Fruit Picker Jobs in Poland for Foreign Workers
Imagine building a secure future in the heart of Europe, surrounded by the lush, fertile landscapes of the Polish countryside. For hardworking individuals seeking a direct path to legal employment in the EU, Poland’s 2026 fruit harvesting season offers a golden opportunity. With full visa sponsorship, a stable monthly salary of €1,200–€1,600, and benefits like accommodation and health insurance, these roles are designed for success.
No degree or extensive experience is required, just determination and a willingness to learn. This is more than a job; it’s a chance to gain valuable international work experience, immerse yourself in a rich culture, and lay the foundation for a brighter future.
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 and 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 Find Jobs
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 jobs in Poland for 2026 represent one of the most accessible and secure pathways to legal employment in the European Union for international workers. The combination of a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and the stability of renewable contracts makes it an outstanding opportunity. Whether you’re seeking a seasonal position or a long-term career move, Poland’s thriving agricultural sector offers a rewarding and financially viable future for dedicated individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the average salary for a fruit picker in Poland?
The average monthly salary ranges from €1,200 to €1,600. Some farms operate on a piece-rate system, allowing you to increase your earnings based on your harvesting speed.
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Do I need any experience or a degree to apply?
No, formal education and prior experience are not mandatory. Employers are primarily looking for candidates who are physically fit, reliable, and have a positive attitude. Basic English or Polish is helpful but not always required.



