Imagine working in Switzerland’s peaceful countryside, surrounded by mountains, fresh air, and well-organized farms while earning one of Europe’s highest agricultural wages. Blueberry picking jobs in Switzerland offer foreigners a rare chance to live and work legally in a premium European country without advanced qualifications.
With hourly wages ranging from CHF 14 to CHF 16, plus free accommodation and meals in many cases, these roles provide both financial stability and an exceptional lifestyle. For unskilled or entry-level workers , blueberry farms represent one of the most realistic and rewarding ways to enter Switzerland’s job market.
Why Choose Blueberry Picking Jobs in Switzerland?
Switzerland’s fertile valleys and Alpine slopes offer ideal growing conditions for berries, making blueberries one of the country’s widely cultivated fruits. Each year, this creates thousands of seasonal roles in agriculture.
Key advantages for foreign applicants include
- No formal education is required; applicants do not need a diploma or degree.
- Visa sponsorship: Employers often assist with work permits and immigration procedures.
- Competitive pay: average wages range between CHF 14–16 per hour.
- Scenic and peaceful work settings located in Switzerland’s picturesque rural areas.
- Flexible contract lengths for seasonal or longer-term positions depending on employer needs.
For many, a blueberry picking job can serve as an entry point to longer-term residence and employment in Switzerland.
Details of Blueberry Picking Jobs in Switzerland
Key Points
- Job Title: Fruit Picker / Blueberry Picker
- Industry: Agriculture / Farm Work
- Country: Switzerland
- Job Type: Full-time (seasonal contracts available)
- Working Hours: 35–40 hours per week (overtime possible)
- Minimum Age Requirement: 21–40 years
- Education Required: None
- Experience Required: Basic farm knowledge helpful but not mandatory
- Salary: Starting around CHF 14 per hour (potential increases based on performance)
- Free Meals: Usually provided (employer-dependent)
- Free Accommodation: Commonly offered
- Medical Insurance: Not always included
- Transportation: Usually not provided
This role is among the most attainable farm jobs in Switzerland for workers from abroad.
Requirements for Blueberry Picking Jobs in Switzerland
Employers typically set the following criteria for visa sponsorship eligibility:
- Age between 21–40 years.
- No diploma or degree necessary.
- Basic English communication skills.
- Prior experience not required, though familiarity with farming, animals, or machinery is beneficial.
- Willingness to complete training before starting.
- Valid driver’s license from home country.
- Clean criminal record.
- Good physical health—the job involves walking, lifting, bending, and working at a steady pace.
- Capacity to provide all required visa documentation.
Job Responsibilities of a Blueberry Picker in Switzerland
Tasks are hands-on and physically active. A typical day may include:
- Harvesting blueberries from fields and orchards.
- Sorting berries to remove damaged or spoiled fruit.
- Packing and labeling cartons for shipment.
- Weighing packages before dispatch.
- Assisting with orchard upkeep: pruning, weeding, soil maintenance, and cleaning.
- Thinning blueberry clusters by hand when needed.
- Carrying bins and using ladders (loads up to 60 lbs).
- Repairing or replacing damaged baskets.
- Loading fruit containers onto transport vehicles.
- Working occasionally in cold storage or freezers for frozen berry packaging.
- Sometimes operating tractors or farm vehicles to move produce.
This combination of harvesting and maintenance duties helps ensure a productive season.
Benefits of Blueberry Picking Jobs in Switzerland
Common perks reported in job listings include:
- Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance.
- Free or subsidized housing near the farm.
- Free or subsidized meals.
- Hourly wage of CHF 14–16.
- Potential long-term benefits for reliable workers.
- Possible insurance coverage (varies by employer).
- Cultural immersion in Switzerland’s countryside.
For international workers, this is more than temporary work it’s a step toward building a stable life in Europe.
Where to Find Blueberry Picking Jobs in Switzerland
Job openings are frequently posted on:
- Indeed Switzerland
- Jobs.ch
- Jooble.org
- JobScout24
- Zuma Fox
- WWOOF Switzerland (for volunteering and seasonal roles)
- Expat.com
- PickingJobs.com
Facebook groups such as English Jobs Switzerland, Farm Jobs Switzerland, and Work in Switzerland can also help connect applicants with employers.
Best Regions for Blueberry Picking in Switzerland
Blueberries grow well in cooler climates and higher altitudes. Key regions include:
- The Swiss Alps (especially at suitable elevations in summer).
- Central and Eastern Switzerland, where many commercial berry farms operate.
- Cantons of Valais and Vaud are known for fruit orchards and vineyards.
Conclusion
Blueberry picking jobs in Switzerland stand out as one of the best visa-sponsored farm opportunities for foreigners. With simple entry requirements, competitive wages, and strong employer support, these roles are ideal for individuals seeking legal employment, international experience, and a peaceful working environment.
From free housing to steady hourly pay and potential long-term opportunities, Switzerland’s agricultural sector continues to welcome motivated foreign workers. For those ready to work hard and adapt to farm life, blueberry picking can be the first step toward a stable future in Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How much do blueberry pickers earn in Switzerland?
Blueberry pickers typically earn CHF 14–16 per hour, depending on the employer and region.
-
re blueberry picking jobs in Switzerland open to foreigners?
Yes. Many farms offer visa sponsorship to foreign workers due to seasonal labor shortages
