Visa-Sponsored Farm Jobs in Italy 2026 – Urgent Hiring
Visa-Sponsored Farm Jobs in Italy 2026 – Urgent Hiring Italy is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for foreign agricultural workers. Here is everything you need to know about visa-sponsored farm jobs in Italy for 2026:
📋 Overview – The Decreto Flussi Program
1 Italy opened **40,075 seasonal agriculture work permits** in 2026 under its **Decreto Flussi** program — a legal pathway for non-EU citizens to work on Italian farms, pick fruit, and do seasonal field labor. 8 About **267,000** of the 497,550 three-year total are allocated to seasonal jobs (mainly agriculture and tourism), and roughly 230,550 to non-seasonal employment (including self-employment). 1 The 2026–2028 framework expanded quotas significantly compared to previous years. For 2026, the seasonal agriculture allocation sits at **40,075 permits**, making it one of the largest accessible legal pathways for non-EU workers entering Italy.
🌾 Types of Farm Jobs Available
1 **What counts as “seasonal agriculture”?** Fruit and vegetable picking, grape harvest (vendemmia), olive collection, packing and sorting produce, greenhouse planting, field irrigation work, and general farm maintenance all qualify under this category.
Specific roles include:
- 3 **Farm Laborers** responsible for sowing, harvesting, and general fieldwork. **Vineyard Workers**, particularly in regions such as Tuscany and Piedmont, who concentrate on the cultivation of grapes for wine production.
- 3 **Olive Grove Workers** responsible for the cultivation of olive trees and the harvesting of olives for olive oil production. **Livestock Keepers** responsible for animal care, including feeding, herding, and ensuring animal welfare.
- 2 **Dairy Farm Workers** responsible for farm maintenance, milking, and animal care — positions that are more permanent and typically involve extended visa sponsorship contracts.
Companies & Organizations Hiring Farm Workers in Italy 2026
🌾 1. Italian Agricultural Associations (Primary Hiring Bodies)
5 In 2026, **Italian farms, agricultural cooperatives, and horticultural enterprises** were granted the right to employ foreign workers in accordance with work visa sponsorship packages. Here are the major organizations involved:
🟢 A. Coldiretti
- Type: Italy’s largest national agricultural association
- What they do: 8Coldiretti, the main Italian agricultural association, has created a platform to connect farms seeking labor with people looking for work as agricultural workers.
- 12 According to an analysis by Coldiretti, migrant workers provide **32% of the total days of labor** needed on Italian farms.
- 11 For 2026, the agricultural click day on January 12 successfully processed all available quotas, with **Coldiretti confirming** that the new system is working more efficiently than in previous years.
- 12 **Coldiretti President Ettore Prandini** stated that efficient visa quota management is key to ensuring farms have regular employees and avoiding unfair competition from exploitative employers.
- 🌐 Platform: Job in Country — jobincountry.it
🟢 B. Confagricoltura (AgriJob Platform)
- Type: Major Italian agricultural employers’ federation
- 8 **Agrijob**, created by **Confagricoltura**, is another platform for looking for work in the agricultural sector. You cannot see job offers directly, but you can register on the “Sei un lavoratore” page, and you will be contacted by the Confagricoltura office in your area if there are opportunities for you.
- 🌐 Platform: agrijob.it
🟢 C. CIA – Agricoltori Italiani
- Type: Italian Farmers’ Confederation
- 8 You can also register on the **CIA-Agricoltori Italiani** platform by entering your personal data and information regarding your experience in the agricultural sector, and you will be contacted if there are job opportunities for you.
- 🌐 Platform: cia.it
🟢 D. AgriJobs Südtirol (South Tyrol Region)
- Type: Regional agricultural jobs platform
- 15 **AgriJob** is the jobs platform for the agricultural sector. With this platform you can find farm workers, day labourers, harvest workers and domestic workers.
- 15 Recent listings include roles such as **Qualified/Specialized Worker** (Rosengartner, Bolzano), **Domestic Worker** (Feldhof, Castelbello), **Permanent Employee** (Agentur Landesdomäne, Merano), and **Office Employee** (AGRIMPRESAVENETO SRL, Venice).
- 🌐 Platform: agrijobs.it/en
🟢 E. Prima Foods Italy
- Type: Food production and agricultural company
- 9 **Prima Foods Italy**, in addition to its food production business, now offers job opportunities for foreigners with visa sponsorship — allowing both skilled and unskilled workers from different countries to work legally in Italy.
- 9 The company **sponsors eligible foreign workers** with Italy work visas and provides **free housing** or subsidized living arrangements near the workplace.
- Benefits include: 9fair wages and benefits including competitive salaries, paid overtime, bonuses, and free accommodation; career growth through training programs and internal promotions; and a safe, diverse work environment.
- 🌐 Website: primafoods.ltd
Apply Now || Apply Now || Apply Now || Apply Now ||
🗺️ 2. Key Hiring Regions & What They Grow
1 **Sicily, Puglia, Campania, Veneto, and Trentino** all hire heavily for seasonal agricultural roles.
| Region | Main Products |
|---|---|
| Tuscany & Piedmont | Vineyard/grape harvesting for wine |
| Sicily & Campania | Greenhouse work, tomatoes, citrus |
| Umbria | Olive picking |
| Northern Italy (Veneto, Trentino) | Apples, wheat, sugar beets, dairy |
| Southern Italy | Apples, oranges, lemons |
14 Italy’s primary crops include **tomatoes, olives, and wine grapes**. Regions of Northern Italy also produce wheat, sugar beets, soybeans, corn, barley, rice, meat, and dairy products, while Southern Italy primarily grows fruits, including apples, oranges, and lemons.
💼 3. Available Job Roles & Pay
5 In 2026, the compensation of farm workers in Italy is dependent upon their level of experience and the season. Entry-level workers receive a monthly salary of **€1,200 to €1,500**, while experienced or specialist seasonal workers can earn **€1,600 to €2,000 per month**.
| Job Title | Salary Range | Contract Type |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit & Vegetable Picker | €1,200–€1,500/month | Seasonal (2–5 months) |
| Vineyard/Grape Harvest Worker | €1,400–€1,800/month | Seasonal |
| Olive Grove Worker | €1,200–€1,500/month | Seasonal |
| Farm Laborer (General) | €1,200–€1,800/month | Seasonal/Permanent |
| Greenhouse Worker | €1,400–€1,800/month | Up to 9 months |
| Livestock Keeper | €1,400–€1,800/month | Seasonal/Permanent |
| Dairy Farm Worker | €1,600–€2,000/month | Permanent/Extended |
1 Italy has a large **greenhouse industry**, especially in Sicily and Campania, where workers tend to flowers, herbs, and vegetables in climate-controlled environments. These roles require more attention to plant health and can last longer into the off-season — sometimes up to **9 months**.
💰 Salary & Benefits
2 Agriculture Jobs in Italy with Visa Sponsorship 2026 offer **monthly salaries ranging from €1,200 to €1,800** for individuals with 2–3 years of experience. 4 With monthly salaries ranging from **EUR 1,600 to EUR 2,000** for experienced workers, these positions offer a chance to gain practical agricultural experience while being legally employed under visa sponsorship.
Additional benefits include:
- 2 **Accommodation Support** – Many farms offer **free or affordable accommodation**, making it easier to settle and focus on work.
- 2 **Training and Guidance** – Workers receive on-the-job training and mentorship, even with limited prior agricultural experience.
- 2 **Possibility of contract renewal and re-entry visas.**
- 1 Working hours are typically **8–10 hours per day, 6 days per week** during peak harvest. Overtime is possible and generally paid at a higher rate.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
5 To apply for the job quota in Italy 2026, one must:
- Be a citizen of a non-EU country covered by the Decreto Flussi
- Receive a valid job offer from an Italian employer who submits the application during official click-days
- Be adult (18 years and above) and be in good condition to work
- Have no criminal record and a valid passport
16 For the agricultural seasonal worker quotas, citizens from the following countries are eligible: **Albania, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Philippines, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Japan, Jordan, Guatemala, India, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Mali, Morocco, Mauritius, Moldova, Montenegro, Niger, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Peru, Senegal, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.** 8 **All nationalities are eligible** for seasonal jobs and domestic caregiver visas, as those categories are not limited by country lists.
