Apply for Seasonal Agricultural Jobs Visa in Italy

Bengali Translation

Italy is a major destination for seasonal agricultural workers. Every year many farms and cooperatives need extra hands for harvesting, pruning, and other seasonal tasks. For Bangladeshi citizens, the chance to work legally in Italy depends on a structured process: employers in Italy must request work permits under an annual quota system (Decreto Flussi), and only after an approved authorization is issued can a worker apply at the Italian Embassy/Consulate.

What does “quota” mean — in plain language

The quota is a yearly limit set by the Italian government on how many non-EU citizens can enter Italy to work. The decree that sets these numbers is called the Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree). It lists different categories — seasonal workers (agriculture and tourism), non-seasonal workers, self-employed, etc. Within the seasonal worker category, the decree may list a specific number of slots for each country (including Bangladesh).

Nulla Osta (work authorization)

The Nulla Osta is the authorization issued by Italian immigration authorities that confirms an employer is permitted to hire a named non-EU worker under the quota system. Key facts:

✅ Who applies: The Italian employer (not you) applies for the Nulla Osta to the provincial office of the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione.

✅ What it contains: Employer details, job description, job period, salary, accommodation arrangements, and the worker’s identity (your name or a placeholder if the system allows).

✅ Why it matters: You cannot apply for the Italian national work visa (Type D – seasonal) unless a valid Nulla Osta exists for you (or your employer receives one and the Embassy is notified).

✅ Verification: Some Embassies/Consulates may request additional verification of older Nulla Osta documents to confirm authenticity, especially if a specific country had past fraud issues.

How to find a legitimate Italian agricultural employer

Use official job portals

✅ ClicLavoro — Italy’s national job portal managed by the Ministry of Labour. Employers post legitimate jobs here.
EURES — the European job mobility portal often lists seasonal agricultural jobs across EU countries.

✅ Italian agricultural associations — Coldiretti, CIA (Confederazione Italiana Agricoltori) and local cooperatives sometimes have job listings or can point to recruiting cooperatives.

Official recruitment programs and bilateral agreements

Occasionally the Italian government or regional authorities have bilateral recruitment programs with Bangladesh or with licensed agencies. Check the Italian Embassy in Dhaka website and official announcements for verified recruitment channels.

Community referrals and networks

Ask friends or relatives who are legally working in Italy — many employers rehire seasonal workers or accept referrals from trusted employees.

Contact Bangladeshi community organizations in Italy or legal aid organisations that help migrants — they sometimes maintain lists of legitimate employers and cooperatives.

Verify the employer

Always ask the employer for:

✅ Full company name and registered address

✅ Partita IVA (Italian tax ID) or company registration number
✅ Copy of the proposed employment contract (in Italian or English)
✅ Details about accommodation and dates of employment

You can verify company details on the Italian business register (Registro Imprese). If a prospective employer refuses to provide a company ID or insists on secrecy, treat it as a red flag.

Step-by-step application process

✅ Get a job offer from an Italian employer.

✅ Employer applies for the Nulla Osta at the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (province in Italy) during the Decreto Flussi application window.
✅ If Nulla Osta is approved, the authorization is forwarded to the Italian Embassy/Consulate (or recorded in the Italian visa system).
✅ You apply for the national work visa (Type D) at the Italian Embassy/Consulate in Dhaka or via the visa application center (e.g., VFS Global), submitting the Nulla Osta and other documents.
✅ Attend biometric appointment if required and wait for visa decision.
✅ Receive visa, travel to Italy.
✅ Within 8 days of arrival, apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) for seasonal work at the local post office or police headquarters (questura) — follow instructions given with your visa.
✅ Start work according to the contract. Keep copies of all documents and the permesso during your stay.

Document checklist — what you (the worker) usually need

✅ Valid passport 
✅ Visa application form (duly completed and signed)
✅ Two recent passport-size photos (follow Embassy specs)
✅ Original Nulla Osta or a document proving the Nulla Osta was issued for you
✅ Employment contract or written job offer from the Italian employer (with dates, salary, accommodation)
✅ Proof of accommodation in Italy (provided by employer)
✅ Travel insurance (medical coverage; for national visas the Embassy may have specific instructions)
✅ Proof of travel arrangements (flight reservation) or a statement of intent
✅ Copy of employer’s company registration / Partita IVA (sometimes requested)
✅ Proof of legal residence status in Bangladesh (national ID, etc.)
✅ Visa fee payment receipt
✅ Any other documents requested by the Italian Embassy in Dhaka (they might ask for additional verification)

Keep both originals and clear photocopies; prepare digital scans if the visa center requires online submission.

Arrival in Italy — permesso di soggiorno and first steps

Once you arrive in Italy on a national work visa:

1. Apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) within 8 days of arrival. The visa decision usually includes instructions on how to do this. Typically:
   ✅ Collect a kit from a post office marked “Sportello Amico” ✅ Fill out the forms and attach the required documents (ID, passport, visa, employment contract, photos) ✅ Pay the required fees and keep the receipt ✅ Attend an appointment at the police station (Questura) for fingerprinting and final submission

2. Register with the local health service (SSN) if your contract entitles you or your employer registers you.
   
   

3. Keep records: contract, payslips, accommodation proof, and any documents you were given by employer — they’ll be important if you need to renew permits or prove legal status.
   
   

Wages, working conditions, and your rights

✅ Seasonal workers in Italy are protected by national labor laws and sectoral collective agreements. Wages and conditions should be stated in the contract.

✅ If you believe your pay or conditions are unfair, contact local trade unions, legal aid groups, or the local labor inspectorate (Ispettorato del Lavoro).

