Seasonal Work Visas in Europe 2025: Easy Guide to Jobs, Countries, and How to Apply

If you are thinking about working in Europe for a short time, many countries offer Seasonal work visas for people from outside the European Union. These visas let you live and work legally for a few months in industries like farming, tourism, and hotels. It’s a great way to earn money, travel, and experience new cultures. Here’s a full guide to the countries you can work in during 2025 and what you should know before applying.

A Seasonal work visa is a special permit that lets foreign workers stay and work in a country for a short period. It is mainly for jobs that are very busy during certain times of the year, like farming during harvest time or tourism during the summer. Most seasonal visas are valid for a few months, depending on the job and the season. After the work season ends, workers usually return to their home countries.

Best European Countries Offering Seasonal Work Visas in 2025

1. Italy

Italy welcomes thousands of Seasonal Work Visas every year through a program called Decreto Flussi. To apply, you must already have a job offer from an Italian employer, and you also need to show that you have a place to live. Italy often needs workers in farms and tourist spots.

Typical Jobs:

Picking fruits, working in vineyards, and harvesting olives
Working in hotels, resorts, and tourist areas

Visa Type: Decreto Flussi Seasonal Work Visas

2. France

France allows Seasonal Work Visas to stay up to six months each year. To get the visa, you must apply from your home country and show proof of a work contract and accommodation. Farming and tourism jobs are the most common.

Typical Jobs:

Working on farms picking grapes and other crops
Jobs in hotels, restaurants, and amusement parks

Visa Type: Temporary Seasonal Worker Permit (Travailleur Saisonnière)

3. Spain

Spain has a strong need for Seasonal Work Visas, especially in farming regions like Huelva and Murcia. Tourism jobs also become available during the busy summer months. Workers usually help with fruit picking or work in hotels along the beach.

Typical Jobs:

Harvesting strawberries, citrus fruits, and other crops
Working in hotels and resorts near the beach

Visa Type: Seasonal Worker Visa (Visado de Trabajo de Temporada)

4. Germany

Germany offers seasonal work visas for up to 90 days within a six-month period. The busiest time for seasonal jobs is between March and October. Workers are needed in farming and also for events and festivals during the warmer months.

Typical Jobs:

Harvesting asparagus, strawberries, and grapes
Staffing restaurants and festivals

Visa Type: Seasonal Employment Visa (Saisonarbeitskraft)

5. Austria

Austria needs seasonal workers all year, especially in its mountainous areas. Ski resorts are busy in winter, and farming and tourism are active in summer. To work in Austria, you must get a seasonal work permit and meet specific job requirements.

Typical Jobs:

Working at ski resorts in winter
Hotel and restaurant jobs during summer
Helping on fruit and vegetable farms

Visa Type: Seasonal Work Visas Permit (Saisonarbeitsbewilligung)

6. Portugal

Portugal often hires seasonal workers for agriculture and tourism. Areas like the Algarve coast and the Douro Valley vineyards are especially busy during harvest seasons and summer vacations.

Typical Jobs:

Picking blueberries, grapes, and other fruits
Working in hotels and beach resorts

Visa Type: Temporary Stay Seasonal Work Visas

7. Croatia

Croatia’s beautiful coastlines attract millions of tourists every summer, so hotels and tourist companies need lots of extra workers. Seasonal jobs here are popular because of the beautiful locations and good working conditions.

Typical Jobs:

Working in hotels and restaurants
Jobs related to tourism like boat tour staff

Visa Type: Seasonal Work Permit

What You Need to Apply for a Seasonal Work Visa

Even though each country has slightly different rules, most of them require similar things when you apply for a seasonal work visa:

Valid Passport: Your passport must not expire while you are working abroad.
Health Insurance: You need insurance that will cover you during your stay.
Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job before applying.
Work Details: Your employer must provide information about your pay, work hours, and vacation days.
Housing Proof: You must show where you will live during your work period.
Processing Time: It usually takes up to 90 days for your visa application to be approved.

Important Note: Denmark and Ireland have their own visa systems for seasonal workers and do not follow the general EU rules.

How to Find a Seasonal Job in Europe

Finding the right job is the first step. Here are some tips to help you:

Do Your Research: Find out which countries need workers and what types of jobs are available.
Use Job Websites: Search for jobs on general job portals and special seasonal job sites.
Apply Directly: Check company websites, especially hotels, farms, and resorts, and apply directly.
Network: Talk to people who have worked abroad. They can give advice or even recommend you for jobs.

How to Apply for a Seasonal Work Visa: Step-by-Step

Here’s a simple process to help you apply:

Get a Job Offer: Make sure you have an official offer before you start your visa application.
Prepare Your Documents: Gather your passport, health insurance papers, signed work contract, and proof of housing.
Submit Your Application: Apply through the embassy or immigration office of the country where you’ll be working.
Wait for Approval: Be patient — processing usually takes a few weeks or up to 90 days.
Travel and Start Work: Once you have your visa, you are ready to travel and begin your seasonal job.

Working a seasonal job in Europe can be a fantastic experience. It gives you the chance to earn money, meet new people, and explore beautiful places — all while gaining work experience abroad!