Agricultural and Seasonal Jobs in Spain

Written by Zahid Khan | Freelance Recruiter and Career Consultant | Updated May 2025

Agricultural and Seasonal Jobs in Spain for International Jobseekers

Spain, just like Portugal, is one of the best destinations in Europe for seasonal employment, especially in the agriculture sector. With a high demand for workers during harvest periods, particularly in the countryside, Spain offers countless opportunities for international jobseekers, including non-EU nationals.

If you are looking for a short-term job abroad, agricultural and seasonal jobs in Spain presents a chance to earn a decent pay, experience a different culture, and even start your journey toward living in Europe.

In this article, I am going to share with you a comprehensive guide on how to apply with minimal expenses, what to expect and how to make the most of your stay (with a focus on non-EU nationals, but EU citizens can benefit from this guide as well).

Why Choose Spain for Seasonal Work?

Now, you might be thinking, “Why choose Spain? Why not Portugal, Italy or any other European country?” Here’s why Spain is a preferred choice for agricultural workers:

• High demand for workers during peak harvest seasons (especially spring and summer)
• Possibility of contract renewal and extension of visas for reliable workers (Spain’s diverse geography makes it a hub for year-round farming activities)
• Opportunities across multiple regions in Spain
• Variety of work with different crops and fruits
• Competitive wages as compared to home countries
• Simplified visa process for those nationalities with bilateral agreements with Spain
• Low cost of living
• Legal employment, labor protection, safety, and rights
• No work visa is required for an EU citizen

Types of Agricultural Work in Spain

The agricultural calendar is highly varied in Spain, with different crops peaking in different regions and seasons. Corresponding to this variety, the jobs range from physically intensive to more administrative or logistics-based roles. The following are common job types.

• Fruit Picking: This includes fruits like grapes, strawberries, citrus fruits, cherries and peaches. Work usually involves picking, sorting and loading.
  
• Olive Collection: This involves picking of olives and is one of the most common seasonal jobs.
  
• Vegetable Harvesting: Vegetables harvested in Spain include tomatoes, artichokes, pepper and lettuce. Work is similar to Fruit picking.
  
• Greenhouse Work: This is planting, pruning, watering and pest control.
  
• Warehouse roles: Not all work is on the farms. Cleaning, sorting and packaging of fruits and vegetables are indoor activities and often require basic knowledge of machinery or hygiene protocols.
  
• Vineyard Jobs: It is the picking and pruning of Grapes for wine production.

Best Regions for Agricultural and Seasonal Jobs in Spain

Here is a list of the regions where agricultural workers are in high demand, along with the time period and specific crops.

Region	Main Crops	Peak Season
Andalusia	Olives, strawberries	Nov to May
Valencia	Oranges, mandarins	Feb to July
Huelva	Strawberries, blueberries	Jan to May
La Rioja	Grapes for winemaking	Aug to Oct
Catalonia	Apples, pears, grapes	June to Sep
Murcia	Lettuce, tomatoes, melons	Feb to July
Navarra	Artichokes, asparagus	Mar to June
Aragon	Peaches, cherries	May to Aug

Legal Requirements for Foreign Jobseekers

To work legally in Spain, foreign workers must meet certain criteria depending on their nationality:

For EU Citizens

No visa is required for EU citizens, but they must register with the Spanish authorities and obtain an NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). Furthermore, they must also register with the social security system and the local municipality.

For Non-EU Nationals

I would love to say that the process for non-EU nationals is as straightforward as it is for EU citizens—but unfortunately, it’s not. However, it’s not overly difficult either, I must add.

To enter Spain, you must have a work permit and a visa (visado de trabajo de temporada). And to obtain these, you must first meet the following requirements.

• Job offer letter or contract from a registered Spanish employer. This is the most difficult step as you will need to apply for jobs online or through agencies (more on this later)
• Passport with at least 12 months validity
• Proof of return (usually in the form of return flight booking or providing a statement of intent)
• Medical certificate
• Police clearance certificate from your home country

After completing the above listed requirements, your employer in Spain must initiate the visa process by applying for a work permit on your behalf. Once approved, you will be granted a temporary work visa from 3 months to 1 year, depending on the job duration.

The visa application process is somewhat simplified if you are from a country with bilateral agreements with Spain. These countries include:

• Morocco
• Colombia
• Mexico
• Philippines
• Ecuador
• Ukraine and many more

How to Find Agricultural and Seasonal Jobs in Spain

There are two main routes to finding a seasonal job in Spain:

Online Job Portals

• Apply on online job portals such as SEPE , Infojobs.net, Agricultural Recruitment Websites and EURES (mostly for EU citizens only)
• Keep checking this website for verified job updates

Recruitment Agencies

Many agricultural businesses work through labor agencies to fill seasonal roles. Some of the well-known ones include:

• Adecco Agro
• Temporing
• Grupo Eulen
• Interempleo

Note: Always take precautions when applying for a job abroad. It is important to note that legitimate employers will never ask you for payment. Beware of scammers and illegal visa agents.

Typical Work Conditions and Benefits

• Work Environment: Agricultural work is mostly manual and physically demanding, often performed under the sun or in greenhouses.
  
• Work hours: Usually 5 to 8 hours per day, 5 to 6 days per week. Apart from this, some employers may offer overtime, depending on the urgency of the harvest.
  
• Health and Safety: Employers are required to provide protective gear. Additionally, staying hydrated and using sun protection are essential during the peak summer season.
  
• Wages: The minimum wage in Spain as of 2025 is €1,134 gross per month. Typically, agricultural work is paid by the hour or kilogram collected. Moreover, piece-rate systems are common, especially in fruit picking.
  
• Housing and Meals: Many employers provide free or subsidized accommodation, usually in dorm-style rooms or shared apartments. Furthermore, meals may be included in remote locations, but not always.

Rights and Protections for Seasonal Workers

Spain has strict labor laws and all workers—foreign or local—are entitled to certain protections:

• Legal employment contract shall be provided in writing
• Workers shall be registered with Spanish social security
• Health insurance is included through public healthcare
• Workers are entitled to breaks and rest days
• Abusive work conditions can be reported anonymously

Tips for a Successful Season

• Learn basic Spanish, as knowing simple phrases will help you with instructions and daily interactions
• Keep copies of all your documents, especially your passport, visa, work permit and contract
• Bring essential gear like sun hats, gloves, and footwear
• Arrive a few weeks before
• Be punctual and reliable because Spanish employers highly value workers who are consistent and show up on time every day
• Respect local customs and laws
• Track your hours and pay to ensure you are being fairly compensated
• Stay informed on labor rights and report any abuse or irregularity to local labor authorities

Conclusion

Agricultural and seasonal jobs in Spain presents a real opportunity for international jobseekers to earn money, travel the world and experience Spanish culture. Additionally, it also allows them to gain valuable experience and broaden their knowledge base. While the work can be challenging at times, proper preparation and choosing the right employer can make the experience safe and rewarding.

If you are ready for hard work and are dedicated, this could be the job opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

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About the Author

Zahid Khan is a freelance recruitment consultant specializing in human resources management, labor supply and skilled worker recruitment in the Gulf region. He is currently running a recruitment agency in the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia