Italy is offering over 24,000 visa-sponsored agricultural jobs in 2026 through the Decreto Flussi program. These seasonal roles, from fruit picking to greenhouse work, provide monthly earnings of €1,000–€1,400, often with free or low-cost accommodation. No prior experience or advanced Italian is required, just a willingness to work, learn, and integrate into rural Italian life.
Read Also: Fruit Picking Jobs in Italy with Visa Sponsorship
Why Italy is Offering So Many Agriculture Jobs
Italy’s agricultural sector faces a significant labor shortage. Local workers are increasingly moving away from manual farm labor, leaving thousands of positions vacant during harvest seasons. The Italian government addresses this through the Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree), which sets annual quotas for non-EU workers.
In 2026, the agriculture sector is expected to receive one of the largest allocations of work permits, reflecting the country’s reliance on seasonal international labor.
Types of Agriculture Jobs Available
Agriculture roles in Italy are primarily seasonal and entry-level, focusing on cultivation, harvest, and general farm tasks. Common positions include:
- Fruit and Vegetable Picking/Harvesting: Grapes (viticulture), tomatoes, citrus fruits, olives, apples, strawberries.
- General Farm Labor: Planting, weeding, pruning, irrigating fields.
- Greenhouse Work: Cultivating and harvesting in controlled environments.
- Livestock Assistance: Feeding animals and basic barn maintenance.
- Packing and Sorting: Working in cooperatives or packing houses.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility is straightforward:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Good physical health for manual labor
- Valid passport and ability to travel to Italy
- Willingness to work in rural areas and adapt to seasonal schedules
- Basic Italian skills are an advantage but not mandatory
Physical capability, reliability, and a positive attitude are more important than prior experience.
Visa Sponsorship Process: The Decreto Flussi
The Decreto Flussi is Italy’s legal mechanism for non-EU seasonal workers:
- An Italian employer obtains authorization to hire a foreign worker within the annual quota.
- You secure a job offer (nulla osta) from the employer.
- Apply for a Seasonal Work Visa at the Italian Embassy in your home country.
- Upon arrival, convert the visa into a Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit) for work.
In 2026, a substantial number of permits are reserved specifically for agriculture jobs.
Primary Job Locations in Italy
Agricultural jobs are concentrated in regions known for specific crops:
- Sicily: Citrus fruits, olives, vineyards
- Puglia: Tomatoes, grapes, olive groves
- Veneto & Emilia-Romagna: Fruits, vegetables, vineyards
- Tuscany: Vineyards, olive oil production
- Calabria: Citrus and olive harvesting
Salary and Working Conditions
Expected Earnings for 2026:
- Hourly rate: €7–€10
- Monthly income: €1,000–€1,400 for full-time seasonal work
- Piece-rate pay may increase earnings during harvests
Common Benefits:
- Accommodation: Often provided, shared housing
- Meals: Sometimes included or subsidized
- Transportation: Usually arranged by employer
How to Apply for Farm Jobs in Italy With Visa Sponsorship
Step 1: Prepare Essential Documents
- Valid passport
- Basic CV/resume
- Any work references
Step 2: Find a Legitimate Employer or Agency
- Monitor the Italian Ministry of Interior for official Decreto Flussi updates
- Use portals such as Indeed.it, Subito.it, or regional agriculture boards
- Only work with licensed recruitment agencies authorized to hire for agriculture
Step 3: Secure a Job Offer
Once an employer agrees to sponsor you, they provide the necessary nulla osta for your visa application.
Step 4: Apply for Your Visa
Submit your application for the Italian National Visa for Seasonal Work at your local Italian consulate.
Why It
Conclusion:
Agriculture jobs in Italy provide a genuine and accessible route into the European job market, combining legal work status, fair compensation, and the unique experience of living in Italy’s stunning countryside. For those ready to embrace seasonal, hands-on work, this opportunity is more than employment it’s a chance to save, grow, and potentially build a longer-term future in one of the world’s most culturally rich and welcoming countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for farm work in Italy?
Monthly earnings typically range from €1,000 to €1,300, with hourly rates around €6–€9. Many farms also provide free accommodation and meals, reducing living costs.
Do I need farming experience or Italian language skills?
No prior experience is required training is provided. Basic Italian or English is helpful but not mandatory; many supervisors and work teams are multilingual.
