Moving to Australia as a chef: Visas, costs and what to expect

Thinking about swapping London drizzle for Sydney sunshine? For many UK chefs, Australia offers an irresistible mix of career opportunity and lifestyle.

With a thriving dining scene, competitive salaries, and a more balanced way of life, the country continues to attract hospitality professionals from across the globe.

From beach-side bistros in Bondi to fine dining restaurants in Melbourne, demand for skilled chefs remains high.

This guide breaks down what UK chefs need to know - from visa types and relocation costs to average salaries and practical advice on settling in. Whether you’re considering a short-term move or a permanent relocation, here’s what to expect when building your culinary career Down Under.

Read more - Where chefs thrive: The best Australian cities for culinary ambition

At a Glance

- Average chef salary: A$70,000–A$90,000 (metro typically higher)

- Common visa types: Subclass 482, 186, 417

- Cities with highest demand: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

- Typical relocation cost: £3,000–£5,000

- Working week: 38–50 hours

Understanding Australia’s Work Visas for Chefs

Australia offers several visa options for professional chefs, depending on experience, employer sponsorship, and how long you plan to stay. Always check the official Australian Department of Home Affairs site or a registered Migration Institute of Australia agent for current requirements.

1. Working Holiday Visas (Subclass 417 & 462)

- Ideal for chefs under 35 wanting short-term work.

- Length: 12 months, extendable to 2–3 years with regional work.

- Eligibility: UK passport holders qualify for Subclass 417; you must not have previously entered Australia on the same visa.

- Best for: Young chefs, sous chefs, and kitchen staff seeking flexible travel and work.

2. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

- This is the most common route for experienced chefs moving long-term.

- Length: Up to 4 years.

- Eligibility: Requires a formal job offer and sponsorship from an approved Australian employer.

- Pathway: Can lead to permanent residency via the 186 visa after several years with the same employer.

3. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

- For chefs already sponsored under the 482 visa who wish to stay permanently.

- Length: Permanent residency.

- Eligibility: Generally requires at least 3 years’ full-time work experience and sponsorship by the same employer.

- Benefits: Access to Medicare, long-term employment rights, and a pathway to citizenship.

Tip: Many restaurants and hotel groups work with migration specialists — ask your prospective employer for advice before applying.

Cost of Relocation: Flights, Rent & Start-Up Budget

Moving to Australia is exciting, but the upfront costs can add up quickly.

Typical one-time setup: £3,000–£5,000 (AUD $5,700–$9,500).

Average Chef Salaries (AUD + GBP Comparison)

Ranges below are anchored to SEEK’s job listings (October 2025), cross-checked with Hays, Glassdoor, and PayScale. GBP figures use a conversion of £0.48 per A$1 (Wise rate, 21 Oct 2025). Actual offers vary by city, venue type, and overtime.

Metro uplift (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane): It’s common to see Head Chef roles advertised at A$90,000–A$120,000+, depending on the size of the restaurant and level of responsibility.

Understanding Pay Structures

- Advertised vs reported pay: SEEK and Hays reflect advertised salaries (what employers offer now). User-reported sites like Glassdoor or PayScale can lag behind in hot markets.

- Award minimums: Australia’s Hospitality Industry (General) Award sets the legal minimum rates and penalty loadings; most full-service venues exceed these to attract talent.

Working Conditions

- Standard week: 38 hours (award standard), but expect up to 50 during busy seasons.

- Pay: Often hourly, with overtime and penalty rates for weekends or late shifts.

- Holidays: Four weeks annual leave plus public holidays.

While rents in Sydney and Melbourne are high, wages and working conditions - including Australia’s Fair Work protections - ensure hospitality professionals are compensated fairly for overtime and weekends.

How Long You Can Stay & Extend Your Visa

Your stay depends on your visa type:
- Working Holiday (417/462): Extend to a 2nd or 3rd year after 88 days of regional work.
- Subclass 482: Up to 4 years, renewable or convertible to a permanent 186 visa.
- Subclass 186 (PR): Permanent, with the option to apply for citizenship after four years of residence.

Tax & Superannuation:
- Tax File Number (TFN): Required for all workers; apply via ato.gov.au.
- Superannuation (“Super”): Employers contribute 11% of your wage into a retirement fund. If you leave Australia, you can claim this back through a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP).

Common Pitfalls When Relocating

1. Underestimating rent and setup costs – Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne have competitive rental markets.
2. Visa delays or incomplete applications – Missing documentation can delay processing.
3. Unpaid work trials – Extended unpaid trials breach Fair Work rules.
4. Tax confusion – Ensure your TFN is submitted before your first payday.
5. Cultural adjustment – Australian kitchens value teamwork and informality.

Useful Visa Resources

- Australian Department of Home Affairs – Visa Information
- Fair Work Ombudsman – Hospitality Pay & Conditions
- Migration Institute of Australia – Find a Registered Agent
- The Staff Canteen Job Board

Final Thoughts

Australia’s hospitality industry is vibrant, creative, and hungry for skilled chefs. Whether you’re chasing the beaches of Queensland or the energy of Melbourne’s laneways, opportunities abound for talented professionals ready to take the leap.

Do your research, plan your visa carefully, and connect with local networks through The Staff Canteen Job Board and networking lunches to hit the ground running.