Restaurant Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship For Foreigners

Imagine turning your passion for food and service into a thriving career in the vibrant heart of the UK’s hospitality scene. For 2026, doors are opening wider than ever for international talent. Whether you’re crafting dishes as a chef or creating memorable experiences as waitstaff, you can join this dynamic industry with the support of visa sponsorship.

Best of all, you can embark on this journey with the confidence of a competitive income, with many roles offering an attractive hourly salary of £20. Your dream job in a UK restaurant is not just a possibility; it’s within reach.

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Why There is Demand for Restaurant Jobs in UK

The sustained demand is driven by several key factors:

1. Robust Hospitality & Tourism Industry: The UK is a global tourism destination, with major cities like London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham requiring a large, year-round hospitality workforce.
2. Critical Domestic Labor Shortages: The sector faces a well-documented shortage of both skilled chefs and service staff, making visa sponsorship a necessary strategy for many employers.
3. Culinary Innovation and Diversity: The expansion of diverse cuisine scenes (e.g., fine dining, street food, international concepts) increases demand for chefs with specialized skills.
4. High Volume and Seasonal Peaks: Restaurants experience intense demand during holidays, summer, and events, creating a continuous need for reliable staff.

Read Also: Hotel Restaurant Assistant Jobs in UK 2026

Types of Restaurant Jobs Available in the UK

Roles are divided between skilled (eligible for sponsorship) and entry-level positions.

1. Chef de Partie / Sous Chef: Skilled roles requiring formal training and experience. These are the most commonly sponsored positions.
2. Restaurant / Catering Manager: A senior role overseeing operations, finance, and staff. Requires substantial experience.
3. Specialist Chef: Roles like Pastry Chef or Sushi Chef where specific, verifiable expertise is required.
4. Wait Staff / Bartender / Barista: Typically not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route unless combined with supervisory duties (e.g., Head Waiter, Bar Manager).
5. Kitchen Porter / Assistant: An entry-level role; not eligible for skilled visa sponsorship.

Salary Expectations for Restaurant Jobs in UK

Salaries vary widely by location (London weighting), role, and establishment.

• Important Note: The quoted £20 per hour figure is not standard for entry-level roles. It is more aligned with skilled chef positions in high-end establishments.
• Realistic Salary Ranges:
  • Commis Chef / Kitchen Assistant: £10.50 – £12.50 per hour.
  • Chef de Partie: £24,000 – £32,000 per annum.
  • Sous Chef: £28,000 – £40,000 per annum.
  • Restaurant Manager: £30,000 – £45,000+ per annum.
• Additional Benefits: Often include staff meals, service charges/tips, pension contributions, and sometimes accommodation assistance.

Job Responsibilities of Restaurant in UK

Responsibilities are role-specific:

• Chef: Menu planning, food preparation, kitchen management, maintaining hygiene standards (Food Safety Level 2+), and training junior staff.
• Restaurant Manager: Staff scheduling, financial control, customer service excellence, inventory, and compliance with licensing laws.
• Service Staff: Providing customer service, taking orders, handling payments, and maintaining dining area cleanliness.

Requirements for Jobs with Visa Sponsorship (Skilled Worker Visa)

Securing sponsorship is challenging and has strict legal requirements:

1. Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor: The employer must hold a valid UK Sponsor Licence. The job offer must be for a role on the Skilled Worker eligible occupations list.
2. Skill Level & Salary Threshold: The role must be skilled to RQ Level 3 (A-level equivalent). The salary must meet a general threshold of £26,200 per year or the “going rate” for the specific occupation, whichever is higher. For example, a Chef de Partie must meet its specific going rate.
3. Formal Qualifications & Experience: For skilled chef roles, a relevant vocational qualification (NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent) and several years of professional, verifiable experience are essential.
4. English Language Proficiency: Must demonstrate English at CEFR Level B1 (intermediate) through a secure test or a recognized degree taught in English.
5. Financial Requirements: Proof of personal savings if required.

Visa Requirements

1. Secure a Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor: You must obtain a formal job offer from a UK-based restaurant that holds a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence from the Home Office.
2. Check the Job is Eligible for Sponsorship: The specific restaurant role must be on the UK’s Skilled Worker list of eligible occupations. Common eligible roles include chefs (all specialities) and restaurant managers.
3. Meet the Minimum Salary Threshold: Your job offer must meet the general minimum salary requirement, which is £26,200 per year, £10.75 per hour, or the “going rate” for the specific job—whichever is highest. The going rate for chefs, for example, varies by speciality.
4. Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your sponsoring employer must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a unique electronic reference number that confirms your job offer and details. You need this to apply for the visa.
5. Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa: With your CoS, you must apply online for the Skilled Worker visa. You’ll pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
6. Prove English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate knowledge of English at level B1 (intermediate) on the CEFR scale. You can prove this by passing a secure English language test (SELT) or holding a degree taught in English.
7. Provide Evidence of Maintenance Funds: You must show you have enough personal savings to support yourself upon arrival (usually £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days) unless your sponsor can certify your maintenance on the CoS.
8. Submit a Valid Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate: If you are applying from a country where TB screening is required, you must provide a valid TB test certificate from a UKVI-approved clinic.
9. Have a Valid Passport or Travel Document: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and have at least one blank page for the visa vignette (sticker).

How to Apply for Restaurant Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship

1. Target Licensed Sponsors: Focus your search on employers who can legally sponsor. These include:
   • Large hospitality groups: (e.g., Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, D&D London, Dishoom, Marriott, Hilton).
   • High-end hotels and gastropubs.
   • Contract caterers for corporate sites and events.
   • Check the official UK Government Sponsor Register.
2. Use Precise Job Search Terms: On Caterer.com, Indeed, and LinkedIn, filter for “Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship.” Search for job titles like “Sous Chef visa sponsorship” or “Chef de Partie licensed sponsor.”
3. Prepare a UK-Style CV: Highlight culinary qualifications, years of experience in specific cuisines, hygiene certifications, and any supervisory responsibilities. Quantify achievements (e.g., “reduced kitchen waste by X%”).
4. Engage Specialized Agencies: Recruiters like The Change Group, Corecruitment, and Berkeley Scott specialize in hospitality and often work with sponsoring employers.
5. Understand the Visa Process: If you receive a job offer, the employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You then use this to apply for your Skilled Worker Visa, providing proof of English, funds, and a TB test (if required).

Conclusion

The UK’s restaurant sector in 2026 presents a landscape rich with opportunity for international job seekers. From the bustling kitchens of London to the charming eateries of Edinburgh, the demand for passionate hospitality professionals continues to grow.

With the clear pathway of visa sponsorship and the prospect of earning a competitive wage like £20 per hour, a rewarding career is more accessible than ever. By understanding the requirements, preparing a strong application, and leveraging available resources, you can successfully secure your place in this exciting and welcoming industry.

Frequently Asked Questions