📅 Important 2026 Click-Day Dates
15 The deadlines for submitting applications for entry permits under this Decree for 2026 were:
- From January 12, 2026: Entries for seasonal work in the agricultural sector
- From February 9, 2026: Entries for seasonal work in the tourism sector
- From February 16, 2026: Entries for non-seasonal employment
- Starting February 18, 2026: Entries for non-seasonal employment in the family care sector
⚠️ Important: 16All 30,000 agricultural seasonal worker places available for the January 12 click day were filled on the same day, which means 16the main agricultural allocation for 2026 was fully subscribed on January 12. However, unused quotas may be reallocated throughout the year, and the government has indicated it will redistribute any unclaimed spots every 30 days.
🏠 Where to Find Farm Jobs in Italy
9 **Coldiretti**, the main Italian agricultural association, has created a platform to connect farms seeking labor with people looking for work as agricultural workers. 9 Another platform for looking for work in the agricultural sector is **Agrijob**, created by **Confagricoltura**.
You can also:
- Visit the official Italian government immigration portal: portaleimmigrazione.it
- Check with your country’s overseas employment authority for bilateral agreements
⚠️ Scam Warning
1 Any agent or “recruiter” asking for **€500–€5,000 in advance “processing fees”** to guarantee you a permit is almost certainly a **scammer**. Legitimate employers do **not** charge workers for the authorization process. **Never send money** before you have a verified, written job offer.
🔄 Can Seasonal Work Lead to a Permanent Permit?
14 The residence permit for seasonal employment has a **maximum validity of 9 months** and is not renewable beyond this time frame. However, if the foreign national is offered a permanent or temporary job offer, the residence permit **can be converted** into a standard employment residence permit, which is always renewable. 5 Yes — provided that you are continuously employed and satisfy the requirements, you can **switch to a non-seasonal permit** in the future.
Work Conditions & Labor Policies for Farm Workers in Italy 2026
📜 1. Legal Framework & Constitutional Rights
15 Italy does not have a national unified labor code. Labor legislation is wide-ranging, with laws, regulations, and statutes that bear on labor relations. The Constitution of Italy (Articles 35–47) contains declarations of principle relating to fair payment, maximum working hours, vacation, protection of women and minors, social insurance, illness, disability, industrial diseases and accidents, Freedom of Association, and the right to strike. 13 Employees have the right under Section 36 of the Constitution to receive a salary “proportionate to the quantity and quality of work and in any case sufficient to ensure for the worker and his family a free and dignified existence,” as well as access to adequate social security and protection from any kind of risk that can affect employees’ capacity to work. 16 Italy scores well when it comes to employees’ rights. It is among the top countries on the 2023 Global Rights Index measuring worker and trade union rights. Union membership is fairly high and employees have their civil liberties protected in employment contracts. The country also scores an incredible 94/100 on the 2022 Labor Rights Index — higher than the regional average of 89 observed across Western Europe.
🕐 2. Working Hours & Overtime
15 Since 1987, the Italian Department of Labor has limited the maximum working hours to **48 hours a week**. Workers must take **one day off for every six days** of work (weekly). They are also entitled to national holidays and regular holidays. Those who provide domestic services are eligible for a minimum of eight days of paid leave, and all other workers receive a minimum of **three weeks** of paid leave. 1 Working hours on farms are typically **8–10 hours per day, 6 days per week** during peak harvest. Overtime is possible and generally paid at a higher rate. 17 Overtime work is not explicitly defined under Italian labor law, but employers cannot record more than **250 hours of additional work per year** per employee. Collective bargaining agreements regulate overtime work, and usually decide additional compensation for overtime at **15%–50% of employees’ hourly pay**. 8 Overtime, night, holiday, or shift work premiums (up to **EUR 1,500 annually**) will be subject to a **15% flat tax** for employees earning up to EUR 40,000 in 2026.
