Seasonal Fruit Picking Jobs in Italy with Visa Sponsorship 2025

Italy is one of the largest producers of fruits and vegetables in Europe. Every year, thousands of foreign workers travel to Italy to work on farms during the harvest season. In 2025, Italy has announced seasonal work opportunities for foreigners under its visa sponsorship program.

If you are looking for a job abroad that does not require high education or prior experience, seasonal fruit picking jobs in Italy can be an excellent choice. These jobs not only provide a chance to earn money but also allow workers to experience Italy’s culture, beautiful landscapes, and lifestyle.

Why Seasonal Workers are Needed in Italy

Italy’s agriculture sector depends heavily on seasonal labor. From spring to late autumn, farms across the country need extra workers to harvest fruits, vegetables, and grapes for wine production.

Italy’s farms face a shortage of local workers.
Foreign workers fill the gap during harvest seasons.
The Italian government provides a seasonal work visa (Decreto Flussi) that allows foreigners to work temporarily in agriculture.

Benefits of Fruit Picking Jobs in Italy 2025

Working as a seasonal fruit picker in Italy comes with several advantages:

Visa Sponsorship Provided by employers under Italy’s seasonal worker program.
Salary: €900 – €1,600 per month (depending on location, farm, and working hours).
Free or Subsidized Accommodation (many farms provide shared housing for workers).
Meals Provided in some cases.
Cultural Exchange: Experience Italy’s traditions while working with international teams.
No High Education Requirement: Anyone physically fit can apply.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for seasonal fruit picking jobs in Italy in 2025, you must meet these requirements:

Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
Education: No specific degree required.
Experience: Not mandatory, but previous farm work is an advantage.
Health: Must be physically fit to perform manual labor outdoors.
Visa Sponsorship: Must be sponsored by an Italian employer approved under the seasonal worker program.

Visa Sponsorship – Seasonal Work Visa (Decreto Flussi)

Italy issues a Seasonal Work Visa for up to 9 months, allowing foreigners to work in agriculture and tourism.

Employers apply for work permits on behalf of workers.
Once approved, workers can apply for a visa at the Italian embassy in their home country.
Workers must sign an employment contract before arriving in Italy.

Types of Seasonal Farm Jobs in Italy

Fruit picking is the most common seasonal job, but there are several other roles:

Fruit and Vegetable Picking (apples, oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, etc.)
Olive Harvesting (used for Italy’s famous olive oil)
Grape Picking (wine industry – very popular in Tuscany, Veneto, and Piedmont)
Packaging and Sorting (sorting harvested fruits for shipment)
Greenhouse Work (planting and maintenance of vegetables)

Average Salary for Seasonal Workers in Italy (2025)

Fruit Pickers: €900 – €1,200 per month
Olive Harvest Workers: €1,000 – €1,300 per month
Grape Harvest Workers: €1,200 – €1,600 per month (due to high demand in wine production)
Packaging & Sorting Jobs: €1,000 – €1,400 per month

Overtime pay is usually available, and some farms also provide free meals and accommodation.

How to Apply for Seasonal Fruit Picking Jobs in Italy (2025)

Step 1: Find a Licensed Employer

Look for Italian farms or recruitment agencies that hire foreign workers under the seasonal work program.

Step 2: Employer Applies for Work Permit

The employer submits an application to the Italian immigration office on your behalf.

Step 3: Apply for Visa

Once the work permit is approved, you apply for the visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in your country.

Step 4: Travel to Italy

After your visa is issued, you can travel to Italy and begin working with your employer.

Best Regions in Italy for Fruit Picking Jobs

Tuscany – Grapes and olives
Sicily – Oranges, lemons, and grapes
Veneto – Grapes for wine production
Puglia – Tomatoes, olives, and citrus fruits
Emilia-Romagna – Apples and pears

Challenges of Seasonal Fruit Picking Jobs

While these jobs offer good opportunities, workers should be aware of some challenges:

Long working hours under the sun.
Physically demanding tasks (lifting, bending, standing for hours).
Seasonal contracts – jobs usually last 3 to 9 months.
Limited English-speaking environment (basic Italian is helpful).

FAQs

Q1: Do I need Italian language skills for fruit picking jobs?

No, but basic Italian can be helpful. Many farms hire international teams where English is commonly spoken.

Q2: Do these jobs require experience?

No, most farms provide training for new workers.

Q3: Can I apply directly without an agency?

Yes, if you find an employer willing to sponsor your visa. However, many workers use recruitment agencies.

Q4: How long is the seasonal visa valid?

Usually up to 9 months, depending on the work contract.

Q5: Can seasonal jobs lead to permanent residency in Italy?

Seasonal visas are temporary, but after multiple years of seasonal work, some workers may apply for long-term permits.

Where to Find Seasonal Fruit Picking Jobs in Italy (2025)?

Here are some platforms to find jobs:

Italian Ministry of Labour Website (Decreto Flussi Portal)
EURES Portal (European Job Mobility Portal)
Agricultural Cooperatives Websites
Recruitment agencies specializing in farm work

Final Thoughts

Seasonal Fruit Picking Jobs in Italy with Visa Sponsorship 2025 are a great opportunity for foreigners who want to work abroad without needing high qualifications. With good salaries, free accommodation, and visa sponsorship, these jobs are perfect for students, first-time workers, and those looking for short-term overseas experience.