We are your resource for finding chef jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship in 2025, so if you’re seeking one and are having trouble finding any, you’ve come to the correct spot. As everyone is aware, chef jobs Cooking and preparing meals for patrons at a restaurant, hotel, or other food service institution is the responsibility of a chef in the United Kingdom. We’ve included comprehensive information about how to apply for chef jobs, who is eligible to apply, and the typical wage for chefs in the UK below. You can simply find employment in the UK after reading this page because we’ll give you the application URL.
Details of Chef Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship For Foreigners
Key Points
- Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Job type: Chef
- Experience Required: No
- Knowledge Required: No
- Age Limit: Minimum 22 Years
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
Read Also: Cheese Packer Jobs in UK with Work Visa
Requirement
You must fulfill particular job and visa requirements established by UK immigration and employer regulations in order to work as a chef in the UK under sponsorship. A comprehensive list of the most typical needs is provided below:
1. Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor
- A verified employment offer from a UK company with a Sponsor Licence from the UK Home Office is required.
- An acceptable occupation code must be used for the position; for chefs, this is typically SOC code 5434 (Chef).
2. Relevant Work Experience
- It is usually necessary to have at least two to three years of experience as a chef in a professional kitchen or hospitality environment.
- It is advantageous to have prior experience managing a team, leading a kitchen, or cooking international cuisine.
3. Educational or Vocational Qualification (Preferred but Not Always Mandatory)
- Some employers may prefer:
- A Culinary Arts diploma
- A Hospitality Management certificate
- Relevant food safety or kitchen hygiene certifications
4. English Language Proficiency
- You must be able to read, write, speak, and comprehend English at a basic level.
- A Secure English Language Test (SELT), like the IELTS (minimum CEFR level B1), will be necessary for the majority of applicants.
5. Minimum Salary Requirement
- In order to be eligible for the skilled worker visa, the position must pay:
- £10.75 per hour or £26,200 annually, whichever is greater.
- If the position is on the Shortage Occupation List, there are several exclusions.
6. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Your UK employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, which includes:
- Job title
- Job responsibilities
- Salary
- Employment start date
7. Health & Character Checks
- You must provide:
- A valid passport
- Police clearance certificate (criminal record check)
- A TB test certificate (if applying from a listed country)
Benefits
There are several benefits to working as a chef in the UK, particularly for foreign professionals looking for visa sponsorship. Here are a few main advantages:
1. Visa Sponsorship Opportunities
Under the UK Skilled Worker visa scheme, numerous hotels, restaurants, and hospitality organizations are registered sponsors, enabling foreign cooks to reside and work lawfully in the nation.
2. Competitive Salary
- The average annual salary for entry-level chefs is between £20,000 and £24,000.
- Head chefs and experienced cooks can make between £30,000 and £50,000 a year.
- Certain employers provide recommendations and bonuses based on performance.
3. Professional Growth and Skill Development
- Collaborate with specialists that have received international training and be exposed to a variety of culinary styles.
- chance to advance into more senior culinary positions such as kitchen manager, head chef, or sous chef.
- availability of accredited apprenticeships or culinary training programs.
4. Flexible Work Hours
- To promote work-life balance, many chef jobs have flexible scheduling, including full-time, part-time, and shift-based choices.
5. Cultural Exposure
- Serve multinational customers while working in multicultural kitchens.
- Live and work in a multicultural city such as Edinburgh, Manchester, or London.
- Expand your understanding of international cuisine.
6. Employee Benefits
Depending on the employer, benefits may include:
- Free or subsidized meals
- Paid holidays (typically 28 days annually)
- Pension contributions
- Healthcare or medical support
- Discounted accommodation or relocation support
Visa Requirements
You normally need to fulfill the requirements for the UK Skilled Worker Visa in order to operate lawfully as a chef in the UK with sponsorship. Below is a summary of the essential requirements:
1. Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor
- To sponsor foreign workers, you need to have a legitimate job offer from a UK company that has been authorized by the UK Home Office.
- The position needs to be listed under the Skilled Occupations List (SOC code 5434 includes chef roles).
2. Minimum Salary Requirement
- As of 2025, the general minimum salary threshold for a chef job is
- £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, or
- The “going rate” for the job is higher (can vary by region and experience level).
Note: Discounts may apply for younger applicants or shortage occupation roles.
3. English Language Proficiency
- You must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) administered by an authorized provider to demonstrate your proficiency in the language.
- Alternatively, if you hold a degree taught in English or come from a nation where English is the primary language, you are exempt.
4. Financial Requirements
- In order to support yourself, you must demonstrate that you have at least £1,270 in savings.
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) must specify that your sponsor is paying for your expenses.
5. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- A Certificate of Sponsorship, which is required by your UK employer, must contain the following:
- Job title
- Salary
- Job location
- Your personal details
- Start date of employment
6. Visa Application
- Apply online for a Skilled Worker Visa.
- Application fees:
- £719–£1,500, based on your situation and length of stay.
- Additionally, you will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is approximately £624 annually.
Average Salary
The National Careers Service reports that the average chef in the UK makes about £24,000 ($33,000) annually. It fluctuates based on your expertise and culinary prowess.
Who can apply
Anyone can apply for a chef job in the UK; all you have to do is fulfill the employer’s standards, which vary depending on the company and include things like experience and skill sets.
How to Apply
Conclusion
For skilled chefs around the world, 2025 chef jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship present a transformative opportunity. The UK is actively seeking international culinary talent due to its high demand for qualified chefs, streamlined immigration procedures, and attractive salary packages.
Now is the ideal moment to take advantage of this chance if you have a strong desire to cook, professional experience, and fluency in English. You’ll not only get exposure abroad, but you’ll also open the door to a safe and rewarding career in one of the most exciting food businesses in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need formal education to become a chef in the UK?
Not always. Many businesses emphasize practical kitchen experience, cooking methods, and leadership in kitchen environments, even though some favor applicants with culinary credentials or hospitality training.
Is previous work experience mandatory?
Indeed. Professional kitchen experience of at least two to three years is typically necessary, particularly for senior positions. It is advantageous to have prior experience managing a team, cooking in large quantities, or handling international cuisine.
