Yes, in many countries your spouse can work on a dependent visa, but the exact rules depend on the country, the type of residence permit you hold, and local immigration laws.
In most European countries, a dependent visa issued through family reunification allows spouses to work legally, either automatically or after completing basic registration.
What Is a Dependent Visa?
A dependent visa (also called a family reunification visa) allows the spouse and family members of a legal worker or resident to live in the same country.
This visa is linked to:
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A valid work residence permit
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Legal employment status of the main applicant
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Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate)
Once approved, the spouse receives a dependent residence permit.
Does a Dependent Visa Allow Work?
In many cases, yes.
Most EU countries grant spouses:
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Full access to the labor market, or
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The right to work without a separate work permit
However, some countries may:
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Place conditions on employment
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Require registration before starting work
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Limit certain job sectors initially
Countries Where Spouses Can Usually Work Freely
In the following countries, spouses commonly receive unrestricted work rights on a dependent residence permit:
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Germany – Full access to employment
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Netherlands – Work allowed if residence card states permission
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Sweden – No work restrictions for dependents
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France – Work allowed after family residence permit issuance
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Portugal – Dependents can work legally
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Spain – Work rights granted with family permit
Work authorization is confirmed on the residence card, not just the visa sticker.
Countries With Conditions or Waiting Periods
Some countries may require that the spouse:
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Wait until the residence card is issued
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Complete local registration
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Apply for an employment endorsement
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Meet language or integration requirements
In these cases, work is allowed only after approval, not immediately upon arrival.
Can My Spouse Work on a Tourist or Short-Stay Visa?
No.
A tourist visa or Schengen (C) visa does not allow work under any circumstances. Your spouse must hold a dependent residence permit linked to your legal status to work lawfully.
What Type of Jobs Can a Spouse Do?
If work is permitted, the spouse can usually:
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Work full-time or part-time
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Take skilled or unskilled jobs
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Change employers freely
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Work in private or public sectors
Restrictions, if any, depend on national laws.
Documents Usually Required for Spouse Work Rights
Common documents include:
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Valid dependent residence permit
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Passport
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Marriage certificate (translated if required)
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Address registration
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Tax or social security number
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Employment contract (in some cases)
Can a Dependent Visa Lead to Permanent Residence?
Yes.
Time spent on a dependent residence permit often:
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Counts toward long-term residence
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Helps qualify for permanent residency
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Can later lead to independent work permits
This depends on:
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Length of stay
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Continuous legal residence
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Employment and integration compliance
Important Things to Know
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Work rights depend on country-specific laws
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Always check the residence card wording
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Working without authorization can cause fines or bans
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Immigration rules can change, so updates matter
How EU Helpers Can Support You
EU Helpers assists families by:
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Explaining spouse work rights by country
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Guiding family reunification applications
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Clarifying dependent residence permits
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Supporting legal employment pathways
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Reducing delays and compliance risks
Professional guidance ensures your spouse works legally and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can my spouse work immediately after arrival?
Only if the residence permit already grants work rights. Otherwise, work starts after registration or approval.
Does my spouse need a separate work permit?
In many EU countries, no. The dependent residence permit itself allows work.
Can my spouse change jobs freely?
Usually yes, if the permit allows unrestricted employment.
Is the right to work written on the visa?
No. It is shown on the residence card, not the visa sticker.