Seasonal jobs in Europe are a great way to earn income, gain international work experience, and immerse yourself in a different culture. Countries like France, Spain, and Italy remain favorites due to their rich tourism industries and agricultural cycles, while others like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are known for their structured seasonal work systems and attractive wages. The best destination often depends on your skillset, interests, and preferred work environment.
France
Popular sectors: Vineyards, ski resorts, tourism
Peak seasons: Spring (vine harvesting) and winter (ski resorts)
Visa type: Travailleur Saisonnier (Seasonal Worker Visa)
Average salary: €10.50–€12.50 per hour
France offers diverse seasonal opportunities, from grape picking in the countryside to working in luxurious ski resorts in the Alps. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for scenic work environments and cultural immersion. Foreign nationals can apply for the Travailleur Saisonnier visa, valid for up to six months.
Spain
Popular sectors: Hospitality, agriculture, beach resorts
Peak seasons: Summer (tourism) and autumn (olive picking)
Visa type: Short-term work permit for seasonal workers
Average salary: €7–€10 per hour
Spain is ideal for those interested in working in sunny beach destinations or rural agricultural zones. Jobs in olive harvesting, fruit picking, and coastal hotels are abundant during the high seasons. Spanish language skills are often preferred but not always required for agriculture roles.
Italy
Popular sectors: Farming, tourism, cultural events
Peak seasons: Spring and summer
Visa type: Seasonal work permit under the Decreto Flussi program
Average salary: €8–€11 per hour
Italy provides seasonal opportunities in its vineyards, olive groves, and bustling tourist cities. The Decreto Flussi program manages quotas for foreign workers, particularly in agriculture and hospitality. Understanding basic Italian can improve job prospects.
Germany
Popular sectors: Agriculture, festivals, hospitality
Peak seasons: April to November (agriculture); year-round (hospitality)
Visa type: Streamlined visa process for seasonal farm workers
Average salary: €9–€12 per hour
Germany is a reliable destination for those seeking seasonal work in well-organized agricultural settings or vibrant festivals like Oktoberfest. The country’s structured employment system allows non-EU workers to find jobs legally with support from employers.
Austria
Popular sectors: Ski resorts, winter tourism, hospitality
Peak seasons: Winter (December to March)
Visa type: Short-term work permits for seasonal employment
Average salary: €10–€13 per hour (plus accommodation in some jobs)
Austria is ideal for winter sports lovers and those interested in resort jobs. From ski instructors to chalet staff, there’s a variety of roles available in alpine destinations. Many employers also offer free lodging and meals, increasing the net value of the work.
Switzerland
Popular sectors: Winter tourism, translation, teaching English
Peak seasons: Winter (December to February)
Visa type: Work permits for seasonal employment (more restricted for non-EU nationals)
Average salary: €20–€25 per hour
Switzerland offers some of the highest seasonal wages in Europe, particularly in ski resorts and luxury hospitality. Though the cost of living is also high, many employers provide subsidized housing. Proficiency in French, German, or Italian can be advantageous.
Other Notable Countries
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Greece: Summer tourism and island hospitality jobs; average pay: €5–€8 per hour
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Portugal: Coastal tourism, hotel work; average pay: €6–€9 per hour
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Cyprus: Summer hospitality, beach resorts; average pay: €6–€10 per hour
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Netherlands: Flower farming, agriculture, logistics; average pay: €9–€11 per hour
Key Considerations When Choosing a Country
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Peak Seasons: Time your application to align with the country's hiring cycles for maximum job availability.
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Visa Requirements: Each country has its own visa policies—check your eligibility and application timelines before applying.
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Language Skills: Knowing the local language or English can be a big advantage, especially in customer-facing roles.
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Desired Experience: Choose a destination that matches your interest—whether that’s harvesting grapes in Italy or working at a ski lodge in Austria.
Whether you're drawn to the vineyards of France, the beaches of Spain, or the snowy peaks of Switzerland, Europe offers a wide range of seasonal job opportunities. With careful planning around visa rules, peak hiring times, and language preferences, seasonal work can be a rewarding and financially viable way to experience life in Europe.