France Agriculture Jobs 2026 | Visa Process
By 2026, the agricultural sector of France will be undergoing a massive transformation. The French government has reformed the “Seasonal Worker” visa program and now includes agriculture on the official Shortage Occupation List (Métiers en Tension) because of certain unfulfilled positions of almost 300,000 vacancies every year.
To the foreign workers, this would be the nearest year they can get a job in the agricultural heart of Europe, whether it be the vines of the Bordeaux or the fruits of the Provence.
Top Agriculture Sectors That Will Be recruiting in 2026
France is the biggest agricultural producer in EU. The theme of recruitment is also highly oriented towards High-Value Harvests and climate-resilient farming in 2026.
- Viticulture (The Wine Harvest): This most popular seasonal role is referred to as the Vendange. During the months of August to October thousands of workers are required in such places as Champagne, Bordeaux, and Burgundy.
- Horticulture & Berry Picking: Spring and summer (March-July) is concerned with strawberries, cherries and asparagus in the Loire Valley and Southern France.
- Apple/Pear Orchards: One of the biggest fall harvests (September to November) of the Normandy and Occitanie.
- Livestock & Dairy Farming: Animal care specialists and milking technicians are sought after throughout the year especially in Alps and Brittany.
The Agriculture Visa Process (VLS-TS) of 2026
The process of the application becomes completely digitalized in 2026 through the ANEF Portal. The majority of the agricultural workers will come under the Seasonal Worker Visa (Travailleur Saisonnier).
Secure a Job Offer
To be able to apply, you need a signed Seasonal Employment Contract (Contrat Saisonnier).
Hint: Log in with the official France Travail (previously Pôle Emploi) portal and then select the option to filter by the industry of Agriculture.
Work Authorization by the Employer
Your employer has to request online your Work Authorization (Autorisation de Travail). Since agriculture qualifies as a Shortage Occupation in 2026, the Labor Market Test is not required in most regions, and it takes as little as 2–4 weeks to get approved.
Visa Application
You get the VLS-TS (Long-Stay Visa) permitting you to work in France at the French Consulate where you live.
- Duration: Eligible to stay between 3 to 6 months in a year.
- The 3-Year Card: You can get a Multi-Year Residence Permit of 3 years period where you can go back to France during the harvest season, and you will not need to take another visa.
Requirements Checklist for 2026
In order to be successful in applying to work in a French farm this year, you should have:
- Valid Passport: Should be valid within a period of 3 months of your planned date back.
- Work Authorization: The virtual clearance paper of your French employer.
- Evidence of Accommodation: A letter of your employer or rental agreement that he or she offers housing.
- Health Insurance: 30 days of hospital cover.
- Language: A1/A2 French is the most desired language although not always a requirement among laborers, as it is more safe and suitable in team coordination.
FAQs
Is age a restriction of working in the farm?
You must be at least 18 years old. The upper age does not have an official maximum age so far as you are physically well to do manual work and the required medical examination passes.
Is the employer a housing provider?
The Employers have the legal responsibility of accommodating you abroad or housing allowance as stipulated by the 2026 Seasonal Worker Protection rules, which state that the accommodations must be decent and affordable.
Is it possible to change Seasonal Visa to a Permanent Work Visa?
The Seasonal Visa is normally temporary (not exceeding 6 months/year). Nevertheless, in case you can secure a permanent year-round job, you may apply to get a permit of a Salaried Employee, which again necessitates application through the Prefecture.
Am I required to speak French to work in the farm?
Basic (A1) French is usually sufficient to general picking. In team leader or animal care jobs, the sponsors normally demand A2/B1 level to guarantee smooth transfer of technical orders.
Can I work for multiple farms?
Yes, but one has to have an authorized contract on each. The maximum duration of your stay in France shall be 6 months in a 12 months rolling period.
Final Thought
French agricultural season of 2026 presents a rare chance of non-EU nationals attain competitive remunerations but at the same time to discover the French countryside. Under the Shortage Occupation Decree, which is being put into action, it is now shorter than ever before to go through with the applications, to the fields of France.
Disclaimer
The job information is provided to provide educational and informational purposes only. Before applying, please confirm the information on the official employer or on the government portal (france-visas.gouv.fr).