Chef Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship | Apply Now (2026 Guide)
New Zealand is one of the best destinations for skilled chefs seeking international job opportunities with visa sponsorship, competitive pay, and long-term career growth. With the country’s booming tourism and hospitality industries, restaurants, hotels, resorts, cafés, and catering companies across New Zealand are actively hiring international chefs to fill major workforce shortages.
If you are a professional chef, cook, or culinary graduate looking to work abroad in 2026, New Zealand offers one of the easiest pathways to secure legal employment and even permanent residency.
This guide covers job roles, salary expectations, qualifications, visa routes, and how to apply successfully.
Why New Zealand Needs Chefs
New Zealand’s tourism industry continues to grow, along with its love for multicultural cuisine. As a result:
- Restaurants and hotel chains are expanding
- Many local chefs are relocating abroad
- Seasonal tourism creates high demand for kitchen staff
- New eateries, bakeries, and cafés open every year
Due to these shortages, employers now offer visa sponsorship to qualified chefs willing to migrate and work in the country.
Job Roles Available for Chefs
Depending on your skills and background, you can apply for:
- Head Chef
- Sous Chef
- Line Cook
- Commis Chef
- Pastry Chef
- Bakery Chef
- Catering Chef
- Kitchen Assistant (experience required)
Chefs are needed in hotels, restaurants, cruise kitchens, luxury lodges, resorts, retirement homes, and corporate cafeterias.
Responsibilities of a Chef in New Zealand
While duties vary by establishment, the general responsibilities include:
- Preparing, cooking, and presenting dishes
- Maintaining food safety and hygiene standards
- Managing ingredients and stock levels
- Training junior kitchen staff
- Designing menus and daily specials
- Ensuring quality and taste consistency
- Supervising kitchen operations during busy hours
- Communicating with service staff
- Cleaning, organizing, and maintaining the kitchen
Most employers expect chefs to work flexible shifts, including weekends and holidays.
Salary Range for Chefs in New Zealand
The pay depends on your experience and job level.
Average salaries:
- Commis / Line Cook: NZD $23 – $28/hour
- Sous Chef: NZD $60,000 – $75,000 yearly
- Head Chef: NZD $70,000 – $95,000 yearly
- Pastry/Bakery Chef: NZD $25 – $32/hour
Some employers offer additional benefits:
- Free meals
- Subsidized accommodation
- Overtime pay
- Staff discounts
- Relocation assistance
Benefits of Working as a Chef in New Zealand
Chef jobs come with several valuable benefits:
- Visa sponsorship through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
- Opportunities for permanent residency
- Growing hospitality industry
- Safe and friendly work environment
- High demand for skilled cooks
- Chance to advance into management positions
- Exposure to global cuisines
- Opportunity to work in top restaurants and hotels
With shortages increasing, chefs are among the most in-demand professionals.
Visa Pathways for Chefs
The most common route is:
1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
To qualify, you need:
- A job offer from an accredited employer
- Relevant experience or qualifications
- Compliance with salary and job requirements
2. Skilled Migrant Category (Residency Pathway)
Chefs with strong experience may qualify for long-term residency.
3. Partner of a Worker Visa
If your partner holds a work visa, you may be able to work in any role.
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