Fruit Picking Jobs in Italy with Visa Sponsorship

Picture yourself harvesting fresh fruit under the Italian sun, sharing meals with a local family, and living a slower, more meaningful life in the countryside. Fruit-picking jobs in Italy offer more than seasonal income; they offer connection, culture, and a chance to experience Europe from the inside.

With monthly earnings ranging from €1,032 to €2,835, plus free accommodation and meals, these family farm roles are ideal for foreigners seeking affordable work opportunities with visa support. Low working hours, welcoming hosts, and immersive rural living make Italy’s fruit farms one of the most rewarding work options in Europe

Why Choose Fruit Picking Jobs in Italy?

Italy boasts one of Europe’s largest agricultural sectors, with over one million workers contributing to the production of fruits, olives, and wine grapes exported worldwide. After the pandemic, Italy faced a shortage of agricultural labor, prompting the government to open more jobs to international applicants.

Key reasons to consider farm jobs in Italy include:

• Visa sponsorship for foreign applicants.
• Competitive wages ranging from €1,032 to €2,835 per month, depending on the region and role.
• No advanced education required, making these jobs accessible to unskilled workers.
• Cultural immersion, learning authentic Italian farming practices while living with local families.
• Free food and accommodation offered by many employers

Details of Fruit Picking Jobs in Italy with Visa Sponsorship

Key Points

• Title: Fruit Picker / Farm Worker / Orchard Worker
• Location: Friuli, Italy (70 km east of Venice, 12 km from Adriatic Riviera)
• Employer: Workaway Family Farm (established 1962)
• Job Focus: Fruit picking and orchard management
• Accommodation: Free (private room + shared bathroom)
• Food: Free (provided by the family, plus access to youth kitchen)
• Visa Support: Yes
• Transport: Local buses and trains; free bike provided
• Languages Spoken: Italian, English, Spanish, beginner German
• Expected Work Hours: 4–5 hours/day, 5 days/week
• Stay Duration: Minimum 2 weeks (longer stays encouraged)

Requirements for Fruit Picking Jobs in Italy

These roles are accessible and welcoming:

• Open to locals, foreigners, and students.
• Available through cultural exchange programs.
• Applicants must speak at least one of these languages: English, Italian, or Spanish (beginner German accepted).
• Participants with children must follow Child Protection Guidelines.
• Good physical health is required due to lifting, pruning, and long walks.
• Adaptability to farm life and community living is essential.
• No formal education or prior farming experience is necessary, though basic knowledge of farming is a plus.

Daily Responsibilities of Fruit Pickers

Tasks vary by season but typically include

• Harvesting fruits like apples, cherries, and nectarines.
• Sorting, packing, labeling, and weighing fruit.
• Pruning trees and thinning fruit bunches.
• Maintaining orchards: weeding, soil care, irrigation, and fertilization.
• Monitoring tree health and planning operations.
• Operating farm equipment for pruning and training trees.
• Working in outdoor fields near rivers and resorts.

During harvest season (July to December), workers play a key role in ensuring high-quality fruit reaches the market.

Lifestyle Benefits at Italian Family Farms

Family farm jobs offer a unique chance to enjoy Italy’s countryside:

• Free accommodation with private rooms and shared facilities.
• Daily meals provided by the family.
• Stable internet access at the farm.
• Free bike for commuting and exploring.
• Easy access to buses (20 minutes to Lignano) and trains (1 hour to Venice or Trieste).
• Opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports.
• Interaction with host family pets.
• Language exchange with family members (English, Italian, Spanish, and German).
• Social activities with the host family’s children, including beach trips.

This combination of work, culture, and outdoor lifestyle makes the role ideal for personal growth and cultural exchange.

Benefits of Working at Italy’s Family Farms

• Hands-on experience in modern orchard management.
• Learning sustainable farming practices aligned with UN Sustainability Goals.
• Enjoying Italy’s countryside, beaches, and rivers.
• Participating in cultural and language exchange.
• Living with a welcoming host family.
• Short work hours (4–5 per day) compared to many other farm jobs.

Best Time to Apply

• March to October: Young tree training.
• May to July: Fruit removal, pruning, irrigation, and tree training.
• July to December: Main harvest and post-harvest pruning.

Early applications are recommended, especially for the July–December harvest season.

How to Apply for Fruit Picking Jobs in Italy

• Visit Workaway or similar platforms.
• Search for “Fruit Picking Jobs in Italy with Visa Sponsorship 2026.”
• Read the farm’s requirements and benefits carefully.
• Update your CV and cover letter, highlighting adaptability and willingness to work outdoors.
• Submit your application via the job portal.
• If selected, the host family provides an invitation letter for your visa application.

Conclusion

Fruit-picking jobs in Italy’s family farms provide a rare blend of paid work, cultural exchange, and lifestyle benefits. With visa sponsorship options, minimal entry requirements, and strong demand during harvest seasons, these roles are perfect for beginners, students, and international workers looking to gain European work experience.

From competitive monthly pay to free housing, food, and flexible hours, Italy’s agricultural sector continues to open doors for foreigners ready to work and adapt. For those dreaming of living in Europe while earning legally, Italy’s fruit farms remain an excellent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions