For those looking for work in agriculture, Fruit Picker Jobs in Croatia for International Applicants is a fantastic chance. Because there are so many different kinds of full-time, part-time, seasonal, contract-based, and freelance jobs available, fruit picker positions always have a large job market. A total of 72,523 work licenses were granted to foreign workers in 2019, 66,655 in 2020, and 81,995 in 2024, according to Total Croatia News. The average cost of living in Croatia is relatively low, making it a safe location to reside. The majority of Croatian farm workers are seasonal in nature.
Furthermore, according to Total Croatia News, the top occupations for foreign workers in Croatia are construction (29,702), followed by industry (9,467), transportation and communications (3,765), agriculture and fishing (1,678), and catering, hospitality, and tourism (26,211). Therefore, there are plenty of career opportunities for farm and agricultural workers in Croatia. It is true that Croatia and other EU nations welcome EU citizens more.
They are also given preference over non-EU nationals, which gives them access to practically every skilled and unskilled employment. Nonetheless, there are plenty of positions available for English-speaking candidates, particularly those that are seasonal (such as those in hotels, agribusiness, foreign schools, the travel and tourism industry, etc.).
The information about fruit picker jobs in Croatia for international applicants has been published in this post in light of the favorable employment opportunities for farm and agricultural workers in Croatia.
Details of Fruit Picker Jobs in Croatia With Visa Sponsorship
- Job title: Fruit Picker.
- Location: Croatia, Europe
- Minimum knowledge: High School
- Minimum experience: 1-2 years
- Free food: No
- Free Accommodation: Mostly Yes
- Free Medical and Health Insurance: Mostly Yes
- Free Transport: No
- Duty timing: 8 hours a day/ 5 days a week
- Contract duration: 2 years
- Overtime: Depends upon each company’s rules.
Read Also: Farms Hand Jobs in Croatia Visa Sponsorship
Requirements
- Previous Farm Experience
- Although not always required, prior expertise in the agricultural sector is frequently preferred.
- Although not necessarily necessary, experience in agricultural labor will be beneficial, particularly for entry-level roles.
- Education Requirements
- To guarantee a foundational level of reading, writing, and speaking English, a high school education is typically necessary.
- This guarantees that you can follow safety protocols, comprehend instructions, and interact with teammates.
- Physical Stamina
- Picking fruit demands a lot of physical endurance and the capacity to stand for extended periods of time.
- The task frequently involves bending, lifting, and walking across uneven terrain, all of which can be physically taxing.
- Knowledge of Farming Practices
- It can be helpful to know best farming practices (such as crop care and harvesting methods).
- It could also help to have experience with basic farm equipment, such as harvesters and tractors.
- Hand-Eye Coordination
- For activities like picking fruits without destroying them and maintaining a quick work process, excellent hand-eye coordination is essential.
- Farming & Breeding Strategies
- Basic fruit picking may not always involve knowledge of farming and breeding techniques, but it might be advantageous for positions involving crop management or monitoring.
Responsibilities
Working as a fruit picker in Croatia entails a variety of duties pertaining to the collection and maintenance of fruits in fields and orchards. The main duties are listed below:
Pre-Harvest Activities:
- Weeding & Soil Preparation
- To get the ground ready for planting, do things like hoeing, weeding, and rock picking.
- To make sure the area is prepared for fruit growth, level the ground, rake old leaves, and loosen the soil surrounding plants.
- Fencing & Repairs
- To shield crops from outside harm, fix fences and relocate or install posts for orchard fencing.
Fruit Harvesting & Sorting:
- Fruit Picking
- Harvest fruits straight from bushes or trees in fields or orchards.
- To prevent bruising or damage, make sure fruits are handled gently.
- Sorting & Packing
- Sort the fresh, clean fruit from the ones that are rotten or damaged.
- For transportation, place the harvested fruit in cartons.
- Labeling & Weighing
- Put the relevant information (fruit type, harvest date, etc.) on the label of each box.
- Before putting the fruit boxes into vehicles for delivery, weigh them.
Tree Maintenance & Care:
- Pruning & Cultivation
- Trees like apple, peach, and cherry trees should be cultivated and pruned to ensure healthy growth.
