Read our summary of countries with favourable regulations for work authorisation of spouse, partner or family members

A quick overview of our aims, global strategy and country plan as well as how governments are responding.

A review of work permit regulations worldwide reveals broadly three groups for the length of time it takes an accompanying spouse or partner to get a work permit after they have obtained a resident visa as a dependant or family member.

The first group is a growing number of best practice countries, where an accompanying spouse or partner is granted an automatic and open permission to work, allowing freedom to apply for jobs and move to a new job. This includes, for example, Europeans working in the European Union or the European Economic Area and, for spouses moving intercontinentally, the UK, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, The Netherlands, Sweden and the USA. This makes these countries attractive destinations for international business. In some of these countries, the regulations are limited to the spouses or family members of higher skilled staff or certain visa categories

In the two other groups, the spouse or partner has to obtain a work permit through, or limited to, his or her own potential employer and may not start work without it. The process must be started again if the partner needs a new job.

In the second group of countries, such as France and Singapore, the application procedure is relatively straightforward and can be completed within about 4 weeks, though this is also sometimes restricted to the spouses of higher paid staff or knowledge workers.

In the third group of countries, the procedure can take up to several months and requires the employer to show that the spouse brings skills not available locally. The length of time and the uncertainty of the outcome often deter employers from offering a job to a well-qualified candidate. In some countries, for example India and Russia, the spouse needs to return to the base country to apply for employment authorisation.

Permits Foundation promotes the best practice of an open work permit or authorisation for legally resident expatriate spouses or partners. This gives the partner immediate access to the employment market once they have obtained their accompanying family member visa. It also facilitates part-time and temporary work, reduces bureaucracy for the authorities and helps employers fill urgent and temporary vacancies.

Permits Foundation maintains that this will make countries more attractive business destinations for international companies and organisations. Employing expatriate staff goes hand in hand with international trade and investment. The numbers involved are small, making it easy for governments to consider concessions.

Permits Foundation has already been successful in promoting change in France, The Netherlands, Hong Kong and the USA., It is currently promoting improvements in other countries in Europe, for example in Germany and at the European Union. It has also started to develop networks in Asia and is working to raise awareness of this issue worldwide. Where appropriate, we work through and support local networks of employers.

Governments increasingly recognise the importance of dual careers in making their country an attractive business destination, supporting trade and investment and the attraction of highly skilled staff. They are also recognising that business related transfers can be treated differently from long term immigration. Open work permits demonstrate equal opportunity and support the integration of legally resident persons.

The Foundation builds on success in best practice countries and raises awareness in countries that sponsors indicate are important and are considered as trendsetters in their region. It supports local networks of companies and employers’ organisations to present the case for change to the national authorities.

The foundation has hosted or been invited to speak at meetings to raise awareness in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, the UK, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Japan and the USA, addressing both companies, international organisations, government representatives and the United Nations.