How to Get Seasonal Jobs in Italy: Work Permit, Visa Requirements, Salary and Application Process

Seasonal Jobs in Italy (2025–2026): Full & Complete Guide to Work Permit, Visa, Salary, Requirements, Job Types, Employer Rules & Application Process

Seasonal jobs in Italy are one of the simplest and most reliable legal pathways for foreign workers to enter Europe. Italy hires thousands of foreign workers each year across agriculture, tourism, hospitality, food production, and the hotel sector. These jobs are official, protected by Italian labour law, and processed through the government quota system known as Decreto Flussi.

This guide explains everything—from finding a job to getting the work permit, visa, and residence permit. Every step, requirement, and rule is described clearly so you understand the whole process from start to finish.

What Are Seasonal Jobs in Italy?

Seasonal jobs in Italy are temporary but legal job opportunities that become available during harvesting seasons, tourism months, food production cycles, hotel and hospitality periods, and factory workloads. These jobs are regulated under the Italian immigration system and provide foreign workers with legal entry, salary, benefits, and the right to work.

Seasonal work is not freelance or illegal labour. It is a government-approved program that allows foreign nationals to work in Italy for a specific duration, usually up to 9 months per year, depending on the contract. Workers are protected by labour law and receive official contracts, safety rights, social insurance, and employer-provided accommodation.

Why Italy Needs Seasonal Workers

Italy faces a severe shortage of workers in specific industries, especially during peak seasons. Local labour is not enough to meet demand because:

• The Italian population is ageing
• Local workers do not want agricultural work
• Tourism expands every year
• Farms and processing factories need a continuous workforce 
• hospitality sector has high worker turnover

Instead of hiring illegally, Italy uses a legal system to employ foreign workers. This allows workers to earn money, travel, and gain work experience while enjoying legal protection and employment benefits.

Industries Offering Seasonal Jobs in Italy (Very Detailed)

Seasonal hiring is available in multiple industries. Below are the most common ones:

1. Agriculture and Farming

This is the largest hiring category. Workers are needed for:

• fruit and vegetable picking
• vineyard operations and grape harvesting
• olive oil production
• dairy farms and milk processing
• greenhouse plantation and maintenance
• field cleaning, irrigation, and farming assistance

Many farms are run by cooperatives that employ hundreds of seasonal workers every year.

2. Food Processing and Packaging

Seasonal workers are hired in factories for:

• packaging and sorting
• meat and seafood factories
• frozen food production
• bakery and pasta production
• quality checking and labelling
• vegetable cleaning and packing lines

Factory work includes structured shifts, safety equipment, and work protection.

3. Hotel, Tourism and Hospitality Industry

Hotels and resorts hire seasonal workers during tourist seasons for:

• front desk assistance
• housekeeping and cleaning
• restaurant and kitchen roles
• waiter/waitress
• pool and beach resort attendants
• storekeepers and hotel maintenance workers

This industry offers stable salaries and free accommodation.

4. Restaurants and Catering

Workers fill roles such as:

• dishwasher
• chef assistant
• barista
• cleaner
• food prep staff

No formal education is required, and training is provided upon arrival.

Job Roles, Responsibilities, and Working Conditions

Seasonal workers perform many types of tasks depending on the sector. Duties can include:

• harvesting crops and sorting produce
• handling machinery and tools
• cleaning and maintaining farm areas
• packaging and quality checks in factories
• serving customers in hotels and restaurants
• washing dishes and preparing food
• Assisting supervisors and managers. The shift schedule usually is:

• 8–9 hours per day
• 5–6 days per week
• overtime allowed
• Weekend shifts are paid extra

Workers receive breaks, safety equipment, and insurance.

Salary and Benefits for Seasonal Workers in Italy (Explained in Full)

Italy does not have one national minimum wage. Instead, salaries are determined through industry-wide labour agreements called CCNL (Contratto Collettivo Nazionale di Lavoro).

Typical Salary Range

Sector	Monthly Salary	Hourly Rate
Agriculture	€1,200–€1,400	€7–€8
Food processing	€1,300–€1,550	€7.5–€9
Hotels & tourism	€1,400–€1,730	€8–€10
Resorts & restaurants	€1,400–€1,730	€8–€10

Benefits Provided by Employer

Most Seasonal jobs include:

• free or subsidised accommodation
• free meals or meal allowance
• transport to the work site
• medical and accident insurance
• weekly rest days
• overtime pay
• work clothes and tools

Workers save most of their earnings because living expenses are low.

Accommodation System in Italy

Most employers provide free or low-cost staff accommodation. This can include:

• shared or individual rooms
• farm housing
• staff hostels
• container housing near the workplace
• kitchen access
• basic utilities

Workers rarely need to arrange their own housing.

What is Decreto Flussi?

Decreto Flussi is the legal immigration program that regulates foreign workers in Italy. The government announces quotas (the number of positions available) every year or over a multi-year period.

Decreto Flussi controls:

• Which countries can apply
• Who can work legally
• Which industries are allowed
• How many seasonal permits are issued
• When employers may submit applications

Foreign workers cannot obtain seasonal permits unless a quota is available.

