Fruit Picking Jobs in Sweden
Fruit Picking Jobs in Sweden Sweden is one of the best countries in Europe for seasonal fruit picking jobs. Every summer, from June to September, Swedish farms hire thousands of local and foreign workers for strawberry, apple, blueberry, raspberry, and currant harvesting.
If you are looking for a legal seasonal job in Europe with good salary, free accommodation, and no high education required, this complete guide is for you.
Key Takeaways
- Job Type: Seasonal Fruit Picking (Strawberry, Apple, Blueberry, Raspberry, Lingonberry)
- Season: May to October, Peak season: June – September
- Salary: SEK 125 – 160 per hour (approx. SEK 22,000 – 28,000 per month)
- Experience: Not required, training provided on farm
- Age Limit: Must be 18 years or older
- Visa: EU/EEA citizens need no visa. Non-EU citizens need Sweden Seasonal Work Permit
- Accommodation: Most farms provide shared housing + meals
- Best Regions: Skåne, Blekinge, Småland, Kalmar, Öland, and Norrbotten
Why Choose Fruit Picking Jobs in Sweden?
Sweden offers some of the highest seasonal wages in Europe with strict labor laws that protect foreign workers.
- High Hourly Pay: Unlike many countries, Sweden pays by hour, not just by kg. You get minimum guaranteed pay.
- Legal Protection: All seasonal workers get a written contract, insurance, and regulated working hours.
- No Education or IELTS Required: You only need physical fitness and willingness to work outdoors.
- Pathway to Europe: Legal seasonal work history in Sweden helps for future Schengen visas.
- Free Housing: 90% of large berry and apple farms offer low-cost or free shared cabins near the farm.
Types of Fruit Picking Jobs in Sweden
1. Strawberry Picking Jobs
Most popular and highest demand. Main areas: Skåne (Scania), Blekinge, and Kalmar. Season: June to August. Work includes picking, sorting, packing, and greenhouse work.
2. Apple and Pear Picking Jobs
Main areas: Öland, Gotland, Kivik in Skåne, and Småland. Season: August to October. Slightly higher pay and longer season.
3. Wild Berry Picking Jobs (Blueberry, Lingonberry, Cloudberry)
Main areas: Northern Sweden – Norrbotten, Västerbotten, Dalarna. Season: July to September. Often paid per kg + hourly base.
4. Raspberry, Currant and Cherry Picking
Greenhouse and open-field work. Season: July to September.
Other related roles: Fruit Sorter, Packer, Farm Helper, Greenhouse Worker, Driver, and Team Supervisor.
Salary for Fruit Picking Jobs in Sweden
Sweden has no fixed national minimum wage, but seasonal farm workers are covered by collective agreements.
Average Pay in 2026:
- Per Hour: SEK 125 – 160 (EUR 11 – 14 / USD 12 – 15)
- Per Month: SEK 22,000 – 28,000 for 40 hours/week
- Overtime: 1.5x pay after 40 hours
- Piece Rate for Berries: SEK 18 – 25 per kg extra bonus
Most workers earn SEK 65,000 – 90,000 for a full 3-month season, after deduction for housing (SEK 2,500 – 3,500/month).
Note: Salary is paid directly to your Swedish bank account. Taxes (around 20-25% for seasonal workers) apply.
Requirements and Eligibility
To apply for fruit picking jobs in Sweden, you need:
- Age 18+ with valid passport (valid for at least 12 months)
- Good physical health – able to stand, bend, and lift 10-15 kg for 6-8 hours
- No experience needed – but farm experience is a plus
- Basic English – Swedish language is not required
- Clean background for work permit approval
- Job Offer Letter from a Swedish employer (mandatory for non-EU work permit)
EU/EEA citizens from Poland, Romania, Lithuania, Bulgaria can start work directly. Non-EU citizens from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Nepal, Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria need a Seasonal Work Permit.
