Looking for UK hospitality jobs with visa sponsorship in 2026? Explore top job roles in hotels, resorts, and restaurants, learn how to apply, and find out how to secure sponsorship as a foreign worker.
The United Kingdom’s hospitality industry continues to thrive despite economic shifts and post-Brexit labor shortages. With a rising demand for workers across hotels, restaurants, and resorts, 2026 presents a great opportunity for foreigners seeking hospitality jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship.
Whether you’re experienced in food service, housekeeping, front desk management, or kitchen support, the UK is actively welcoming international workers through government-backed work visa routes. Employers across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are struggling to fill positions and are turning to skilled and unskilled labor from abroad.
In this detailed guide, you’ll discover the best hospitality jobs in the UK that offer visa sponsorship in 2026, how to apply, which work visas you’re eligible for, and what employers are currently hiring. We’ll also explore salary expectations, key requirements, and trusted job portals to get you started.
Key Highlights
- 🇬🇧 Hospitality employers across the UK are actively sponsoring visas due to local worker shortages.
- 💼 Roles in hotels, resorts, and restaurants are available to both skilled and unskilled international applicants.
- 📄 Visa sponsorship is mostly offered under the Skilled Worker Visa route, with certain job codes on the Shortage Occupation List.
- 🏨 Employers are hiring for positions like chefs, waiters, housekeepers, kitchen assistants, and front desk staff.
- 📌 Major cities like London, Edinburgh, and tourist hubs like Bath and the Lake District offer the highest job volume.
Top UK Hospitality Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in 2026
1. Chef (All Levels – Head, Sous, Commis, etc.)
Chefs are still in high demand across the UK. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a kitchen assistant with growth potential, many employers are willing to sponsor the right candidate.
- Average Salary: £25,000 – £38,000/year
- Visa Route: Skilled Worker Visa
- Shortage Occupation List: Yes (for chefs earning £26,200+)
- Top Locations: London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham
📍 Explore chef jobs: https://www.caterer.com/
2. Housekeeping Staff (Hotels & Resorts)
Housekeepers are essential for maintaining cleanliness in hotels, resorts, and B&Bs. No formal qualifications are required, making this a great entry-level job for immigrants.
- Average Salary: £20,000 – £24,000/year
- Visa Route: T2 (Skilled Worker, if employer qualifies)
- Top Employers: Premier Inn, Travelodge, IHG Hotels
📍 Jobs available on: https://www.indeed.co.uk
3. Restaurant Server / Waiter / Waitress
Restaurants in cities and countryside pubs alike are constantly recruiting service staff. Some luxury and chain restaurants offer visa sponsorships to experienced foreign servers.
- Average Salary: £19,000 – £25,000/year + tips
- Visa Route: Limited sponsorship (Skilled Worker for supervisory roles)
- Top Employers: Gordon Ramsay Group, Hilton Restaurants
4. Hotel Front Desk / Receptionist
These roles involve managing guest check-ins, reservations, and service inquiries. Multilingual ability is a bonus.
- Average Salary: £22,000 – £27,000/year
- Visa Route: Skilled Worker Visa (for supervisor/head receptionist roles)
- Top Locations: London, Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast
5. Kitchen Porters / Assistants
These support roles include dishwashing, food prep, and general kitchen maintenance. Many UK employers are open to training and sponsoring kitchen staff from abroad.
- Average Salary: £19,000 – £22,000/year
- Visa Route: Limited (via Skilled Worker for certain roles)
6. Bar Staff / Mixologists
Cocktail bars, hotel lounges, and pubs often seek experienced bar staff, especially those with unique drink preparation skills.
- Average Salary: £20,000 – £26,000/year
- Visa Route: Skilled Worker Visa (senior mixologists or bar supervisors)
- Top Cities: London, Leeds, Brighton
7. Cleaning and Maintenance Staff
Hotels, restaurants, and event spaces need janitorial staff for sanitation, waste disposal, and facility upkeep. These roles often provide stable employment with potential accommodation.