Types of Work Permits for Seasonal Jobs

There is a critical permit for seasonal workers:

Seasonal Work Permit (Lavoro Stagionale)

• valid up to 9 months
• Only employers apply for it
• based on the job contract and quota availability

Workers cannot apply directly. The employer handles the process through official portals.

Who Can Apply for Seasonal Jobs in Italy? (Eligibility Explained)

You are eligible if:

• You live outside the EU
• You receive a job offer from an Italian employer
• You have a valid passport
• You qualify for a Visa
• You do not have immigration violations
• The employer is registered in Italy

Women, men, older and younger workers all can apply.

Seasonal workers do not need:

• higher education
• European experience
• Italian language (helpful but not mandatory)

Documents Required for Seasonal Work

Worker Must Provide:

• passport copy
• job contract
• Nulla Osta
• visa application form
• health insurance
• accommodation proof
• background documents

Employer Must Provide:

• company registration details
• contract conditions
• worker salary and accommodation details
• Complete the application through the government portal

Step-By-Step Process: How to Apply for Seasonal Jobs in Italy (Explained in Full)

Now we explain every single step clearly and in detail.

Step 1: Find a Seasonal Job in Italy

Workers find seasonal jobs through:

• employer websites
• agricultural companies
• auauthorizedgencies
• resort and hotel hiring portals
• EURES jobs platform

Workers should confirm:

• job title and salary
• accommodation
• shift schedule
• employer name and business ID

Never accept jobs without a contract.

Step 2: Employer Applies for Nulla Osta (Work Authorisation)

Employer applies through:

ALI – Portale Servizi (Official Portal)

Italian authorities check:

• company registration
• sector eligibility
• quota availability
• contract details
• accommodation guarantee

If approved, the government issues a Nulla Osta to the worker and electronically sends it to the consulate.

Step 3: Receive Nulla Osta and Prepare Visa Documents

Nulla Osta is the most essential document in the entire process. Without it, no visa is issued.

Once received:

• Verify your name, employer and job
• Check expiry date
• Prepare all other documents

Step 4: Apply for a Type-D Seasonal Work Visa at the Embassy

This is the actual visa stage.

You will apply at:

• Italian Embassy
• Italian Consulate
• VFS Global centre (if applicable)

Documents include:

• passport
• Nulla Osta
• employment contract
• insurance
• accommodation proof
• passport photos
• visa application form

The embassy may also request:

• police clearance
• health certificate

Visa processing time ranges from 2 to 12 weeks, depending on the country.

Step 5: Travel to Italy

When the visa is approved, you can legally travel to Italy. Entry is through normal airport immigration.

Step 6: Sign Contract in Italy

Upon arrival, you must visit:

Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione

You and your employer sign the official:

Residence Contract (Contratto di Soggiorno)

This document confirms the job and contract terms.

Step 7: Get the Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno)

Within the first 8 days in Italy:

You apply for the residence permit called:

Permesso di Soggiorno per Lavoro Stagionale

This is your final legal work authorisation.

You are now allowed to work under Italian law.

Step 8: Start Working Legally in Italy

After signing and receiving the work and residence documents, you can start working under the job contract.

Step 9: End of Contract, Renewal & Return Next Season

When the contract ends:

• worker must return home
• worker may return next year
• Some employers renew workers every season
• Experienced workers are preferred for future jobs

Specific categories also allow conversion to long-term employment later.

Employer Responsibilities in Full

The employer must:

• Apply under Decreto FlussiRegisterr the worker with social insurance
• Provide accommodation. Provide a written contract. Give safety equipment,
• follow legal wage rules

Authorities inspect employers and require compliance.

Rights and Legal Protection of Workers

Seasonal workers receive:

• accident and health insurance
• salary and overtime protection
• paid weekly rest days
• social security rights
• protection from exploitation

Italy has strong laws to prevent labour abuse.

Cost of Living and Daily Expenses

Because accommodation is usually provided, most workers' expenses are low.

Typical monthly expenses:

• food: €120–€200
• phone: €10–€20
• local travel: €25–€60

Seasonal jobs allow good savings.

Most Common Hiring Regions in Italy

Northern Regions:

• Veneto
• Lombardy
• Trentino Alto-Adige
• Emilia-Romagna

These have high salaries and tourism.

Southern Regions:

• Sicily
• Puglia
• Calabria
• Campania

These have the highest farming demand.

Hiring Season & Monthly Work Calendar

Months	Jobs
Jan–Mar	Factories & greenhouses
Apr–Jun	Farming & tourism
Jul–Sep	Grapes & olives
Oct–Dec	Hotels & food factories

Italy hires year-round, depending on the industry.

FAQ Section

How can a foreigner get a seasonal job in Italy?
A foreigner must first secure a job offer from an Italian employer. The employer must be legally registered in Italy and be authorised to hire foreign workers under the seasonal worker quota. Once the job offer is confirmed, the employer applies for the Italian seasonal work permit (Nulla Osta). After approval, the worker applies for the visa in their home country.

