Are you dreaming of working under the Tuscan sun or among the apple orchards of Trentino? The wait is over. Italy has officially greenlit one of its most ambitious labor programs yet. For 2026, the Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree) is opening doors for 88,000 seasonal agricultural workers, offering a legal pathway to live and work in the heart of Europe. Whether you are looking for Agriculture Fruit Picker Jobs in Italy 2026 or seeking a Seasonal Work Visa (Lavoro Stagionale), this year’s update introduces critical changes—from record-breaking quotas to mandatory “pre-filling” windows. This guide provides everything you need to secure your spot before the infamous “Click Day” arrives.
What is the Decreto Flussi 2026?
The Decreto Flussi 2026 is the Italian government’s official plan to regulate the entry of non-EU workers. To combat severe labor shortages in the primary sector, Italy has allocated a massive chunk of its three-year quota (totaling 497,550 visas through 2028) specifically to agriculture and tourism.
Key Numbers for 2026
- Total seasonal jobs: 88,000 (it will go up to 90,000 by 2028).
- Many of these are for agriculture, like fruit picking.
- A special part: 47,000 spots each year for applications from big farm groups like Coldiretti and Confagricoltura.
- Total workers allowed in all jobs for 2026: 164,850.
This is the biggest number ever. It shows Italy needs workers for farms, orchards, and vineyards.
Important Dates: The 2026 Click Day Schedule
In Italy, applications open on special days called Click Days. It is first come, first served. Many people apply at the same time, so it is very fast.
Here are the dates and times:
| Category | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Seasonal Agricultural Workers | January 12, 2026 (9:00 AM) |
| Seasonal Tourism Workers | February 9, 2026 (9:00 AM) |
| Non-Seasonal Workers | February 16, 2026 (9:00 AM) |
| Domestic and Caregivers | February 18, 2026 (9:00 AM) |
The Pre-filling Help (Precompilazione)
This is a new and important change for 2026. Employers can start early. They upload your details and papers to the online portal before Click Day. The pre-filling time is from October 23, 2025, to December 7, 2025. On Click Day, they just click send at 9:00 AM. This makes it much faster and better chance to get a spot. If your employer does pre-filling, you have a big advantage.
How to Get a Fruit Picking Job: Step by Step
You cannot apply alone. An Italian employer must start the process for you.
Find a Real Employer
Look for farms that need fruit pickers. Good areas are:
- Puglia for olives and grapes.
- Sicily for oranges and lemons.
- Trentino for apples.
- Other places like Emilia-Romagna for pears and peaches.
Many farms need help during harvest time. It is hard work outdoors, but you see beautiful places and earn money.
Employer Applies for Nulla Osta
The employer asks for a Nulla Osta. This is a work permission paper. They do it online on the Ministry portal. For seasonal jobs, it is quick – often ready in 20 days.
Step 3: Apply for Visa
When you have the Nulla Osta, go to the Italian embassy or consulate in your country. Apply for a Type D national visa for seasonal work. Bring your passport, job contract offer, and other papers.
Arrive in Italy and Get Permit
Come to Italy. Sign the full contract (Contratto di Soggiorno). Then, in 8 days, apply for your residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) at the local police. The visa is usually for 6 to 9 months, matching the season.
Salary and Benefits in 2026
Fruit picking is not only a nice experience. You get fair pay and some help.
Average Pay
- Monthly gross: €1,200 to €1,800 (before tax).
- Hourly: €7 to €10, but it changes by region and fruit type.
- Some jobs pay by how much you pick (piece rate). Good workers earn more.
What Employers Must Give
By law, employers must:
- Help with housing or give good place to stay.
- Pay for social insurance.
- Follow all work rules for safety and hours.
Many farms give free or cheap accommodation near the fields. Some give meals too. Working in Italy means you learn new skills, meet people, and enjoy Italian food and culture.
Priority Countries and Special Benefits
Italy likes workers from some countries. They have agreements for safe migration. If you are from these, your application goes faster.
Priority Countries
Albania, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Philippines, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, India, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Mali, Morocco, Moldova, Montenegro, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, North Macedonia, Senegal, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tunisia, Ukraine, and more.
Good Benefit: Change to Permanent
If you come for seasonal work many times, you can change your permit to a longer one. You may stay without new quota. This is great if you like the job and want to stay longer.
Warning: Stay Away from Scams
Many people want these jobs, so bad agents try to cheat.
How to Stay Safe
- Never pay money for Nulla Osta. It is free from government.
- Real employers use the official portal: portaleservizi.dlci.interno.it
- Check everything on official sites like Ministry of Interior or Integrazione Migranti.
- Do not trust people who ask big money for “guaranteed” job.
Always use real farms or big groups like Coldiretti.
Ready to Start Your Italy Adventure?
2026 will be very busy with many applications. Get ready now! Make sure your passport is good for at least 15 months. Start looking for employers today. Contact farm cooperatives or big agriculture groups. Fruit picking in Italy is hard but rewarding. You work in fresh air, pick fresh fruits, and live in beautiful countryside. Many workers come back year after year.
If you follow the steps and find a good employer, you can have a great time in Italy. Do you want a list of top agriculture groups in Italy to contact for jobs?
Disclaimer: This information is for learning only. Always check official government sites or real employers before you apply.