- Average Salary: £18,000 – £23,000/year
- Visa Route: May be eligible through employer sponsorship on Skilled Worker Visa
Who Can Apply for UK Hospitality Jobs with Sponsorship?
You are eligible to apply if:
- You are 18 years or older
- You have a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor
- You meet the English language requirement (e.g., IELTS, CEFR B1)
- The job is on the UK’s Skilled Occupation List
- The salary meets the minimum threshold (usually £20,960 or more)
For roles like chefs and certain supervisors, jobs qualify under the Skilled Worker visa, and visa sponsorship becomes more straightforward.
How to Apply for UK Hospitality Jobs with Visa Sponsorship (2026 Guide)
Step 1: Search for Licensed UK Sponsors
First, you’ll need to apply to employers who are licensed by the UK Home Office to sponsor foreign workers.
✅ Visit the official list here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
Filter by industry: “Hospitality,” “Food services,” or “Accommodation.”
Step 2: Use Trusted Job Boards
Apply on reputable platforms that filter jobs by sponsorship options:
- https://www.caterer.com/ – Best for chef & hotel jobs
- https://www.indeed.co.uk – Use “visa sponsorship” in the search
- https://www.glassdoor.co.uk
- https://www.ukhired.com/ – Specifically lists sponsored jobs
Step 3: Create a UK-Style CV
Ensure your CV is:
- Concise (2 pages max)
- Clearly formatted (experience listed with dates)
- Focused on hospitality experience or transferable skills
- Includes contact info, availability, and visa status
Step 4: Apply Directly or Through Recruitment Agencies
Send direct applications or work with specialized agencies like:
- Blue Arrow UK – Hospitality recruitment
- HRC Recruitment
- Caterer Global – Hotel jobs with sponsorship
Be cautious of scams. Legitimate employers do not charge application or visa processing fees.
Step 5: Attend Online Interviews
If shortlisted, you may be interviewed via Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams. Be ready to:
- Speak in English fluently
- Discuss past roles and availability
- Provide references
Step 6: Get Job Offer + Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once hired, the employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You’ll use this document when applying for your Skilled Worker Visa.
Step 7: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
Apply online via the UK government portal:
📍 https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Required documents include:
- CoS from employer
- Valid passport
- English language test results
- Bank statements (proof of funds)
- Tuberculosis test (if required for your country)
Visa cost:
- Application fee: £610 – £1,408
- Healthcare surcharge: £624 per year
Conclusion: Take the First Step Toward Your UK Hospitality Career
The UK hospitality sector offers real opportunities for foreign workers in 2026. Whether you’re an aspiring chef, a reliable housekeeper, or a friendly server, many employers are looking to fill urgent staffing gaps with motivated international applicants.
With visa sponsorships now more accessible than ever—especially under the Skilled Worker route—this is your moment to apply and begin your journey to the UK.
Get your documents ready, update your CV, and start sending out applications today. Your UK hospitality career could begin within months.
👉 Don’t wait. Apply now and work legally in the UK hospitality industry with full visa support!
FAQs
1. Can I get a UK hospitality job with sponsorship without experience?
Yes, some entry-level roles like housekeeping, cleaning, and kitchen assistants may not require formal experience. However, having relevant experience gives you an edge.
2. What is the minimum salary for visa sponsorship in the UK?
The minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker Visa is £20,960 or £26,200 depending on the role and experience. Some shortage occupations have reduced thresholds.
3. Is IELTS mandatory for hospitality jobs in the UK?
Yes. You must meet the English language requirement through IELTS or an equivalent test (usually CEFR level B1 or higher).
4. Are part-time hospitality jobs eligible for sponsorship?
No. Sponsorship is only available for full-time roles. You must work at least 30 hours per week to qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa.
5. How long does the UK Skilled Worker Visa take to process?
The average processing time is 3–8 weeks, depending on your country of residence and the completeness of your application.
