A Guide to Working in Europe

We list jobs in so many different industries, from flexible holiday positions to long term careers. These roles are perfect for professionals, students, graduates, travellers and anyone looking to move to Europe.

Popular jobs include hotels, hospitality, holiday resorts work, bars, clubs, sports coaching, summer camps, farm and agriculture jobs, ski jobs, au-pairing, teaching, care jobs, and more.

There are lots of jobs and working holidays where you can gain work experience to help with a future career in cities like London and Paris to working on exotic islands. You could be working in a modern iconic city or live in popular tourist resorts - this is totally down to your personal preference.

There is no best time to apply for jobs in Europe and there are positions for summer, winter and all year round. If you like the idea of moving to the continent but are lacking experience you might want to apply for paid internships in Europe.

 

Destinations

 

Summer Jobs in Europe 

Do you like the idea of living and working in some of the most desirable summer destinations in Europe? Some of the most popular summer jobs in Europe can include working at hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions such as theme parks. Leave your home town behind and have what could be the best summer or year of your life. Well-known destinations for party goers are great places to apply for temporary seasonal work. 

There are lots of positions like working as a holiday rep, PR, promotion staff for clubs, work at bars, restaurants and more. On top of that you can enjoy yourself on beautiful beaches, make new friends, take part in the resort activities which are jet skiing, fancy dress theme nights, karting, water parks and more.

You could also apply to work at a bar, restaurant, cafe or hotel. There are lots of other opportunities too like working on a cruise ship or if you are looking something different there is agriculture and farm work.

Types of jobs include:

  • Land sports instructors: tennis/football, aerobics/yoga instructors
  • Lifeguards
  • Water sports instructors: windsurfing, dinghy, swimming, water ski, wakeboard instructor
  • Maintenance and kitchen staff 
  • Childcare and nannies
  • Photographers and videographers
  • Health and beauty assistants

 

Holiday Rep & Resort Jobs

Working as a holiday rep in Europe might sound appealing but these jobs can be hard work and long hours. Salary and benefits can vary depending on the company, generally you can earn around £400 per week with meals and accommodation provided for free - so you should be able to save money. You will get free time and days off but don't expect a 24 hour party job, you will need to be responsible, work in teams, have good customer service and work a lot.

Sometimes it can be a 24/7 job depending on how busy things are during summer but you will also have the satisfaction of enjoying a beautiful location somewhere in Europe. For something a little different you could apply to work as a photographer at a resort taking pictures of guests throughout the day e.g. at dinner, playing golf or during activities. You will be responsible for trying to sell the photographs and usually these jobs pay a commission. 

Possibly the easiest way to gain employment at a summer resort or island is to work as a PR, this is a role where you will sell things e.g. tickets, club passes, bar passes, excursions and activities. This can be very hard work and long hours patrolling beaches, hotels, high streets but also a lot of fun where you will meet lots of new people and get to work in a goof team throughout the summer.

Sometimes PR's can make hundreds of pound per week but you will need to be pro-active and also be good talking with people and getting sales done. PR work is the best option for people who aren’t from countries in the EU and you will usually be paid cash in hand.

Some companies offering working holiday packages in Europe, it might seem annoying having to pay a fee but this is a good way to meet new people, get your accommodation sorted and also get help on the ground from a local rep who will advice you on how and where to apply.

 

Winter Jobs in Europe 

If you’re toying with the idea of embarking on an adventure and trotting around the globe, but have you considered swapping exotic beaches for exhilarating ski slopes and snapping up one of the many alluring ski resort jobs available. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may wish to head a little further afield than the usual European resorts and step off the beaten track.

Popular destinations include France, Austria, Norway, Italy and Switzerland - these destinations can be extremely popular and so applying early is essential. There are also ski resort jobs in countries such as Bosnia Herzegovina, Slovenia and Poland which offer jobs to internationals. While some of these destinations may be less well-known they still offer an incredible experience.  

Ski resort work in Europe is very popular due to some of the best ski resorts in the world being located here. Positions available include reps, chefs, waiters, waitresses, bar staff, cleaners, spa therapists, childcare assistants, activity leaders, tour / excursion leader and reception staff. If you want to work as a ski instructor you might want to join a structured course which leads to employment - various companies offer these placements and prices can vary.

