The global hospitality industry is booming, creating strong demand for skilled professionals across hotels, resorts, cruise lines, restaurants, and luxury tourism. With an expected annual growth rate of nearly 4% and a market size crossing USD 1 trillion, hospitality has become one of the most reliable career paths for working and settling abroad.

Countries like Australia, Canada, Switzerland, the UAE, France, Spain, and Singapore are actively hiring hospitality professionals due to labour shortages, tourism growth, and expansion of luxury infrastructure. These destinations offer competitive salaries, employer-sponsored work visas, and, in many cases, permanent residency (PR) pathways.

Below is a detailed look at the top 10 countries offering high-paying hospitality jobs along with long-term settlement options.

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Best Countries for High-Paying Hospitality Jobs with PR Pathways

1. Australia – The Top Choice for Hospitality Professionals

Australia stands out as the best overall destination for hospitality professionals due to strong demand, high wages, and clear PR pathways. Ongoing skill shortages across hotels, cafés, restaurants, and resorts make Australia highly welcoming to international talent.

Why Australia stands out

  • Consistent demand in metro and regional areas
  • Transparent skilled migration system
  • Strong work-life balance
  • Excellent PR conversion options

In-demand roles
Chef, Cook, Hotel Manager, Restaurant Manager, Café Manager, Food & Beverage Supervisor

Salary range
AUD 70,000 – 95,000 per year (senior roles earn more)

Work visa options
Employer-sponsored visas, Skills in Demand visa, regional pathways

PR options
Skilled Migration (Subclass 189/190) and Employer Nomination → PR

2. Canada

Canada offers stable employment, good wages, and one of the world’s most PR-friendly immigration systems. The hospitality sector faces continuous labour shortages, especially in hotels and restaurants. Professionals can transition from work permits to PR smoothly.

Key highlights

  • High job vacancies across provinces
  • Stable salaries and strong worker protections
  • Family-friendly immigration system

Salary range
CAD 75,000 – 105,000 per year

PR pathways
Express Entry (CEC), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

3. Switzerland

Switzerland is known for luxury hospitality and some of the highest salaries globally. Demand is strong in premium hotels, resorts, and fine-dining establishments. Long-term residence is possible through employer-sponsored permits.

Best for
Luxury hotel managers, executive chefs, hospitality supervisors

Salary range
CHF 85,000 – 95,000 per year

Residency option
B Permit → C Permit (PR after long-term stay)

4. United States

The US has the largest hospitality market, with opportunities across hotels, resorts, cruise lines, and event management. Senior and management roles receive high salaries. Employer sponsorship can lead to permanent residence through employment-based routes.

Salary range
USD 75,000 – 105,000 per year

Visa options
H-2B, H-1B (management roles), L-1 transfers

PR option
Employment-based Green Card (EB-3)

5. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE attracts hospitality professionals with tax-free income and luxury work environments. Rapid tourism growth creates continuous demand in hotels and fine-dining restaurants. While PR is not available, long-term residence visas offer stability.

Best for
Hotel managers, executive chefs, F&B managers

Salary range
AED 120,000 – 250,000 per year

Residency
Employer-sponsored visas and long-term Golden Visas (no traditional PR)

6. Netherlands

The Netherlands provides a balanced lifestyle with strong demand in hotels, restaurants, and events. English-speaking work environments make it easier for international professionals. PR is possible after several years of legal employment.

Salary range
EUR 55,000 – 75,000 per year

Work visa
Highly Skilled Migrant (select roles)

PR option
Permanent residence after 5 years

7. New Zealand

New Zealand has skill shortages in hospitality due to seasonal tourism demand. It offers a high quality of life, good salaries, and supportive work visas. Work-to-residence pathways make long-term settlement achievable.

Salary range
NZD 60,000 – 85,000 per year

Work visa
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

PR option
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)

8. Singapore

Singapore is a premium hospitality hub known for luxury hotels and international events. Salaries are attractive, and income tax is relatively low. Skilled professionals may qualify for PR through selective programs.

Salary range
SGD 55,000 – 80,000 per year

Work visa
Employment Pass, S Pass

PR option
PTS Scheme (selective but possible)

9. France

France remains a global leader in tourism and culinary arts. There is steady demand for chefs, hotel managers, and supervisors. Long-term residence is possible after consistent employment.

Salary range
EUR 45,000 – 60,000 per year

Work visa
Employer-sponsored work permit

PR option
Permanent residence after 5 years

10. Spain

Spain offers wide opportunities in tourism-heavy regions and seasonal hospitality roles. Entry-level and mid-level jobs are easier to access compared to other European countries. Permanent residence can be obtained after long-term employment.

Salary range
EUR 35,000 – 50,000 per year

Work visa
Employer-sponsored permit

PR option
Permanent residence after 5 years

Most In-Demand Hospitality Roles Abroad

  • Executive Chef / Sous Chef
  • Hotel Manager
  • Restaurant Manager
  • Food & Beverage Manager
  • Front Office Manager
  • Catering & Resort Operations Manager

How to Choose the Right Country for Hospitality Jobs Abroad

When selecting a country, consider:

  • Your role and experience level
  • Salary vs cost of living
  • Visa flexibility and PR options
  • Demand for your specific skill set
  • Lifestyle and long-term settlement goals

For professionals seeking the best mix of salary, job security, and PR, Australia remains the first and strongest choice, followed closely by Canada and Switzerland.

Looking to work abroad in hospitality? Get expert support to find the right country, secure a job, and start your PR journey with confidence.