Hiring Chefs in the UK: SOC Code 5434 Guide for Employers

Chefs, classified under SOC Code 5434, play a central role in the UK’s hospitality sector, delivering high-quality culinary experiences that drive customer satisfaction and business success. Their responsibilities span food preparation, menu execution, kitchen coordination, and maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and safety.

Chefs under SOC Code 5434 typically perform duties such as:

• Food Preparation & Cooking: Preparing, seasoning and cooking dishes according to recipes or creative direction.
• Menu Execution: Ensuring every dish meets required quality, presentation and portion standards.
• Kitchen Coordination: Working with sous chefs, cooks and assistants to deliver timely service.
• Hygiene & Safety Compliance: Maintaining strict cleanliness and meeting food-safety legislation.
• Quality Control: Monitoring ingredients and final dishes for consistency and excellence.
• Stock Management: Overseeing inventories, reporting shortages and minimising wastage.
• Operational Support: Ensuring efficient day-to-day kitchen operations.

With increasing demand for skilled chefs across restaurants, hotels, cloud kitchens and specialist cuisine operators, hiring qualified professionals is essential for maintaining service excellence. This guide is designed to support HR teams and hospitality employers hiring or sponsoring chefs under the UK immigration system.

What is SOC Code 5434 for Chefs?

SOC Code 5434 applies to chefs responsible for preparing and cooking food in professional kitchens. Their tasks typically include:

• Preparing and cooking meals using different culinary techniques.
• Delivering menus designed by head chefs or contributing creatively depending on seniority.
• Ensuring dishes meet taste, presentation and timing standards.
• Coordinating with the wider kitchen team to ensure smooth service.
• Complying with hygiene standards and food-safety regulations.
• Managing supplies and minimising wastage.

Chefs under SOC code 5434 help ensure efficient operations and exceptional dining experiences.

Eligibility to Hire Chefs (SOC Code 5434)

Job Description: Chefs (SOC Code 5434)

Chefs are responsible for preparing high-quality dishes while ensuring consistency, hygiene and efficiency in the kitchen. They play a key part in the operational success of any hospitality establishment.

Job Requirements

When hiring or sponsoring chefs under SOC Code 5434, employers should ensure candidates have:

Culinary Background

• Experience as a chef, cook or culinary professional in a restaurant, hotel or catering environment.

Food Preparation Expertise

• Ability to prepare, season and cook dishes across various techniques.
• Understanding of food handling, portion control and plating.

Food Hygiene Knowledge

• Compliance with food-safety regulations and HACCP principles.

Kitchen Collaboration Skills

• Ability to communicate and coordinate with kitchen teams during service peaks.

Efficiency & Time Management

• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple dishes simultaneously.

Stock & Waste Management

• Experience monitoring supplies and maintaining budget efficiency.

Employers must also ensure the role aligns with the official duties under the SOC code description for Skilled Worker sponsorship eligibility.

Salary Thresholds

Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to verify that your salary offer meets Skilled Worker Visa requirements.

Sponsoring Chefs: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK chefs, your business must apply for a sponsor licence. This licence allows you to sponsor overseas workers under the Skilled Worker route.

Sponsor Licence Requirements

• Proof that your business is genuine and trading.
• HR systems capable of meeting sponsor licence compliance requirements.
• Evidence of a genuine vacancy.

Fees and Processing Time

• Small businesses: £574
• Medium/large: £1,579
  See more in the sponsor licence fees guide.

Processing typically takes up to 8 weeks, but you can shorten this using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service. For more detail, see how long does a sponsor licence take.

Once approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which enables you to issue Certificates of Sponsorship.

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once your licence is active, you must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the chef.

Types of CoS

• Defined CoS – for applicants outside the UK (see Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship).
• Undefined CoS – for applicants already in the UK.

Check the full list of required paperwork in Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

After receiving their CoS, the candidate can apply for the skilled worker visa.

Key Costs for Employers

• Visa fees (use the visa fees calculator to estimate).
• The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), payable for each sponsored worker.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Chefs

Before employment begins, employers must perform a compliant right to work check.

Options

• Manual document check
• Online share-code check for eVisa holders

For BRP holders, see guidance on the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

Employers must comply with all ongoing sponsor obligations, including:

Record-Keeping

• Keeping copies of passports, visas, contact details and employment contracts.

Reporting Responsibilities

Any key changes—such as job title, salary, location or early termination—must be reported through the sponsor management system (SMS).

Ongoing Compliance

Failure to meet duties can lead to penalties or even sponsor licence revocation, affecting your ability to sponsor future workers.

To understand expectations, review your Sponsor Licence Duties.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Chefs

Sponsoring chefs under SOC Code 5434 can be complex, but Borderless provides end-to-end support to make the process smoother.

Borderless Can Help With:

• Sponsor licence application preparation
• CoS assignment
• Skilled Worker Visa process
• Compliance and SMS guidance

If you need help hiring or sponsoring chefs, you can get in touch with our team for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring chefs under SOC Code 5434 is a highly effective way to strengthen your culinary team and deliver exceptional dining experiences. By following the steps in this guide, employers can navigate the sponsorship process smoothly while ensuring full compliance with UK immigration law.

If you require tailored support at any stage of the process—from licence application to compliance—Borderless is ready to help. Contact us for expert sponsorship assistance.