📋 3. Employment Contracts
16 Under Italy’s labor law, every person who works has a right to an **employment contract (contratto di lavoro)**. These don’t necessarily have to be extensive written contracts but can be, for example, oral agreements. However, key information such as salary and work hours **must be in a written document within 30 days** of the start date. 10 EU Directive 2019/1152 requires employers to provide workers with written information covering **employment type, working hours, remuneration, leave entitlements, termination procedures, and applicable collective agreements** before employment begins. Non-compliance results in administrative fines under national labour laws. 1 Contracts for seasonal agriculture jobs range from **2 to 5 months**
Key Takeaways
- The Opportunity is Real: The Italian government’s Decreto Flussi program is actively bringing in tens of thousands of foreign workers in 2026 to combat severe agricultural labor shortages.
- It is Employer-Driven: You cannot apply for a work visa on your own. You must first secure a job offer from an Italian farm or cooperative, which will then apply for your government work clearance (Nulla Osta).
- Zero Upfront Government Fees for Workers: Legitimate employers cover the costs of the Nulla Osta and recruitment. Anyone asking you to pay hundreds of Euros upfront for a “guaranteed visa” is running a scam.
- Path to Residency: While seasonal agricultural visas initially last for up to 9 months, current 2026 policies allow you to convert this seasonal permit into a standard, multi-year work permit if you secure a permanent job offer while in Italy.
- Worker Protections: If you face exploitation by an illegal gangmaster (caporalato), reporting them to Italian authorities now entitles you to an emergency 6-month residency permit to find legal, safe work.
🏁 Conclusion
As we head into the busy summer harvest season of May through October 2026, Italian farms are in urgent need of reliable labor. The recent release of emergency agricultural quotas by the Ministry of Labour means hiring is currently at its peak.
To succeed, you must treat this like a professional job search. Build a clean Europass CV, apply through official channels like the EURES portal or recognized Italian job boards (using Italian keywords like bracciante agricolo), and fiercely protect yourself from unofficial social media “agents.” If you are willing to do the physically demanding work required, Italy offers a highly regulated, safe, and potentially long-term pathway into the European workforce.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does a seasonal agricultural visa last? A Type-D seasonal work visa is typically issued for a minimum of 20 days and a maximum of 9 months, depending on your specific work contract (e.g., a short grape harvest vs. a long greenhouse season).
2. Can I bring my family with me on a seasonal farm visa? No. Seasonal work visas do not grant the right to family reunification. However, if you successfully convert your seasonal visa into a standard long-term work permit (which lasts 1–2 years), you can then apply for family reunification to bring your spouse and children to Italy.
3. Do I need to speak fluent Italian to get hired? No, but basic Italian helps. For manual labor roles like fruit picking or greenhouse work, language requirements are practically non-existent. However, for skilled roles like tractor driving (trattorista) or dairy farm management, you will need a basic understanding of Italian to follow safety instructions and operate machinery.
4. I am currently in Italy on a Schengen Tourist Visa. Can I just find a farm job and stay? No. Under Italian immigration law, you cannot convert a tourist visa into a work visa from inside the country. If you find a sponsor while visiting Italy, you must still return to your home country (or country of legal residence) to apply for the work visa at the Italian Embassy once your Nulla Osta is approved.
5. An agent on Facebook messaged me saying they can guarantee a Nulla Osta in 3 days if I pay €500. Is this legitimate? Absolutely not. This is the most common scam targeting foreign workers. First, a Nulla Osta takes several weeks or months to be processed by the Italian Ministry of Interior; it cannot be generated in 3 days. Second, it is illegal for an agency to charge a worker for a Nulla Osta. Block the sender immediately.
6. Is there an age limit for agricultural work visas? Legally, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for a work visa. There is no official maximum age limit under the Decreto Flussi, but because farm labor is highly physical, employers generally look for able-bodied adults who can handle the grueling nature of the work.