Which industries offer seasonal jobs in Italy?
Italy hires seasonal workers mainly in agriculture, farming, vineyards, olive picking, floriculture, food production, hotel and resort jobs, tourism, cafeterias, restaurants, hospitality, and cleaning, as well as fruit harvesting. These sectors open every year because workers are needed during busy seasons.

Who applies for the seasonal work permit in Italy?
Only the Italian employer applies for the work permit (Nulla Osta). The worker cannot apply on their own. The employer submits all paperwork to the Italian Immigration Office. This is the first and most crucial step.

What is the seasonal work permit (Nulla Osta) in Italy?
Nulla Osta is the official authorisation issued by the Italian Immigration authorities. This document confirms that the foreign worker is legally approved to work seasonally in Italy. Without a Nulla Osta, you cannot apply for the seasonal work visa.

Would you like me to visit the Italian Embassy before the permit is approved?
No. You only visit the Italian Embassy after your employer gets the approved Nulla Osta. This saves time and avoids rejection. The embassy only accepts visa applications after the work permit is issued.

Do I need an employment contract for seasonal work in Italy?
Yes. You'll need a proper work contract. It includes job details, location, employer name, job duration, and basic conditions. This contract becomes part of your work permit and visa application.

How long does it take to get a seasonal work permit in Italy?
It usually takes 30–90 days for approval. The time depends on the region of Italy, the documents, and the number of applications. During the high-demand period, it may take longer.

Which visa is required for seasonal work in Italy?
You must apply for the Type-D Seasonal Work Visa for Italy. The embassy will issue this visa after checking your work permit and documents.

How long is the seasonal visa valid in Italy?
Seasonal visas are issued for 3 months to 9 months, depending on the employer and job. Many companies hire for 6 months at a time, especially in agriculture and tourism.

Which documents are required for the seasonal work permit in Italy?
Passport copy, job contract, employer letter, Nulla Osta application, qualification or skill proof if required, and sometimes a police clearance. The employer must show accommodation and insurance details.

Which documents are required for the seasonal work visa in Italy?
You need the visa application form, passport, travel insurance, Nulla Osta, job contract, photos, accommodation proof, and medical insurance. The embassy will also check security and identity documents.

Where do foreigners apply for the seasonal visa in Italy?
Foreign citizens apply for the visa in their home country through the Italian Embassy or Consulate. Appointments are mandatory, and document verification takes place at the embassy.

Is travel insurance required for seasonal workers in Italy?
Yes. Travel or medical insurance is compulsory for the visa. It must cover the entire duration of your stay and comply with the government's rules.

Can foreigners travel to Italy without a seasonal work visa?
No. It is illegal to travel and work without a visa. The correct order is: employer applies for the permit → permit is approved → worker applies for the visa → then travel.

Can workers change employers during seasonal work in Italy?
Yes, it is possible. If another employer offers the same seasonal job type, the worker may change after getting legal confirmation.

Is Italian language required for seasonal jobs in Italy?
Language is not compulsory. Many workers only speak basic English. However, simple Italian phrases can help with communication and work safety.

Who pays the visa fees and documentation costs for Italy?
Usually, the worker pays the visa, insurance, translation, and documentation fees. Some employers provide accommodation or food, but that depends on the company.

Do workers need accommodation before arriving in Italy?
Yes. The employer usually declares accommodation availability. If not, the worker must show proof of a stay address. Accommodation proof is mandatory for visa approval.

Can the seasonal work permit be extended in Italy?
Yes. Seasonal work permits can be extended if the work continues. Many workers return to the same employer or to a new one each year.

Which nationalities are eligible for seasonal work in Italy?
Most non-EU citizens can apply when the Decreto Flussi quota is open. Quota is limited, so applications must be processed early. EU citizens do not need a visa.

What is Decreto Flussi in Italy?
Decreto Flussi is Italy's annual system for allowing foreign workers to enter. It controls how many international workers can enter the country for work. Seasonal workers are a significant part of this program.

What is the complete step-by-step process in Italy?
Job offer → Employer applies for Nulla Osta → Immigration approval → Worker applies for Type-D visa → Travel to Italy → Sign contract → Start seasonal work → Apply for residence permit after arrival.

How long can a seasonal worker stay in Italy?
Most seasonal contracts allow 3–9 months of legal stay. The duration always matches the employer contract.

Do seasonal workers in Italy need a residence permit?
Yes. Upon arrival in Italy, the worker must apply for a seasonal residence permit within the required timeframe. This allows a legal stay and work.

Can seasonal workers return to Italy every year?
Yes. Seasonal workers are allowed to come every year under the legal quota. Many foreign workers return to the same employer or a new one every season.

Final Conclusion

Seasonal jobs in Italy are one of the best legal options for foreign workers. The system is government-regulated, safe, transparent, and allows workers to earn money and gain experience while receiving accommodation, a salary, and labour protection.

If you follow the correct procedure, obtain an employer, Nulla Osta, visa, and residence permit, the process becomes reliable and straightforward.

Seasonal work in Italy is a legal pathway—not a gamble.