OVERVIEW OF THE PROFESSION
The culinary profession in Germany (cook – “Koch/Köchin”) is a professional and well-trained trade, playing a vital role in the service, restaurant, and hospitality sectors. A cook in Germany not only prepares food but is also responsible for the quality and presentation of dishes, menu planning, and ensuring food safety and hygiene.
JOB DESCRIPTION
- Preparation & Pre-processing of Ingredients:
- Selecting and receiving ingredients from the warehouse or suppliers.
- Weighing and portioning according to recipes.
- Washing, peeling, cutting, and seasoning.
- Arranging ingredients according to mise en place for cooking.
- Ensuring temporary storage meets standards (refrigeration, freezing).
- Food Preparation:
- Cooking according to recipes and techniques (German, European, Asian cuisine).
- Controlling temperature, time, and doneness.
- Baking, frying, boiling, stewing, searing, etc., as required.
- Adjusting dishes for special requests (vegetarian, allergies).
- Plating & Serving:
- Decorating and arranging dishes aesthetically, according to restaurant standards.
- Ensuring dishes are served to the correct table, on time, and at the right temperature.
- Performing a final check before serving.
- Kitchen Organization & Operation:
- Coordinating with colleagues (head chef, other cooks, dishwashers, servers).
- Maintaining kitchen hygiene and sanitation.
- Managing food inventory.
- Following procedures to ensure smooth operations during peak hours.
CAREER PATH & EARNINGS
- Trainee (Auszubildende/Auszubildender): Monthly salary from €1,000 to €1,400.
- After Training (Geselle): Monthly salary from €2,500 to €3,500.
VISA APPLICATION PROCESS (VISA 18B)
- Professional Recognition (6-12 months):
- Prepare and submit a portfolio of professional experience.
- Have your experience and skills evaluated by a German authority.
- Cost: €200-€250.
- Result: A certificate of recognition of your qualifications, valid for Visa 18b application.
- Job Search & Contract (1-3 months):
- Apply to restaurants, hotels, or catering businesses.
- Negotiate salary (starting from €2,200-€2,500 per month) plus allowances (night shifts, holidays, tips).
- The contract must specify the job description, working hours, benefits, and accommodation (if provided).
- Approval from BA (2-4 weeks):
- The employer submits an application for work permit approval to the Federal Employment Agency (BA).
- This step can be fast-tracked under §81a AufenthG.
- Result: Work permit approval letter (Vorrangprüfung).
- Visa 18b Application (4-8 weeks):
- Required documents include: employment contract, professional recognition certificate, CV, German language certificate, health insurance, criminal record check, passport, photos, and visa fee (~€75).
- A visa interview in German will cover your work experience, HACCP procedures, and handling peak hours.
- Result: Visa 18b is granted.
- Entry & Final Procedures (1-2 weeks):
- Register your residence (Anmeldung).
- Open a bank account.
- Activate health insurance.
- Receive your work schedule and sign the final employment contract.