Benefits Provided by Swedish Farms
- Legal employment contract
- Free or subsidized accommodation near farm
- Work insurance and medical coverage
- Free work tools, gloves, and training
- Transport from housing to farm
- 1-2 days off per week
- Possibility of contract extension and return next season
Best Locations for Fruit Picking in Sweden
- Skåne (Kristianstad, Kivik, Malmö) – Strawberries and Apples
- Blekinge (Karlshamn, Ronneby) – Strawberries and Raspberries
- Kalmar and Öland Island – Apples, Strawberries
- Småland (Växjö, Jönköping) – Mixed fruits
- Norrbotten and Lapland – Wild Blueberries and Cloudberries
How to Apply for Fruit Picking Jobs in Sweden
Follow these legal steps only. Do NOT pay any agent upfront for a guaranteed visa.
Step 1: Find a Job Offer
Apply on the official Swedish job portal or EURES. Get an official Job Offer / Employment Contract signed by the farmer.
Step 2: Employer Applies for Permit
For non-EU, your employer must submit the offer to the Swedish Migration Agency.
Step 3: Apply for Seasonal Work Permit
Apply online at migrationsverket.se with passport, job offer, and insurance.
Step 4: Biometrics and Visa
After approval (2-3 months), give biometrics at Swedish Embassy and travel to Sweden.
Official Agency Number and Location for Application
Apply only through official government channels:
1. Arbetsförmedlingen (Swedish Public Employment Service) – EURES Sweden
This is the main government agency for seasonal jobs in Sweden.
Phone Number: +46 771 416 416 (0771-416 416 within Sweden)
Location / Head Office: Hälsingegatan 38, 113 43 Stockholm, Sweden
Website: arbetsformedlingen.se / eures.europa.eu
How to use: Search “Säsongsarbete, Bärplockare, Fruktplockare” and apply directly to employer.
2. Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) – For Work Permit
Phone Number: +46 771 235 235 (0771-235 235)
Location / Head Office: Slottsgatan 82, 601 70 Norrköping, Sweden
Website: migrationsverket.se
How to use: Check seasonal permit requirements and processing time.
3. Licensed Farms (Direct Apply):
Major hiring farms like Blomlöfs Röda Gård (Skåne), Kiviks Musteri (Kivik), and Olssons Berries (Blekinge) hire directly via email from May onwards. Address is mentioned in the job ad on Arbetsförmedlingen.
Scam Alert: Real Swedish employers never ask for money via WhatsApp, Western Union, or JazzCash/Easypaisa. Always verify the company’s organisation number (organisationsnummer) on the job ad.
Sweden Seasonal Work Visa for Non-EU Applicants
- Visa Type: Sweden Seasonal Work Permit (Säsongstillstånd) – up to 6 months
- Processing Time: 6 to 12 weeks
- Fee: SEK 2,000 (approx. EUR 175)
- Documents: Passport, Job offer (form for seasonal work), Proof of accommodation in Sweden, Health insurance, Bank statement
- Duration: 3-6 months, renewable next season
EU citizens do not need this permit.
Conclusion
Fruit picking jobs in Sweden are an excellent opportunity for students, unskilled workers, and seasonal migrants to earn in Euros, live in safe rural Sweden, and gain European work experience. The pay is high, conditions are fair, and demand for 2026 season is already open.
Start early, apply only through Arbetsförmedlingen and EURES, get a legal job offer, and prepare your documents for June. With hard work, you can save a good amount in just one summer season.
Apply early, stay away from fake agents, and get ready for Sweden’s berry season!
FAQs About Fruit Picking Jobs in Sweden
1. What is the salary for fruit picking in Sweden?
Average salary is SEK 125-160 per hour, which is SEK 22,000-28,000 per month for full-time work. Overtime and piece-rate bonuses are extra.
2. Do I need experience or education to apply?
No. No degree or experience is required. You must be 18+, physically fit, and ready to work outdoors.
3. Can foreigners / non-EU apply for fruit picking jobs in Sweden?
Yes. Non-EU citizens can apply but must have a job offer first and then get a Sweden Seasonal Work Permit from Migrationsverket.
4. Is accommodation free for pickers?
Most large farms provide shared cabins or hostel rooms for SEK 2,500-3,500 per month, deducted from salary. Some include electricity, kitchen, and transport.
5. When should I apply for 2026 season?
Apply between January to April. Peak hiring is March-May. Visa processing takes 2-3 months, so apply early.
6. What is the official agency contact to apply?
Contact Arbetsförmedlingen at +46 771 416 416, Head Office: Hälsingegatan 38, Stockholm. Search all verified seasonal jobs free on arbetsformedlingen.se.
