Looking for a Chef job in United Kingdom (2026)?
AlmiJob gives you complete information on how to search and apply for the job.
Searching across borders is exhausting — dozens of local sites, in a language you may not speak, the same details typed into box after box. Upload your CV once, in any language. We read it, send you straight to the right job sites in United Kingdom, and erase your file. Read once, then gone — never stored, never logged, never sold.
1. Optimize Your Resume and Documents
- Check current visa eligibility: Confirm the latest Skilled Worker rules for chefs (post-July 2025 RQF Level 6 change) before applying.
- Portfolio of experience: Document senior kitchen roles, cuisines, brigade size and references.
- Find a licensed sponsor: Target employers who hold a sponsor licence and advertise chef sponsorship.
Official sources & references
A few things to check before you start
- Does the role meet the current (post-July 2025) Skilled Worker skill and salary thresholds for chefs?
- Do you have senior, verifiable kitchen experience?
- Is the employer a licensed sponsor?
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Chef jobs in United Kingdom — questions answered
- Where are chef jobs in United Kingdom?
- High demand in a vibrant culinary scene with a skilled-staff shortage — in 2024 about 63% of London hospitality roles were held by non-UK workers. Manchester and London are especially strong.
- What salary range do chef jobs in United Kingdom pay?
- Roughly £22,000 to £45,000+, from about £18,000 entry-level to £60,000+ for executive chefs.
- Which cities hire chefs in United Kingdom?
- London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh
- Which employers hire chefs in United Kingdom?
- Restaurant and hotel groups, Fine-dining and gastropub operators, Contract caterers, Resorts and venues
- What licence or credential do you need in United Kingdom?
- No licence required. Note the Skilled Worker route tightened on 22 July 2025 — the minimum skill level rose to RQF Level 6, so new chef sponsorships are now limited; check current eligibility carefully.
- What work-permit / visa route applies in United Kingdom?
- Skilled Worker visa where the role meets the eligible occupation code and salary threshold — but recent rule changes have restricted chef sponsorship, so confirm the latest position before relying on it.
- What language level do you need?
- English to the Skilled Worker standard.
Good to know about Chef jobs in United Kingdom
- Hospitality is one of the most international workforces in the UK, but immigration policy for chefs has tightened recently.
- A strong, verifiable work history and senior kitchen experience improve your chances under the stricter rules.
- Before 22 July 2025, chefs benefited from shortage-occupation treatment; the higher skill threshold has since narrowed the route.
- Executive and head-chef roles are more likely to meet salary/skill thresholds than junior kitchen positions.
Local job sites in United Kingdom (2)
What you can do on AlmiJob
- Upload your CV in any formatPDF, DOCX, or a photo of a paper CV — we read it and show you the details to confirm.
- Any languageUpload in any language; AlmiJob reads it, detects your role, and translates where needed.
- Opened for your countryWe open the right local and global job sites for your country, with the search pre-filled for this role.
- Free, no accountCompletely free. Your CV is read once and never stored.
Upload once and search Chef jobs in United Kingdom across every site with one CV — free.
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