Italy’s agricultural industry remains one of the strongest in Europe, offering thousands of seasonal jobs every year for both local and foreign workers. With increasing demand for fresh fruits such as apples, grapes, olives, berries, and citrus, Italian farms are actively hiring international workers for the 2026 harvest season. Many farms also provide visa sponsorship, making Fruit Picking and Packing Jobs in Italy 2026 an excellent opportunity for those seeking legal employment abroad.
These roles are ideal for people who enjoy outdoor work, want to gain international experience, and are willing to relocate temporarily to Italy’s countryside. Whether you have previous farm experience or are completely new to agricultural work, Italy’s seasonal farm sector is open to international talent.
Why Choose Fruit Picking and Packing Work in Italy?
Fruit picking and packing jobs offer several benefits, especially for foreign applicants looking for stable seasonal work with visa opportunities.
Key Advantages
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Visa sponsorship is available for non-EU workers through seasonal work permits.
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Outdoor work allows you to enjoy Italy’s natural landscapes, vineyards, and orchards.
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Full training is provided, making the job suitable even for beginners.
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Competitive hourly wages with the possibility of overtime and bonuses.
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Experience in an EU agricultural setting strengthens your resume for future opportunities.
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Opportunity to live in rural Italy and enjoy its culture, food, and lifestyle.
Job Overview
Job Title: Fruit Picker, Packer, Harvest Worker, Farm Labourer
Country: Italy
Industry: Agriculture/Horticulture
Employment Type: Seasonal Full-Time
Visa Sponsorship: Yes (employer-assisted)
Education Required: No advanced degree needed
Experience Required: None; training provided
Accommodation: Provided or assisted by employer
Start Date: 2026 harvest season (varies by crop and region)
Regions:
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Northern Italy – apples, grapes
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Central Italy – olives, mixed fruits
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Southern Italy – citrus, vegetables
Main Duties and Responsibilities
As a fruit picking and packing worker, you will be responsible for tasks that ensure smooth harvesting and packing operations. Duties may include:
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Picking ripe fruits such as apples, grapes, cherries, olives, or citrus.
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Sorting fruits according to size, quality, and appearance.
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Packing produce into boxes or crates for transport.
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Identifying and removing damaged or unripe fruit.
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Assisting with weighing, recording harvest quantities, and loading trucks.
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Cleaning tools, crates, and work areas.
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Following safety rules and working efficiently in outdoor environments.
This role requires physical fitness, the ability to work in changing weather conditions, and teamwork.
Salary and Benefits
Salary depends on region, farm size, and whether payment is hourly or piece-rate. Below are typical estimates for seasonal workers in Italy:
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Hourly wage: €10 to €14
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Working hours: 8–10 hours per day, 5–6 days per week
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Accommodation: Shared housing or employer-assisted options
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Meals: Provided or subsidised on some farms
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Contract duration: 3–6 months
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Visa assistance: Employer handles work permit request
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Overtime: Available during peak harvest
With accommodation often included, workers can save a significant portion of their earnings.
Who Can Apply?
Fruit picking and packing jobs in Italy are open to non-EU citizens who meet basic requirements.
Minimum Requirements
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A valid passport with at least 12 months validity.
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Age typically between 18 and 45 (varies by employer).
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Physically fit for manual labour.
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Basic English or willingness to learn simple Italian phrases.
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Good health and clean criminal record.
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Ability to commit to the full harvest season.
Preferred Qualifications
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Previous agricultural or physical labour experience.
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Ability to work in outdoor conditions.
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Reliability, punctuality, and teamwork spirit.
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Willingness to return for multiple seasons.
Visa Sponsorship and Application Process
Italy allows employers to sponsor seasonal workers through a structured process. The typical visa pathway for foreign pickers includes:
Step-by-Step Process
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Job Offer
You apply to a farm and receive an official job offer mentioning visa sponsorship. -
Employer Work Permit Request
The farm submits a work permit application to Italian immigration authorities. -
Visa Application
Once approved, you submit documents to the Italian embassy in your home country. -
Travel to Italy
After receiving the visa, you travel to Italy, attend orientation, and begin work. -
Contract and Registration
Your employer registers you locally and provides accommodation details.
Always confirm that the contract includes visa sponsorship before accepting an offer.
Documents Required
Prepare these documents in advance to speed up your application:
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Updated CV or resume
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Passport copy
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Recent passport-size photographs
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Educational certificates (optional)
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Police clearance certificate
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Medical fitness certificate (if required)
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Employer’s job offer letter
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Accommodation details
Having both scanned and printed versions will make the process smoother.
Work Environment and Lifestyle
Seasonal workers enjoy a unique lifestyle on Italian farms:
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Work takes place in orchards, vineyards, or fields in rural or semi-rural areas.
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Weather varies by region; northern Italy is cooler, while the south is warmer.
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Housing is usually shared, dormitory-style accommodation.
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Teams often include workers from Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.
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Workdays start early in the morning and end in the afternoon, with breaks for meals.
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Weekends or evenings allow time to explore local towns, markets, and Italian cuisine.
This experience provides a blend of work, cultural immersion, and personal growth.
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How to Apply for Fruit Picking and Packing Jobs in Italy 2026
Step 1: Prepare Your Resume
Keep it simple and highlight your physical fitness, work willingness, and availability for seasonal employment in Italy.
Step 2: Search for Hiring Farms
Look for openings listed under:
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Fruit picker Italy visa sponsorship
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Seasonal farm work Italy 2026
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Agriculture jobs in Italy for foreigners
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Send your CV, passport copy, and a short note stating your availability for seasonal farm work in 2026.
Step 4: Attend Interview
Employers may conduct short video or phone interviews to confirm your suitability and schedule.
Step 5: Receive Job Offer and Begin Visa Process
Once selected, the farm will initiate your work permit and guide you through the visa steps