Hiring chefs in the UK has never been easy — but in 2025, thanks to a tangled web of immigration rules and labour shortages, it’s become a serious crisis for pubs, restaurants, and hospitality groups nationwide.
Whether you're running a neighbourhood gastropub or overseeing a multi-site restaurant operation, it's likely you’ve felt the squeeze. The skilled candidates just aren’t out there like they used to be.
So what’s really driving the shortage? And what do the latest visa rules mean for your ability to hire chefs from abroad?
Let’s break it down.
🧨 What’s Caused the UK Chef Shortage?
There’s no single culprit, but Brexit and immigration policy are central.
Pre-2020, many UK kitchens were staffed by chefs and kitchen workers from the EU — experienced professionals from Spain, Italy, France, Poland and more. Under freedom of movement, they could come here, start work immediately, and help power the UK hospitality industry.
But Brexit changed everything. Since 2021:
- Free movement ended
- EU nationals now need a visa to work in the UK
- Many returned home during the pandemic — and didn’t come back
It’s estimated that 120,000 EU workers left UK hospitality. That’s a talent drain we haven’t recovered from.
Meanwhile, the domestic chef pipeline isn’t strong enough to fill the gap. Fewer people are training to become chefs, and long hours, high stress, and relatively low pay have put many off the profession entirely.
🚧 Why It’s So Hard to Hire Chefs from Abroad Now
If you're thinking, “Can’t I just sponsor a visa for a chef from overseas?”, the answer is technically yes — but in reality, it’s complicated, expensive, and often not feasible for smaller businesses.
Here’s why:
❗ New Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold: £38,700
As of April 2024, the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker Visa is £38,700. That’s a huge jump from the previous ~£26,000 threshold.
Many chef roles — especially chef de partie and sous chef positions — don’t pay that much. So even if you find a great candidate abroad, you legally can’t sponsor them unless you’re offering £38.7k+.
Some exceptions exist for “new entrants” under 26 or graduates, but it still excludes most junior- and mid-level roles.
💰 The Cost of Sponsoring a Visa
Even if the salary works, the financial and admin burden can be a dealbreaker:
- Sponsor Licence application: ~£536 (small companies)
- Certificate of Sponsorship: £199 per person
- Immigration Skills Charge: Up to £1,000/year per visa
- Legal/HR support: If needed, adds more cost
- Processing time: Can take months
If you’re a small pub or independent restaurant, that’s a lot to commit for one hire.
🤯 Compliance Stress
Being a sponsor comes with legal responsibilities:
- You must monitor visa expiry dates
- Keep records of working hours and absences
- Report certain changes to the Home Office
Mistakes can result in fines of up to £20,000 per illegal worker. For most small operators, it’s just too risky and admin-heavy.
⚠️ Chefs Are No Longer on the ‘Shortage Occupation List’
Previously, chef roles (excluding fast food) were listed as shortage occupations, meaning:
- Lower salary thresholds
- Discounted visa fees
- Easier process for sponsorship
But in 2024, the list was replaced with a new Immigration Salary List — and chef roles didn’t make the cut.
That makes overseas hiring even harder, especially for mid-level kitchen roles.
So What Can You Do?
While changing immigration policy isn’t something most employers can control, there are a few actions you can take right now:
1. Improve Retention
Keeping the chefs you already have is more important than ever. Think:
✅ Better rotas and time off
✅ Clear progression pathways
✅ Investing in training or mentorship
✅ Culture that values staff wellbeing
Even small changes can reduce churn — and save you from going back to square one.
2. Widen Your Recruitment Net
Consider:
- Relocating UK-based chefs (offer help with moving)
- Hiring career changers or returners
- Partnering with local colleges or training providers
- Posting jobs on chef-specific platforms like Only Chefs — where the right candidates are already looking
3. Explore Sponsorship (if you're ready for it)
If you can afford the costs and admin, sponsoring a visa could still work — particularly for head chefs or high-value roles.
Make sure:
- The role meets salary thresholds
- You’re properly licensed and compliant
- You get legal advice to avoid missteps
It’s not for everyone, but for some businesses it’s a viable long-term option.
Final Word
The UK hospitality industry is at a turning point.
Chef shortages are real — and they’re not going away overnight. Brexit and tough visa rules have reshaped how we hire. But with a clearer understanding of the system, and a few smart moves, businesses can still find great talent.
At Only Chefs, we’re here to make that easier. Whether you’re looking to fill your next kitchen role or build a long-term team, we help employers connect with committed, career-minded chefs — no agencies, no fluff.
👨🍳 Ready to hire better?
👉 Post your job today