Are you passionate about flowers and looking for a chance to start a career abroad? Becoming a florist assistant in Europe can be a beautiful opportunity — literally! Many flower shops, event companies, and horticulture businesses across Europe hire foreign workers and, in some cases, even offer visa sponsorship to help them move legally.
If you’ve ever dreamed of arranging bouquets in Paris, preparing wedding flowers in Italy, or helping customers in a cozy shop in Ireland, this guide is for you.
What Does a Florist Assistant Do?
Before we dive into jobs and visas, let’s look at what the role actually involves:
- Arranging flowers for bouquets, weddings, and events
- Assisting customers in choosing the right flowers for special occasions
- Unpacking and preparing deliveries from wholesalers
- Maintaining shop displays so flowers look fresh and inviting
- Basic care like watering, trimming, and cleaning the workspace
It’s a hands-on role, perfect for creative people who enjoy working with nature and serving customers.
Why Europe Needs Florist Assistants
Floristry is a seasonal business, and many shops across Europe face staff shortages during peak times like:
- Spring & summer (weddings, graduations)
- December holidays (Christmas markets, gift bouquets)
- Valentine’s Day & Mother’s Day
Because of this, some European employers are willing to sponsor foreign workers, especially if local candidates are not available.
Countries in Europe Where Florist Assistants Can Find Jobs with Sponsorship
1. United Kingdom
Even after Brexit, the UK still faces shortages in retail and hospitality jobs, which sometimes includes floristry. Employers with a Skilled Worker Sponsor License can hire international workers if they prove they need staff.
- Visa Pathway: Skilled Worker Visa or Temporary Seasonal Worker Visa
- Good to Know: English fluency is usually required
2. Ireland
Ireland has a thriving flower and event industry. Many small shops hire assistants for long-term roles, and bigger horticulture companies may offer employment permits that include visa sponsorship.
- Visa Pathway: Critical Skills or General Employment Permit
- Good to Know: Some floristry jobs may be seasonal
3. Italy
Italy is world-famous for its weddings and flower markets. Skilled florist assistants can sometimes find jobs with sponsorship, especially in tourist-heavy regions.
- Visa Pathway: Work Permit through the annual “Decreto Flussi” program
- Good to Know: Basic Italian helps a lot!
4. Poland & Eastern Europe
Poland and other Eastern European countries often recruit foreigners for agricultural and floral work. Some companies provide temporary work permits and may help with sponsorship for long-term staff.
- Visa Pathway: Seasonal Work Visa or National Work Visa
- Good to Know: English is enough in some shops, but Polish is a plus
Related: Hotel Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Skills That Make You a Strong Candidate
If you want a florist assistant job in Europe with visa sponsorship, employers usually look for:
- Experience in floristry or retail
- Creativity and a good eye for design
- Customer service skills
- Basic language skills (English, Italian, or local language)
- Flexibility to work weekends and holidays
Salary Expectations
Salaries depend on the country and whether the role is full-time or seasonal:
- Western Europe (UK, Ireland, Germany): €1,500 – €2,200 per month
- Southern Europe (Italy, Spain): €1,200 – €1,800 per month
- Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary): €800 – €1,200 per month
With visa sponsorship, some employers may also cover housing or travel assistance.
How to Apply for Florist Assistant Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
- Update your CV – highlight any retail, hospitality, or creative experience.
- Search job boards – look for roles mentioning “visa sponsorship” or “foreign workers welcome.”
- Target floristry businesses – send applications directly to flower shops and event companies.
- Be open to seasonal work first – many people start on a short-term visa and then extend to long-term sponsorship.
- Prepare for interviews – employers often ask about your customer service skills, flower knowledge, and availability.
Related: Unskilled Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Canada
Final Thoughts
Florist assistant jobs in Europe aren’t just about arranging flowers — they’re about creating moments of joy for customers. With visa sponsorship opportunities available in countries like the UK, Ireland, Italy, and Poland, this path can open doors to an exciting international career.