliance with safety regulations, and managing guest interactions. While it offers potential for autonomy and creativity, independent work in hospitality also carries risks and challenges associated with entrepreneurship.
Salaries in the hospitality field in Europe in 2024
Given the multitude of specialisations and the influence of various factors such as experience, the salary range in the hospitality sector varies significantly. To provide an overview of salaries in the sector, we'll refer to data from the International Labour Organization on monthly wages in the accommodation and food service activities in Europe in 2022.
According to this data, Belarus, Switzerland, and Luxembourg top the list with salaries above 4,000 US dollars. Following closely are Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, and the Netherlands, with highly competitive salaries above 3,000 US dollars. At the bottom of the list with the lowest salaries are Albania, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, with salaries below 400 US dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there specific language requirements for hotel jobs in Europe?
Can I work independently in the hospitality sector in Europe?
Is temporary work common in the hotel industry in Europe?
Source: ec.europa.eu, qualitytemporal.com, www.topuniversities.com, www.hellowork.com, rshiny.ilo.org
We took photos from these sources: Clay Banks on Unsplash