Dreaming of a new life in Europe but scared you have no job experience? Don’t worry! Portugal needs many workers in restaurants and hotels right now. Tourism is growing very fast, so there are lots of simple jobs for people from outside the EU. The most common job is Kitchen Helper (also called Restaurant Support Staff or Kitchen Porter). Many restaurants in Portugal give visa sponsorship even if you are a beginner. This article explains everything in very easy English: the job, the visa, the money, and how to start.
The Kitchen Helper Role: Your Path to Professional Cooking
A Kitchen Helper is the person who helps the chefs every day. This job is perfect for beginners because you do not need cooking school or many years of experience. Restaurants in Lisbon, Porto, Algarve and Madeira always look for reliable people. These jobs are often called “Sponsorship Jobs Portugal No Experience” because companies are happy to help you get a work visa.
Core Duties of a Kitchen Helper (Cozinheiro Ajuda)
The job is simple but very important. Every day you will do these things:
- Wash, peel and cut vegetables and fruit
- Help chefs prepare ingredients before service
- Wash all plates, pots and kitchen tools (many people call this Dishwasher Jobs Portugal)
- Clean tables, floors and all kitchen areas
- Take rubbish out and keep everything tidy
- Receive food deliveries and put stock in the fridge or storage
- Help set up the kitchen before lunch and dinner (this is called mise en place)
You work hard and stand on your feet many hours, but you learn real kitchen skills every day. Many famous chefs in Portugal and Europe started exactly in this job (they call it Commis de Cuisine). After 1–2 years you can become a real cook and earn more money.
Visa Pathways: Securing Your Portugal Work Visa for Beginners
If you are not from the European Union, you need a work visa to stay and work legally. The easiest and safest way for kitchen helper jobs is the D1 Work Visa.
The D1 Work Visa Requirements: The Sponsorship Route
This is the normal way 90 % of foreigners get the job:
- First find a restaurant or hotel that wants to hire you
- They give you a work contract (minimum 12 months)
- Your monthly salary must be at least the Portugal minimum wage
- The company sends papers to IEFP (Portuguese employment office) and explains why they need you
- When IEFP says “yes”, the company sends you the approved contract
- You go to the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your country with the contract and other normal documents
- You get the D1 visa (usually 4 months) and can travel to Portugal
- After you arrive, you get the residence card for 1 or 2 years (can be renewed)
This way is safe because the employer does all the difficult papers for you.
The Manifestação de Interesse (Expression of Interest)
Some people come to Portugal on tourist visa (90 days) and try to find a job inside the country. After they work a little and pay social security, they can ask for residence with “Manifestação de Interesse”. This way is cheaper at the beginning but very risky. Many times AIMA says no, and you must leave Portugal. For beginners the D1 visa with real sponsorship is much better and safer.
Salary and Logistics: The Expat Reality in Portugal
Money in Portugal is not very high, but life costs less than in Germany, France or UK (except in centre of Lisbon and Porto where rent is now expensive).
Salary Kitchen Helper Portugal
In 2025 the numbers are:
- National Minimum Wage: €870 gross per month (paid 14 times per year = Christmas and holiday bonus)
- Normal Kitchen Helper salary: €950 – €1,100 gross per month
- With tips in tourist restaurants (especially summer in Algarve): many people get €200–€500 extra every month
- After tax and social security you take home around €800 – €1,000
If you work 6 days per week and many hours, you can save money to send home or for your future.
Portuguese Language Requirements Hospitality
In big tourist cities (Lisbon, Porto, Lagos, Albufeira) many kitchens speak English or Spanish. You can start the job with zero Portuguese. But if you learn basic Portuguese (A1–A2 level) in the first months, you get better jobs faster and feel happier every day. Free Portuguese classes are available in many cities for legal workers.
Accommodation and Support
Finding a room in Lisbon and Porto is difficult and expensive now. That is why you must look for special offers:
- Jobs with Accommodation Portugal Hospitality – many hotels and big restaurants in Algarve, Madeira and north Portugal give you a bed in staff house or shared flat (sometimes free, sometimes €150–€300 per month)
- Food provided – almost every restaurant gives at least one free meal per shift
- Some companies help with the flight ticket after you work 6 months
Always ask the employer “Do you give accommodation or help with housing?” before you accept the job.
Conclusion: Take the First Step Today
Kitchen Helper jobs in Portugal with visa sponsorship are one of the easiest and fastest ways for beginners from Asia, Africa, Latin America and other non-EU countries to start a new life in Europe. You get legal work, residence permit, European experience and the chance to grow to real chef in few years.
What you need to do now:
- Make a simple CV (even if you have no experience – write that you are hard-working and ready to learn)
- Search on these websites: Indeed.pt, Net-Empregos, Turismo de Portugal jobs page, Facebook groups “Jobs in Portugal for foreigners”, “Algarve Jobs”
- Write to restaurants and hotels directly (many small family restaurants do not put ads online)
- Use words in Portuguese: “Cozinheiro Ajuda”, “Ajudante de Cozinha”, “Emprego com alojamento”
- Only accept jobs that clearly say they give D1 visa sponsorship and contract
Your Portuguese adventure can start in just 2–4 months if you begin looking today!
Disclaimer:
This information is only to help and teach you. Always check the newest rules with the Portuguese Embassy in your country, with AIMA (immigration office) or with the employer who wants to sponsor you. Never pay money to agents who promise “guaranteed visa” without a real contract – many are scams. Good luck and see you in Portugal!