Imagine earning a stable, legal income in the heart of Europe, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Polish countryside. For those with strong hands and a determined spirit, Poland’s thriving agricultural sector offers a golden opportunity. Fruit picker jobs for 2026 come with full visa sponsorship, a monthly salary of €1,200–€1,600, and benefits like free accommodation and health insurance, all without requiring a formal degree.
This is more than a job; it’s a secure pathway to a European work experience, cultural immersion, and a chance to build a better future for yourself and your family. Your journey to a rewarding career under the open sky begins in Poland.
Understanding the Role and Its Realities
This is physically demanding, outdoor work that is essential to Poland’s agribusiness. Success in this role requires resilience and a strong work ethic.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Harvesting fruits like apples, cherries, strawberries, and raspberries by hand.
- Carefully sorting and grading produce based on size, color, and quality.
- Packing fruits into containers for shipment, ensuring they meet quality standards.
- Performing general field maintenance tasks, such as weeding, repairing fences, and cleaning orchards.
- Adhering to all farm safety and food hygiene protocols.
Work is weather-dependent and involves long hours on your feet, often with repetitive motions.
Eligibility and Key Requirements
To be considered for a sponsored position, you must typically meet these criteria:
- Age and Health: Be at least 18-21 years old and in good physical condition, capable of manual labor.
- Work Ethic: Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and a willingness to work as part of a team.
- Basic Communication: Understanding basic instructions in English, Polish, or another common language among the workforce is necessary for safety and efficiency.
- Legal Eligibility: Possess a valid passport and no criminal record that would impede a work visa.
While prior farm experience is beneficial, a positive attitude and proven reliability are often more important to employers.
The Visa Sponsorship Process: The Seasonal Work Permit
The primary legal route for this work is the Seasonal Work Permit. This is a structured process managed by your employer.
Here’s how it generally works:
- Secure a Job Contract: You must have a formal employment offer from a Polish employer who is registered to hire seasonal workers from outside the EU.
- Employer Applies for Permit: Your employer applies for a seasonal work permit on your behalf at the local Voivodeship Office in Poland. This permit is typically valid for up to 9 months in a 12-month period.
- Apply for a National (D-Type) Visa: With the work permit, you apply for a long-stay National Visa at the Polish consulate in your home country.
- Register Upon Arrival: Once in Poland, your employer should assist you in registering your address and finalizing your legal status.
Salary, Benefits, and Realistic Financial Expectations
It is crucial to have accurate financial expectations. The previously mentioned salary of €1,200–€1,600 per month is highly unrealistic for a standard fruit picking role.
A more accurate compensation overview:
- Payment Structure: Pay is often based on a piece-rate system (amount per kilogram picked) or an hourly rate.
- Realistic Earnings: A diligent worker can typically expect to earn between PLN 3,000 to PLN 5,000 per month gross (approximately €650 to €1,100), depending on the crop, speed, and weather conditions.
- Overtime: May be available during peak harvest and is paid at a premium.
Standard Benefits Package:
- Accommodation: Shared, subsidized housing is commonly provided.
- Meals: Access to a kitchen or subsidized meals in a staff canteen is typical.
- Health Insurance: Mandatory coverage under the Polish social insurance system (ZUS) for the duration of the contract.
- Transport: Work-related transport is usually provided.
Where Are the Jobs Located?
Fruit farms are concentrated in key agricultural regions:
- Lubelskie (known for orchards)
- Mazowieckie
- Łódzkie
- Świętokrzyskie
These regions offer a rural, community-focused lifestyle.
How to Apply for Fruit Picker Jobs in Pola
Step 1: Prepare a Simple, Honest CV
- Focus on any experience with manual labor, outdoor work, or teamwork.
- Highlight soft skills: reliability, physical fitness, and ability to work early hours.
- Clearly state your need for visa sponsorship.
Step 2: Target Your Job Search Correctly
- Use Reputable Channels: The safest method is to apply through licensed Polish recruitment agencies that specialize in seasonal agricultural work. Avoid unofficial social media offers.
- Platforms: Use Polish job boards like Praca.pl and the official EURES portal.
- Keywords: Search for “zbiór owoców dla cudzoziemców” (fruit picking for foreigners) or “praca sezonowa w rolnictwie” (seasonal work in agriculture).
Step 3: Understand the Contract
Before accepting any offer, ensure the contract clearly outlines:
- The payment structure (hourly or piece-rate).
- Deductions for accommodation and meals.
- Working hours and overtime policy.
- The duration of the contract.
Conclusion
In summary, fruit picker positions in Poland for 2026 represent a premier opportunity for international workers seeking stable and legally protected employment in the European Union. Backed by visa sponsorship, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits like accommodation and health insurance, these roles offer a secure and enriching path to working abroad.
The combination of Poland’s robust agricultural industry, fair labor laws, and cultural richness makes it an ideal destination for building a future. For those ready to embrace physical work, this is a proven stepping stone to a better life in the heart of Europe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a fruit picker in Poland?
The average monthly salary for a fruit picker in Poland ranges from €1,200 to €1,600. Earnings can be higher with overtime or if paid on a piece-rate system where you are paid for the amount you harvest.
Do I need any experience or a degree to apply?
No, formal education is not required. While 1-2 years of farm experience is preferred, it is not mandatory. Employers primarily look for physical fitness, dedication, and the ability to perform manual labor