Sometimes winter ski jobs can be hard work and long hours and also under-paid but remember it is not all about the money. Working a winter season in Europe is as much about the experience and changing your current routine, you will get to live in a spectacular setting and also possibly progress up the career ladder.

Wages are usually paid in local currency and can depend on the job you are applying for. Some salaries especially for resort jobs can be low but this is compensated by free accommodation and meals. Also some destinations will have higher wages than others for example you will earn more in a country like Switzerland for example, but the living costs might also be higher. If you decide to work in a bar or resort remember your wages might be topped up with tips. 

Most winter ski company recruiters in Europe look for bright, adaptable and outgoing people who are willing to work hard and also be fun to be around. Usually companies prefer you to have previous experience, be able to speak a foreign language, have a drivers license, have good conversational skills and a friendly manor.

You will also need to be in good health, have been skiing before - don't worry if you are not a pro or if you don't have specific ski experience, usually the recruiter will just check to see if you would be the type of person who could fill a role on the ground.

When working as a rep a ski resort in Europe your tasks and responsibilities will generally include:

  • Airport duties e.g. picking up customers and going with them to their chalet
  • Providing welcome meetings and orientation
  • Visiting hotels
  • Arrange ski programs and excursions
  • Selling activities and meeting sales targets
  • Working in teams and talking with managers and local staff
  • Reporting to the head office and sending paper work
  • Ensuring the general winter programs runs smoothly

 

Visa & Eligibility

For citizens of EU member states, you have the freedom to work and travel in other EU member states and you will receive the same treatment and working conditions as any national of this country.

Within the European Union, EU citizens have the right to:

  • move to another EU country to work without a work permit
  • enjoy equal treatment with nationals in access to employment, working conditions and all other social and tax advantages
  • stay in the country even after employment has finished

As an EU national, you are free to work in any other EU country. Non-European nationals must obtain a written offer of employment before they can apply for work and residential permits.

Countries currently members of the European union, are: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

Some European countries are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). These countries include Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are all are members of the free movement of workers agreement allowing work and travel opportunities within their borders. 

 

Jobs for Non-EU Citizens in Europe

If you live outside of the European Union you can find jobs in Europe even though the application process and criteria is more complicated compared to EU citizens.

There are still recruiters hiring British (post Brexit), American, Canadian, New Zealand, South African, Australian and other nationalities for seasonal type roles. Some recruiters will help with visas, paperwork, placements, flights and accommodation.

If you are from the UK and want to work in Europe post Brexit, this is now really difficult, but not impossible. Although employers offering jobs in Europe generally give priority to EU citizens, some still hire Brits even for short term summer and winter roles.

One option you might not have considered is to take a TEFL course and apply to teach in Europe. There are language schools and employers located throughout the continent hiring staff all year round. 

 

Salary 

What you get paid depends on which company employs you, what position you hired for and what contract you sign. Salaries vary depending on the country but salaries in Europe are amongst some of the highest in the world. For voluntary work in Europe these positions are generally unpaid but usually include accommodation.

 

Testimonials

If you have ever been to work in Europe and would like to write about your experience, review a recruiter or share any recommendations please contact us.

"I worked as a resort rep for one of the big travel companies, it was really hard work but the experience was amazing and I would recommend it to anyone!" - Amy

"Ski Season in France, if you are thinking about it apply. It is really hard work, dont expect much rest but usually you get a free lift pass and get to go skiing in your free time - this isn't like any other job." - Jon

“I ran activities – archery, abseiling, rock climbing, quad biking, air riffles, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, raft building, low ropes, camp fire and some other team building activities.” - Justin

“I worked at festivals in Dublin as a promoter and got free pitt-passes nightly. We even walked on stage as volunteers along side singers like Bono.” - Rob

“I spent the winter bartending in a remote lodge and split my time between riding the resort and heliskiing!” - Simon

“During my summer I was involved with organising and running activity programs such as mountain biking. It was a great opportunity to get into some of my favourite hobbies and show passion and enthusiasm and watch the boys learn and succeed!” - Jeremy