Looking to start a culinary career abroad? Chef Jobs in the UK with Tier 2 Visa – Earn £33K/Year!
Are you a skilled chef dreaming of living and working in the United Kingdom? In 2025, the UK hospitality industry is experiencing a critical shortage of culinary professionals, creating a golden opportunity for international chefs to secure high-paying jobs with Tier 2 visa sponsorship. With salaries starting at £33,000 per year, chef jobs in the UK offer not just great pay but also relocation support, employer-sponsored visas, and a clear path to permanent residency.
This article explores the demand for chefs in the UK, outlines the visa process, highlights in-demand roles, and shares application tips to help you land your dream job abroad.
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Why the UK Needs Chefs in 2025
The UK’s culinary and hospitality sectors are struggling with a long-standing labor shortage made worse by Brexit and post-pandemic recovery. With fewer EU workers available, UK employers are actively recruiting talent from overseas. Key reasons for this demand include:
- A growing hospitality industry worth over £60 billion
- Staff shortages in hotels, restaurants, and catering services
- Rising demand for ethnic cuisine specialists
- Expansion of luxury dining and tourism in cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester
As a result, chef jobs are listed as eligible occupations under the UK’s Skilled Worker visa program.
What is the Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2) allows UK employers to hire skilled foreign workers for specific roles. For chefs, this visa opens doors to full-time employment, residency, and even citizenship in the UK.
Key Requirements:
- A valid job offer from a licensed UK sponsor
- Salary of at least £26,200/year or £33,000/year for senior roles
- English language proficiency (IELTS required)
- Relevant culinary qualifications and experience
Chefs must also fall under an eligible occupation code such as 5434 – Chefs, with certain exceptions like fast food or takeout cooks not qualifying.
In-Demand Chef Roles Offering Visa Sponsorship
Head Chef
Salary: £40,000–£60,000/year
Role: Manage kitchen operations, design menus, supervise staff, and ensure food quality.
Demand: High-end restaurants, hotels, and resorts.
Sous Chef
Salary: £35,000–£50,000/year
Role: Second-in-command in the kitchen, supports head chef in daily operations.
Pastry Chef
Salary: £30,000–£45,000/year
Role: Create and prepare desserts, breads, and baked goods. In demand in hotels, patisseries, and cruise liners.
Commis Chef / Line Cook
Salary: £26,200–£34,000/year
Role: Entry-level chefs preparing ingredients and assisting in cooking.
Ethnic Cuisine Specialist (e.g., Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern)
Salary: £30,000–£45,000/year
Role: Prepare authentic dishes for restaurants serving specific international cuisines.
Top UK Employers Sponsoring International Chefs
1. Gordon Ramsay Restaurants
One of the UK’s most iconic restaurant groups, actively recruiting skilled chefs and sponsoring Tier 2 visas for experienced candidates.
2. D&D London
Owns over 40 luxury restaurants and is known to support international recruitment through Skilled Worker visas.
3. Hilton Hotels UK
Major hotel chain hiring chefs at various levels, including Head Chefs, Sous Chefs, and Breakfast Chefs. Offers visa sponsorship and relocation.
4. The Ivy Collection
A group of elegant brasseries across the UK, frequently hiring chefs with a background in fine dining and European cuisines.
5. Marriott Hotels UK
Renowned hospitality brand recruiting international culinary professionals for hotel kitchens.
6. YO! Sushi
Hiring ethnic cuisine chefs (especially Japanese, Asian fusion) with support for skilled visa sponsorship.
Salary Expectations and Work Conditions
| Role | Salary Range (£/year) | Work Hours | Benefits |
| Head Chef | £40,000–£60,000 | 40–50 hrs/week | Meals, bonuses, relocation |
| Sous Chef | £35,000–£50,000 | 40–50 hrs/week | Training, benefits, promotions |
| Pastry Chef | £30,000–£45,000 | 35–45 hrs/week | Discounts, housing aid |
| Line Cook / Commis Chef | £26,200–£34,000 | 40 hrs/week | Career progression, free meals |
| Ethnic Cuisine Chef | £30,000–£45,000 | Varies | Cultural demand, visa support |
Path to Permanent Residency (ILR)
Foreign chefs on a Skilled Worker Visa can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of lawful residence in the UK.
Benefits:
- Work and live permanently in the UK
- Access to NHS and public services
- Pathway to British citizenship
- Bring dependents/spouse under the same visa
How to Apply for Chef Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Step-by-Step Process:
- Search UK Sponsor Employers
Use the UK government list of licensed sponsors to find employers willing to sponsor. - Update Your CV & Cover Letter (UK Format)
Highlight culinary experience, certifications, and specialties. - Apply Online or Through Agencies
Many UK companies work with international hospitality recruiters. - Prepare for Virtual Interviews
Be ready to discuss kitchen experience, management style, and cuisine skills. - Apply for Skilled Worker Visa
Submit your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), proof of English, job offer, and pay visa fees.
Application Tips for International Chefs
- Get Certified: Culinary diplomas or apprenticeships improve your chances.
- Show Language Skills: IELTS with 4.0+ in all skills may be required.
- Specialize: Ethnic and niche cuisine chefs are in high demand.
- Build Your Brand: Use LinkedIn, food blogs, or a portfolio to show off your work.
- Check Licensing: Ensure your employer is registered as a Skilled Worker sponsor.
Conclusion: Chef Jobs in the UK with Tier 2 Visa – Earn £33K/Year!
Chef jobs in the UK with Tier 2 visa sponsorship are not just jobs—they’re life-changing career opportunities. With salaries starting at £33,000, full visa and relocation support, and a direct pathway to permanent UK residency, 2025 is the perfect time to take your culinary skills abroad.
Whether you’re a sous chef, pastry chef, or an ethnic cuisine expert, UK employers are eager to bring in skilled international talent. Start preparing your documents, polishing your resume, and searching for sponsored chef roles today.
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