Chef.
Also known as Cook, Sous chef, Chef de partie
Chefs plan menus, prepare and cook food, and run kitchen sections in restaurants, hotels and catering operations across Ireland, working to food-safety and quality standards.
What this role involves
Chefs prepare and cook food and help run the kitchen in restaurants, hotels, gastropubs and catering operations across Ireland. Depending on level, duties include developing and costing menus, preparing ingredients, cooking dishes to a consistent standard, managing a kitchen section, and maintaining strict food-safety and hygiene practices under HACCP. Roles range from commis and chef de partie through to sous chef and head chef. The hospitality sector has ongoing demand for skilled kitchen staff, particularly outside peak tourist areas.
When this role fits
Likely a fit when
- you prepare and cook food to a professional standard
- you can run a kitchen section under pressure
Likely not a fit when
- your role is front-of-house or general hospitality service
- you have only home-cooking experience
Official occupation classification
Roles like this usually map to the following SOC 2010 occupation code, which Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment uses on its occupation lists.
- SOC 5434Primary
Employment permit route signal
Possible but conditional
This is an occupation-level signal only. The exact duties, salary, qualifications, employer and permit route decide the outcome.
- On the Ineligible List, except for Executive Chef with minimum of 5 years’ experience Head Chef with minimum of 5 years’ experience Sous Chef with minimum of 5 years’ experience Chef de Partie with minimum of 2 years’ experience Commis Chef with minimum of 2 years’ experience who will be employed in establishments other than fast food outlets. A role that fits that exception is not excluded, so the General Employment Permit route applies.
This is an occupation-level signal only. It is not a determination of eligibility, sponsorship, or permit approval.
Typical skills and qualifications
Certifications
- HACCP food safety
Technical skills
- Commercial cookery
Transferable skills
- Teamwork
- Time management
Find licensed recruitment agencies
Licensed agencies whose public websites mention the relevant sector. Explore the directory to research each agency yourself.
7 agencies whose websites mention Hospitality and food recruitment
Browse Hospitality and food agencies
Before you rely on a permit pathway
Depending on the exact duties, salary and employer, some roles in this area may be considered under Ireland's General Employment Permit or Critical Skills Employment Permit routes, while others may fall on the ineligible list. This is general information only, not immigration advice, and official eligibility depends on the current occupation lists and your individual circumstances.
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Important
Source: IrishTalents editorial content, aligned to the UK SOC 2010 occupation classification used by Ireland's Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.