For women around the world seeking a transformative opportunity abroad, Poland’s lush strawberry fields offer more than just seasonal work—they offer a gateway to a new life. Imagine securing a stable job with full visa sponsorship, a place to live without the worry of rent, and the chance to earn and save in the heart of Europe.
This unique opportunity is tailored for female workers, requiring no prior experience or advanced education, only your determination and willingness to work. With Poland’s low cost of living and employer-provided free accommodation, you can turn a simple packing job into a powerful stepping stone for your future.
This guide details everything you need to seize this chance. We cover the realistic job details, including the 10-hour days and the monthly salary of PLN 1,470 to 2,340, and explain how free housing maximizes your savings. We break down the simple eligibility criteria and the supportive benefits designed for international workers.
Why Consider a Strawberry Packing Job in Poland?
- Seasonal Visa Sponsorship: Reputable employers and agencies facilitate seasonal work visas, which is the primary legal avenue for non-EU citizens to take up this work.
- Supported Relocation: Many employers provide accommodation, drastically reducing the major cost of moving abroad.
- Low Entry Barriers: These roles require no prior experience, formal education, or language skills, making them highly accessible.
- Cultural Experience: An opportunity to live and work legally in a European country, often alongside other international workers.
- Income Potential: While wages are modest, the combination of provided housing and lower living costs can allow for savings.
Read Also: Packing Operator Jobs in Poland with Visa Sponsorship
Details of Strawberry Packing Jobs in Poland with Visa Sponsorship
Key Points
- Job Title: Strawberry Packer / Agricultural Production Worker
- Location: Across Poland, particularly in key growing regions like Mazovia, Lublin, and Silesia.
- Work Schedule: Seasonal (peak season: May-August). Work is intensive, often involving 10-hour days, 6 days a week, to handle the perishable crop.
- Salary: Typically paid on an hourly or piece-rate basis. The range of PLN 1,470 – 2,340 per month (approx. €340 – €540) is aligned with the Polish minimum wage for full-time hours. Earnings can be higher with overtime or piecework.
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes, for seasonal work permits.
- Accommodation: Often provided by the employer, usually for a modest deduction from salary.
Eligibility and Requirements
These roles are designed to be accessible but are physically demanding:
- Gender & Age: These specific packing roles are frequently advertised for female applicants, typically within an 18-50 age range.
- Health & Stamina: Must be physically fit for manual work, including standing for long periods, performing repetitive tasks, and working in a cool environment.
- Work Ethic: Reliability, punctuality, and a strong focus on quality are essential.
- Compliance: Ability to follow strict hygiene and food safety protocols (e.g., HACCP standards).
Primary Job Duties
As a packer, your core responsibilities will focus on preparing the fruit for market:
- Sorting and Grading: Inspecting strawberries for quality, size, and ripeness, and removing any damaged or spoiled fruit.
- Packing: Carefully placing strawberries into punnets, clamshells, or larger boxes according to precise weight or count specifications.
- Labeling: Applying labels with required information (product type, weight, origin, batch code, expiry date).
- Palletizing: Stacking packed boxes onto pallets for cold storage and shipment.
- Cleanliness: Maintaining impeccable hygiene standards in the packing area to ensure food safety.
Benefits of Strawberry Packing Jobs in Poland
A legitimate offer should include a clear package:
- Legal Employment: A sponsored seasonal work permit ensures you are working legally and are protected under Polish labor law.
- Accommodation: Employer-provided shared housing (often in dormitories or shared apartments) is standard, though a small fee for utilities and rent (e.g., 150-400 PLN/month) is common.
- Training: On-the-job training is provided for packing techniques and safety procedures.
- Support Network: Working and living with other international workers can provide a strong community.
Important Considerations & Realities
- Seasonal Nature: Employment is temporary and tied to the harvest. It is crucial to plan financially for the end of the contract.
- Physical Demand: The work is repetitive and can be strenuous. Be prepared for long hours on your feet.
- Language Barrier: While not required for the job itself, learning basic Polish phrases will greatly improve your daily life outside of work.
- Thorough Research: Not all recruiters are equal. It is vital to research the agency or employer thoroughly. Check for reviews from previous workers.
Visa Requirements
Key Permit: Seasonal Work Permit (“S-type”)
If you are non-EU/EEA/Swiss, for seasonal agricultural work (packing, harvesting, etc.), you will usually need a seasonal work permit (“zezwolenie na pracę sezonową”) in Poland.
- It’s valid for up to 9 months in a calendar year.
- The employer must apply for this permit on your behalf.
- The permit is issued by the “starost” (district governor) via the District Labour Office (Powiatowy Urząd Pracy – PUP).
Visa: National Visa D / Visa for Seasonal Work
If your seasonal work permit is approved outside of Poland, you’ll often apply for a National Visa (Type D) tied to seasonal/employment purposes. Some sources call this a “seasonal work visa”.
- This visa allows entry into Poland for the purpose of seasonal work.
- You’ll need your permit or the certificate of the permit application (depending on timing) to show when applying for the visa.
What the Employer Must Do
To sponsor you, the employer has to:
- Submit the application for the seasonal permit to the PUP and be located in the district where the work will happen.
- Provide documentation including your passport data, proposed period of stay/work, job description, remuneration (must meet minimum wage), and accommodation details.
- If required, prove that local candidates cannot fill the job (labor market test). However, for many from certain countries or in agriculture, this test is waived.
Your Requirements & Documents
To get the visa/permit, you’ll usually need:
- A valid passport with good remaining validity.
- A signed job offer or contract from the Polish employer.
- Proof of where you will live in Poland (accommodation address).
- Evidence that the wage offered meets or exceeds Poland’s minimum legal standards.
- Passport-size photos and sometimes health certificate or medical check (depending on state or employer)
- Possibly a certificate of no criminal record (depending on the employer or visa category). Some job advertisements list that
Timing, Validity & Limitations
- You can work up to 9 months in a calendar year under the seasonal permit.
- The permit is tied to the specific employer and job. If you change employers, you usually need a new permit.
- In many cases, while you wait for the permit or for its extension, you may already start work if certain conditions are met (certificate of entry in register, etc.).
How to Find Jobs in Poland with Visa Sponsorship
To avoid scams, use reputable sources:
- Specialized Recruitment Agencies: Many Polish agencies specialize in agricultural labor. Research their names and reputations online.
- Polish Job Boards: Pracuj.pl is the largest local platform. Use a browser with a translation feature.
- EURES: The official European Job Mobility Portal lists vetted seasonal agricultural vacancies.
- Networking: Connect with others who have previously worked in Poland for recommendations on trustworthy employers.
Application Process
- Prepare a Simple CV: Highlight any work experience and emphasize attributes like reliability and a strong work ethic.
- Apply Through Official Channels: Submit your application directly through the agency’s or farm’s official website. Be wary of individuals on social media offering visas without a formal process.
- Interview: A video interview is standard to discuss the role, conditions, and your suitability.
- Contract & Visa: Upon receiving a formal job offer and contract, the employer will guide you through the seasonal work visa application process. This will require a valid passport and other documentation.
Conclusion
A strawberry packing job in Poland presents a legitimate and structured pathway for women to gain entry into the European job market. While the work is physically demanding and the hours are long, the overall package—combining visa sponsorship, free accommodation, legal employment rights, and a safe environment—offers exceptional value that far exceeds the base salary.
This role is ideal for those who are resilient, eager to work, and looking for a chance to build a financial foundation while experiencing life in a new country. By applying through verified portals and preparing for the physical nature of the job, you can confidently embark on this rewarding adventure. Take the first step today by preparing your CV and exploring the job listings—your new chapter in Poland awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the realistic salary, and can I save money?
The monthly salary ranges from PLN 1,470 to 2,340 (approximately $350-$550). While this may seem modest, the key to saving is the free accommodation provided by the employer. With your largest expense covered and low-cost food options, diligent workers can save a significant portion of their income.
Do I need any experience or to speak Polish?
No experience is required. This is an entry-level position where training is provided. While knowing basic Polish phrases is helpful for daily life, it is not a requirement for the job itself, as supervisors often manage multilingual teams.
