Dependent Visa Work Rights
If you're moving abroad as a spouse or partner, the first question after "where are we living" is usually "can I work there?" The answer depends on the country and the visa category of the primary applicant.
UK
If your partner holds a Skilled Worker visa, you can apply as their dependant. Dependants in the UK can work in any job, study, and apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years. The only restriction is professional sportsperson or sports coach.
- Partner application fee: £285
- Each child: £315
- Additional children: £200 each
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035/year per person
The IHS adds up fast for families. A couple plus two children is over £4,000/year just in healthcare surcharge before anyone earns a pound.
Germany
Once your residence permit for family reunification is issued, you can work without restriction. No separate work permit needed. No employer sponsorship. No occupation limitations.
If your spouse holds an EU Blue Card or a skilled worker residence permit, you also skip the German language requirement for the family reunification visa itself. You'll still want to learn German (daily life without it is difficult), but the visa won't be held up by a language test.
Requirements: valid passport, marriage certificate, proof that the primary permit holder has adequate health insurance and income, and both spouses must be at least 18.
Canada
Canada's spousal open work permit program narrowed significantly on January 21, 2025. Previously, spouses of most work permit holders could apply. Now eligibility depends on the primary worker's occupation.
If the primary worker is in a TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupation (management and professional roles), their spouse qualifies for an open work permit. For TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations, only specific jobs qualify, including nurses, electricians, carpenters, welders, and a few dozen others on the approved list.
- Work permit processing fee: CAD $155
- Open work permit holder fee: CAD $100
- Total: CAD $255
The open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, no job offer needed. The primary worker's permit must be valid for at least 16 months after IRCC receives the spousal application.
Australia
Australia's partner visa (subclass 820/801) grants full work and study rights with no restrictions. The cost is steep. Australia's partner visa is one of the most expensive in the world, running well into four figures before medical exams, police checks, and translations.
The process is two-stage. You get a temporary visa (820) first, then a permanent one (801) typically 2 years later. Both stages are covered under a single application, and work rights begin with the temporary visa. Processing times run 12-24 months.
Career gap
Even in countries where you can legally work, finding a job as a trailing spouse is a separate challenge. Your professional network is in the country you left. Your credentials may not transfer. And without proficiency in the local language, most local job markets are closed off.
- Remote work for your existing employer, if they allow it. Check tax implications in the new country first.
- Freelancing, where the local visa permits it. Not all dependent visas allow self-employment.
- Language certification. Getting to B2 in the local language before you arrive opens significantly more doors.
For trailing spouse support, work with our move abroad coaches on LottaLingo.