Seasonal Berry Picking Work in Switzerland for Foreigners 

Have you ever pictured yourself working in the stunning Swiss countryside, where fields of luscious berries beckon you and verdant valleys extend beneath snow-capped peaks?

If so, 2025 might be your opportunity to make that goal come true. Foreigners are welcome to apply for seasonal berry pickers in Switzerland, a country known for its cheese, chocolate, and unspoiled way of life. These positions provide low entry barriers, the potential for a good salary, and the exceptional ability to work lawfully while taking in the tranquil splendor of the Alps.

This year’s comprehensive guide to berry-picking jobs in Switzerland covers everything from prerequisites and rewards to how to apply and begin your journey.

Why Switzerland Needs Foreign Berry Pickers

Switzerland’s berry fields face the same issue every summer: a lack of local labor. The jobs are physically taxing, seasonal, and frequently found in isolated rural areas, which are far from the majority of Swiss citizens’ homes.

Swiss farmers depend on foreign workers to keep up with the harvest. Many are from South Asia, Latin America, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe. However, anyone who is legally permitted to work is eligible for these chances. Actually, a lot of farms now support their seasonal employees by providing housing, meals, and assistance with work permits.

Read Also: Chocolate Factory Worker Jobs in Switzerland with Visa

Types of Berries You’ll Pick

Switzerland grows all kinds of berries, including

• Raspberries
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Currants

Requirements

Basic Requirements

• Age: The ideal age range is usually between 18 and 45.
• Health and Fitness: Because the job requires a lot of bending, lifting, and standing, you must be physically fit.
• Work ethic: The capacity to work diligently, fast, and for long periods of time, frequently outside in a variety of weather conditions
• Language Proficiency: While not required, a basic understanding of English, German, or French is beneficial.
• No Degree Required: Neither a professional certification nor a university degree is required.

Document Requirements

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
• CV/resume – basic and simple format is acceptable
• Passport-sized photo
• Police clearance certificate – may be required to prove clean criminal record
• Medical fitness certificate – confirming you’re able to do physical labor
• Willingness to sign a seasonal work contract with the employer

Legal & Visa Requirements

• Work Permit: Most farms help with the process and may sponsor a seasonal work visa
• EU/EEA Citizens: Can work without a visa or with simplified procedures
• Non-EU Citizens: Will usually need a valid work permit/visa arranged by the employer

Benefits

Good Pay

• Make between 15 and 18 CHF per hour, or roughly $2,800 to $3,500 USD per month.
• compensated by the weight of the fruit harvested or by the hour
• In certain situations, weekend and overtime pay may be applicable.

No Formal Education Needed

• No specific training or degree is needed.
• Perfect for students, new employees, or people with little education

Visa Sponsorship

• Many farms provide support for seasonal visas or work permits.
• Particularly beneficial for non-EU citizens

Accommodation & Meals

• Some employers offer housing that is either free or inexpensive.
• There may be meals or cooking amenities provided.
• reduces your living expenses.

Travel Opportunity

• Work amid the stunning landscape of Switzerland
• Discover the local culture, snow-capped mountains, and verdant valleys.
• Fantastic opportunity to travel and make money

International Work Experience

• enhances the value of your resume
• Collaborate with individuals from different nations
• Boost your proficiency in German, French, or English.

Short-Term Commitment

• Ideal for people seeking seasonal or temporary employment
• In the summer, contracts often run two to three months.

Legal, Safe Employment

• governed by Swiss labor regulations
• Clear contracts and equitable working conditions

When Does the Berry Picking Season Start?

• Strawberries: Late May to July
• Raspberries & Currants: June to August
• Blueberries: July to September
• Blackberries: July to September

How Much Can You Earn?

In Switzerland, berry-picking occupations are compensated either by the weight (in kilograms) of berries harvested or by the hour.

Depending on the canton (area), the minimum salary for agricultural laborers is normally between CHF 15 and CHF 18 per hour.

Most workers put in around 40 to 50 hours per week.

That means monthly earnings can be:

CHF 2,500 to 3,200 per month
Approximately $2,800 to $3,500 USD

Who Can Apply?

A university degree or other particular credentials are not required to apply for berry-picking employment in Switzerland. Your physical prowess and willingness to work are more important. The majority of farms are searching for the following:

• The ideal age range is often 18 to 45.
• Because the job requires bending, lifting, and standing for extended periods of time, you must be physically fit.
• Working outdoors should be comfortable for you, regardless of the weather—hot, cold, or rainy.
• Picking berries swiftly but carefully to prevent damage is a task that demands both speed and attention to detail.
• Although it’s not required, knowing the basics of French, German, or English can aid with communication.

Documents Required

A few pieces of standard paperwork must be ready if you want to apply for a berry harvesting job in Switzerland. Employers can use these to confirm your background, identification, and health. What you typically require is as follows:

• Valid passport: After you apply, your passport should still be valid for at least six months.
• Simple CV or resume: A basic CV or resume is a concise synopsis of your professional background, abilities, and personal information.
• Passport-sized photo: A passport-sized photo is frequently used for identification or employment permits.
• Police clearance certificate: A police clearance certificate, which is occasionally necessary, certifies that you are safe to hire and have no criminal history.
• Medical fitness certificate: A medical fitness certificate attests to your physical health and ability to perform the job.
• Willingness to sign a seasonal work contract: Willingness to sign a seasonal employment contract: You must accept the parameters of the job, which include duration, remuneration, and working hours.

How to Apply

• agrarjobs.ch
• jobup.ch
• Indeed, Switzerland
• EURES Portal—for EU citizens
• Local Facebook groups like “Farming Jobs in Europe”

Conclusion

Foreigners will have the chance to engage in legal, lucrative, and culturally enriching seasonal berry picking in Switzerland. It’s an excellent choice for students, tourists, or anyone looking for temporary employment overseas because of its low entry requirements, reasonable salary, and support for visas.

You will contribute to an important agricultural sector while earning money, traveling abroad, and taking in the breathtaking splendor of the Swiss Alps. Don’t pass up the opportunity to spend a memorable summer exploring Switzerland, working lawfully, and living reasonably.

Frequently Asked Questions