Performance & Efficiency Standards:
- Fruit Grading Standards
- Observe broad guidelines for fruit selection and grading. Make sure that no more than 2% of the harvest is made up of damaged or wasted fruits.
- Efficiency in Picking
- In order to maintain production during the shift, pick at least 16.5 bushels each hour.
Physical Requirements:
- Climbing & Handling Equipment
- Move the fruits around the orchard by climbing ladders to the higher branches.
- Use a picking bucket wrapped in canvas and made of molded plastic that is worn on the shoulders, which over time may result in injuries from friction.
Work Environment & Safety Considerations:
- Safety & Hazard Exposure
- Be prepared to operate in environments that could expose you to allergens, high temperatures, light rain, and pesticides.
- To prevent injuries, work with safety threats in mind and adhere to the correct safety procedures.
Manual Dexterity & Training:
- Manual Dexterity & Accuracy
- Exhibit the capacity to work accurately and efficiently by hand, particularly when handling fruit and in a hectic setting.
- For the particular methods required to guarantee a high-quality harvest, training is frequently offered.
Benefits
There are several benefits to picking fruit in Croatia, particularly if you have a sponsored visa. With a number of perks and protections, the Croatian Labor Law guarantees that international workers receive the same treatment as domestic workers. Here are a few of the main advantages:
- Free Accommodation
- The majority of firms offer free housing near the location of employment.
- International workers can more easily settle in without worrying about housing prices because to this reduction in living expenses.
- Free Health Insurance
- Most employers provide free health insurance, which will pay for any medical bills you may incur while visiting.
- This makes your stay in Croatia safer and more comfortable by guaranteeing that you will have access to medical treatment if necessary.
- Competitive Wages
- Fruit pickers receive competitive pay that is consistent with industry norms.
- While wages vary based on location and experience, they are generally fair and reflect the work involved.
- Affordable Cost of Living
- Croatia is an affordable country to live in, particularly when compared to its neighboring countries in Europe.
- Everyday expenses, such as food, transportation, and entertainment, are more affordable, allowing workers to save or enjoy a comfortable lifestyle during their stay.
- Legal Protections Under Croatian Labour Law
- The Croatian Labor Law governs all benefits and entitlements, guaranteeing that foreign employees are treated equally and enjoy the same rights as Croatian citizens.
- These include entitlements to holidays, sick leave benefits, and legal protection against unjust treatment.
Average Salary
Fruit pickers in Croatia typically earn different salaries depending on their region, farm type, gender, experience, and talents, as well as their company. However, the Salary Explorer states that the average monthly salary for a Croatian farmer is about 1200 euros. The lowest salary is 710 EUR, and the highest is 1630 EUR. Additionally, housing, transportation, and other amenities are included in this average monthly pay.
Most Common Farm Jobs in Croatia with Visa Sponsorship:
- Fruit/Vegetable Picker and Packer.
- Farmer.
- Farm workers.
- Farm Supervisors.
- Farm Hands.
- Farm technicians.
- Greenhouse labour.
- Cultivation Technicians.
- Seed technicians.
- Harvesting Technicians.
- Crop consultants.
- Nursery and Grounds associates.
- Farm Operator.
- Farm Department Head.
- Agriculture Chemical Mixer.
How to Apply
Conclusion
Croatian fruit picker jobs are excellent for foreign workers who want to work in agriculture. It’s the perfect job for people looking for seasonal work because it offers competitive pay, free housing, health insurance, and visa sponsorship. Croatia is a desirable location due to its low cost of living and the opportunity to work in the expanding agriculture industry. Apply now for a successful career in Croatia’s thriving agricultural sector!
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the working schedule for fruit pickers in Croatia?
Eight hours a day, five days a week, is the standard work schedule. Depending on the demands of the employer, overtime might be offered.
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What is the average salary for fruit pickers in Croatia?
Fruit pickers typically make about 1,200 EUR a month, though this can vary based on experience and region. The lowest monthly pay is roughly 710 EUR, while the highest is approximately 1,630 EUR.