✅ Keep all payslips and record working hours; these documents are essential for asserting your rights.

Red flags and scams to watch for

✅ Any middleman or agent asking for large upfront payments to “guarantee” a job or visa.
✅ Employers who provide vague details, no company ID, or no written contract.
✅ Requests to travel on tourist visas with a promise to change status later.
✅ Any document that looks fake, or that an employer insists you sign without reading.

Protect yourself

✅ Never pay large sums to an agent; legitimate processes do not require cash upfront for a visa.
✅ Verify employer details (Partita IVA and registration).
✅ Keep written copies of offers and the contract.
✅ Use official channels: Embassy notices, official job portals, and verified recruitment programs.
✅ If in doubt, ask the Embassy in Dhaka or a trusted NGO for advice.

Timeline and realistic expectations

1. Finding an employer: This can take weeks to months, depending on your network and the season.
2. Employer applies for Nulla Osta: when the Decreto Flussi opens; processing time varies (weeks to months).
3. Visa processing at Embassy: may take several weeks after submission; sometimes longer if extra verification is needed.
4. Overall: from job offer to travel, expect 2–6 months in normal circumstances; in complex or verification cases it can take longer.

Sample safe questions to ask a prospective employer

1. What is your company’s Partita IVA / registration number?
2. Can you send a written employment contract (in Italian or English)?
3. What will my net monthly pay and working hours be?
4. What dates does the contract cover?
5. Where will I live? Is accommodation provided or paid?
6. Who will apply for the Nulla Osta (please provide the office contact or reference)?
7. Will I be paid by bank transfer or cash? (bank transfer is safer and documented)

If an employer refuses to answer these, reconsider.

Final checklist (printable)

1. Secure a written job offer from an Italian employer
2. Get employer’s Partita IVA and company registration details
3. Employer applies for Nulla Osta (confirm issue date)
4. If Nulla Osta is approved, prepare visa documents: passport, photos, contract, accommodation, insurance, and application form
5. Submit visa application at the Italian Embassy in Dhaka or VFS (follow Embassy instructions)
6. If visa granted, book travel and keep copies of all documents
7. Upon arrival in Italy, apply for Permesso di Soggiorno within 8 days
8. Keep contact information for local labor support and community organizations

Closing tips & encouragement

Getting a legal job in Italy’s agricultural sector is absolutely possible, but it requires patience, careful verification, and using official channels. Always insist on written contracts and details that can be verified. Avoid paying upfront large fees to agents and use community networks and official job portals to find safe employers.

Is the Italy visa open for Bangladeshis?

Yes, Italy visas are open for Bangladeshi citizens.
You can apply for different types of visas, such as:

1. Agriculture/Seasonal Work Visa (under Decreto Flussi)
2. Student Visa
3. Work Visa (Non-seasonal)
4. Tourist Visa
5. Family Reunion Visa

How much is a 2-year visa for Italy?

It depends on the visa type

How to apply for an Italy visa (from Bangladesh)

Choose your visa type

Decide whether you want to apply for a work, student, or tourist visa.

Prepare documents

Common required documents:

1. Valid passport
2. Visa application form
3. Passport-size photos
4. Purpose-related papers (job offer, admission letter, etc.)
5. Bank statement
6. Travel insurance
7. Accommodation proof

Book appointment

Apply through VFS Global Italy (Dhaka)
🌐 https://visa.vfsglobal.com/bgd/en/ita

Submit documents and biometrics

Go to VFS Global in Gulshan, Dhaka.

Wait for decision

Visa processing usually takes 2–6 weeks, depending on type.

Do you need IELTS for Italy?

❌ No, IELTS is not required for work or agriculture visas.
✅ Yes, it may be required for student visas, depending on your university or course.
Some Italian universities accept English proficiency certificates from your previous school or college instead of IELTS.

Italy Visa Check / Track Status

After submitting your application, you can check your status online.

VFS Global Italy Visa Tracking (Bangladesh)

👉 https://visa.vfsglobal.com/bgd/en/ita/track-application

You’ll need:

1. Your Reference Number (from receipt)
2. Your Date of Birth

Enter them on the tracking page to see your visa status.

Italy Visa Check by Passport Number

You can’t check directly with only your passport number, but:

✅ You can contact VFS Global or

The Italian Embassy in Dhaka for updates using your passport number + reference number.

Everything you need to know — from what a quota actually means, to how to find a legitimate employer, how the Nulla Osta (work authorization) works, documents you’ll need, how to apply at the Embassy in Dhaka (or via the visa center), what happens once you arrive in Italy, and how to protect yourself from scams. Follow this guide step by step and keep the checklist handy.

Search keywords in Italian: “lavoro stagionale agricoltura”, “bracciante agricolo stagionale”, “raccolta” (harvest), “vendemmia” (grape harvest, if seasonal).

FAQ —

Q: Can I apply for the visa by myself?

A: No — you need an employer to apply for the Nulla Osta first. Only after it’s granted can you apply at the Embassy with that authorization.

Q: What if the quota for Bangladesh is full?
A: If the quota is filled, your employer cannot obtain a Nulla Osta for that year. You’ll have to wait for the next Decreto Flussi.

Q: Can I renew my seasonal visa?
A: Seasonal permits are typically tied to specific seasons and may be renewed in subsequent years if the employer and quota allow it. Renewal rules depend on the type of permit and local procedures.

Q: Are there safe recruitment programs?
A: Yes — occasionally governments and regional authorities run verified recruitment programs. Check official Embassy announcements.

Q: What if I face abuse or non-payment?
A: Contact local trade unions, labour inspectorates, or NGOs that assist migrant workers. Keep all evidence (payslips, messages, contracts).