Berries Picking Jobs in Switzerland for Foreigners 2026

Have you ever imagined funding your European adventure amidst the stunning Swiss Alps? Picture yourself in the peaceful countryside, filling baskets with ripe, juicy berries, all while earning a remarkable CHF 14 per hour (approximately CHF 2,500 to 3,000 monthly). This isn’t just a job; it’s a gateway to living in one of the world’s safest, most beautiful countries, with your housing and food taken care of.

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Why Choose Switzerland for Fruit Picking Jobs?

Switzerland offers several distinct advantages for seasonal agricultural work:

• High Wages: Swiss seasonal farm wages are among the highest in Europe, offering significant earning potential.
• Organized Seasonal Sector: There is a well-established system for hiring seasonal foreign workers, particularly from EU/EFTA countries, through quota-based permits.
• Structured Benefits: Employers typically provide free or heavily subsidized accommodation and sometimes meals.
• Simple Requirements: These roles have no formal education prerequisites and provide on-the-job training.
• Unique Experience: It offers a chance to live and work in the stunning Swiss countryside during the harvest season.

Read Also: Fruit Picking Jobs in Appenzell Switzerland for Foreigners

Details of Berries Picking Jobs in Switzerland

Key Points

• Job Title: Seasonal Agricultural Worker / Berry Picker
• Industry: Agriculture / Horticulture
• Location: Rural areas across Switzerland, particularly in cantons like Valais, Thurgau, and the Lake Geneva region.
• Minimum Age: 18 years and older (21+ is common for roles with accommodation).
• Education Required: None.
• Experience Required: Not necessary; full training is provided.
• Employment Type: Temporary / Seasonal Contract, typically aligned with the harvest season (Summer through early Autumn).
• Gross Salary: Approximately CHF 3,500 – 4,500 per month for full-time work. This is a more accurate reflection of 2026 standards. Hourly wages must comply with cantonal or collective agreement minimums, which are generally high.
• Key Benefits: Accommodation is almost always provided by the employer, often deducted at a low rate from the salary. Meals may be included or available at a low cost.

Requirements for Berries Picking Jobs in Switzerland

The primary requirements are related to legal work status and physical ability:

• Right to Work: For non-EU/EFTA citizens, securing a job is extremely difficult due to strict quotas (Kontingente) for seasonal permits (L permits) that prioritize EU/EFTA nationals. EU/EFTA citizens have the right to work freely.
• Language Skills: Basic German or French (depending on the region) is highly beneficial for daily life and instructions. Some larger farms may operate with basic English.
• Physical Fitness: The job is physically demanding, requiring stamina for long hours of bending, lifting, and carrying in all weather conditions.
• Soft Skills: Reliability, a strong work ethic, teamwork, and the ability to follow precise instructions are essential.
• Documents: A valid passport (and for non-EU, potentially a pre-arranged seasonal work permit facilitated by the employer).

Job Responsibilities of Berries Picking in Switzerland

Your daily tasks would focus on the harvest and basic farm maintenance:

• Harvesting: Carefully picking ripe berries by hand to avoid bruising the fruit.
• Sorting & Grading: Inspecting and sorting berries by quality, size, and ripeness.
• Packing: Gently packing the harvested fruit into punnets or crates for market.
• Field Maintenance: Assisting with weeding, pruning bushes (outside harvest), and general tidying of the fields.
• Teamwork: Working efficiently as part of a team to meet daily harvest targets.

Salary & Working Hours

• Working Hours: Typically 8-10 hours per day, 5-6 days a week, depending on weather and ripening conditions.
• Pay Structure: Wages are usually hourly. Swiss law mandates high minimum wages for the sector, often outlined in Collective Labor Agreements (Gesamtarbeitsvertrag).
• Estimated Earnings: A seasonal worker can realistically earn a gross monthly salary of CHF 3,500 to CHF 4,500 during the peak season. Deductions will be made for accommodation, social security, and taxes.
• Overtime: Additional hours during peak harvest are common and should be paid at a premium rate.

Benefits of Berries Picking Jobs in Switzerland

• High Earnings Potential: The chance to earn a substantial amount of money in a short period.
• Provided Accommodation: Eliminates the high cost and difficulty of finding housing in Switzerland.
• Simple Living Costs: With room and board often covered, you can save a large portion of your income.
• Cultural Immersion: Live and work alongside people from across Europe in a beautiful setting.
• No Experience Needed: A genuine entry-level job opportunity.

Where to Find Berries Picking Jobs in Switzerland

• Swiss Agricultural Job Portals: AgriJob.ch is the most specialized and reputable platform.
• General Swiss Job Boards: JobRocket.ch, Jobs.ch, Jobup.ch.
• Seasonal & Farm Specialists: PickingJobs.com, Seasonal Jobs in Switzerland (Facebook groups).
• Direct Approach: Research farms in known fruit-growing regions (e.g., “Obstbau” or “Beeren” in canton Thurgau) and contact them directly via their websites.

Types of Farms Offering Jobs

Beyond berries, many Swiss farms grow a variety of fruits, and your seasonal role might involve:

• Stone Fruits: Cherries, apricots, and plums.
• Grapes: In vineyards (Weinbau) for the grape harvest (Traubenlese) in autumn.
• Vegetables: Asparagus, strawberries, pumpkins.

How to Apply for Berries Picking Jobs in Switzerland

For EU/EFTA Citizens:

1. Search for Vacancies: Use the portals listed above.
2. Prepare a Simple CV: Highlight any outdoor or physical work, reliability, and language skills.
3. Apply Directly: Contact farms. The hiring process is straightforward as you have the right to work.
4. Sign Contract: Ensure your contract clearly states wages, working hours, accommodation details, and deductions.

For Non-EU/EFTA Citizens:
The process is highly restrictive. You cannot simply apply online.

1. Understand the Limitation: Swiss employers must first prove they cannot find an EU/EFTA worker. Quotas for non-EU seasonal permits are very limited and primarily go to workers from specific countries with existing bilateral agreements.
2. Realistic Pathway: The most feasible route is through specialized seasonal worker programs offered by a few select countries (like Spain or Portugal) that have agreements with Switzerland. Recruitment is handled by agencies in the worker’s home country, not through public job ads.
3. Visa Sponsorship: The term “sponsorship” in this context means the Swiss employer applies for the limited seasonal permit on your behalf if they are eligible and the quota is available. This is rare and not something you can easily find advertised.

Critical Advice: Non-EU citizens should be extremely cautious of any website or agency promising easy Swiss seasonal work with visa sponsorship. It is strongly recommended to consult the official Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) website for accurate information on seasonal work permits.

Conclusion:

Berry picking in Switzerland represents more than just seasonal employment; it is a unique, accessible pathway to experiencing the country’s high quality of life. With competitive wages, comprehensive benefits like visa sponsorship and housing, and no barriers to entry, it stands out as a prime opportunity for motivated individuals seeking adventure and financial stability. By diligently using the recommended job platforms and preparing your application, you can take the first step toward a rewarding season in the stunning Swiss outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions