Are you passionate about food and dreaming of building a culinary career in the UK? Well, what if your skills in the kitchen could be your golden ticket to living and working abroad?
With a growing shortage of skilled chefs and cooks, employers are now offering visa sponsorships and chef & cook jobs in the UK to professionals from overseas.
Whether you are a seasoned chef or an enthusiastic line cook, there is real opportunity here, especially for those seeking a new life in the UK.
Let us walk through everything you need to know, from where the jobs are, what employers are looking for, salary expectations, and how the visa process works in 2025.
Why the UK is Offering Chef & Cook Jobs
The hospitality industry in the UK is currently battling a major labor shortage. Brexit, followed by the impact of the pandemic, has left many kitchens short-staffed.
As a result, restaurants, hotels, care homes, and even cruise liners are opening their doors to skilled workers from around the world.
Chefs, sous chefs, and specialty cooks are now on the UK’s official Shortage Occupation List, which makes it easier for foreign nationals to get sponsored jobs and visas.
Read also: Security Guard Jobs In The USA Hiring Foreigners (2025)
What are the In-Demand Chef & Cook Positions in the UK?
Here are some of the top roles UK employers are hiring for in 2025:
- Head Chef
- Sous Chef
- Chef de Partie
- Pastry Chef
- Line Cook / Prep Cook
- Commis Chef
- Ethnic Cuisine Specialists (Indian, Chinese, Thai, African, etc.)
If you specialize in any of these roles and can back up your skills with experience or training, you are already a strong candidate.
What are the Salary Expectations for Chef & Cook Jobs in the UK?
Salaries in the UK hospitality sector vary depending on your experience, employer, and location. Here is a general idea:
- Head Chef (£30,000 – £45,000 per year)
- Sous Chef (£25,000 – £35,000 per year)
- Chef de Partie (£20,000 – £28,000 per year)
- Line Cook/Prep Cook (£18,000 – £24,000 per year)
Note that employers offering visa sponsorship usually meet the salary threshold of at least £20,960/year or £10.75/hour required by the Skilled Worker Visa.
Employers Offering Chef & Cook Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship
Many UK-based companies are licensed sponsors and are actively hiring chefs and cooks from overseas. Some of these employers include the following:
- Sodexo UK
- Marriott Hotels UK
- Wagamama
- Compass Group
- Private care homes and high-end restaurants across London, Manchester, Birmingham, etc.
You can find these job listings on platforms like Indeed UK, TotalJobs, and the official UK Government Job Portal.
Visa Process: How Sponsorship Works
The most common route for chefs and cooks is the UK Skilled Worker Visa. Here is how it works:
- You receive a job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor visas.
- The employer gives you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- You apply for a Skilled Worker Visa online, using the CoS and supporting documents.
- You pay the application fee (approx. £719 for up to 3 years), plus the healthcare surcharge.
- Wait for your visa approval and prepare to move to the UK!
The visa typically lasts up to 5 years and is extendable. After 5 years, you may be eligible for permanent residency (ILR).
What are the Basic Requirements for Chef & Cook Jobs in the UK?
- At least 1–2 years of kitchen or culinary experience
- Job offer from a licensed UK sponsor
- English language proficiency (usually IELTS score of 4.0–5.5)
- Meet salary threshold and job description guidelines
When to Apply for Chef & Cook Jobs in the UK
Hiring for chef and cook roles in the UK is ongoing year-round. However, peak hiring seasons often align with these times:
- Spring/Summer: For tourism-heavy restaurants and hotel resorts
- Autumn: As universities and institutions reopen
- Before the holiday season: When food service demand spikes
Chef & Cook Jobs in the UK (FAQs)
Do I Need a Culinary Degree to Apply?
No, many employers accept candidates with hands-on experience in commercial kitchens. However, formal training can improve your chances.
Can I Bring My Family with Me?
Yes, the Skilled Worker Visa allows you to bring dependents (spouse and children), and they may work or study in the UK.
Is it Possible to Change Employers after arriving in the UK?
You can change jobs, but you must apply to update your visa with a new Certificate of Sponsorship.
What’s the Age Limit for Applying?
There is no strict age limit. As long as you meet the job and visa criteria, you can apply regardless of age.
Read also: Nursing Assistant Jobs In Canada With LMIA Sponsorship (2025)
Conclusion
Whether you are seeking international exposure, higher income, or a chance to bring your family abroad, these chef & cooking jobs could be the opportunity you need.
The demand is high; The doors are open. The recipe for success starts with taking the first step.
But are you ready to cook your way to the UK? Apply today!
