Working Abroad - Unmarried Couple
Discussion
Hello,
I have searched the net for info and posted on individual forums without much luck so will try a change of approach, hopefully somebody here can help!
Unmarried couple of ten years, just spent the last three living and working in Australia. Now looking for a new challenge. Many of the countries which appeal to us require visas, often which do not recognise unmarried relationships. Middle East, Hong Kong, Singapore(?), USA for example. We feel as though heading back to Europe is our only realistic option (both EU citizens). This is fine, but we do have a yearning to live 'away' for a bit longer yet.
Has anybody got any advice or practical experience of potential countries which might work for us? Places which recognise unmarried relationships or would grant a visa (living only or working) without 'employer sponsorship'?
We are very flexible and open-minded. I work in Oil and Gas (and related industries) and don't seem to have a problem finding work globally at the moment, despite the low oil price issues. Her work is very transferable also. It's just the unmarried bit which is the issue.
Thanks!
PS. "Get married" is the obvious advice, I know. This will happen in the coming years, not just yet though!
We had the same issue in Singapore
You can apply and have the local court rubber stamp as a common law couple
However this doesn't entitle your spouse to work in SG
Common law arrangements may work in some EU countries
Switzerland have some relaxed visa rules - 6 months to live and find work and then leave if you have not done so
You can apply and have the local court rubber stamp as a common law couple
However this doesn't entitle your spouse to work in SG
Common law arrangements may work in some EU countries
Switzerland have some relaxed visa rules - 6 months to live and find work and then leave if you have not done so
Edited by Ej74 on Wednesday 18th February 14:01
As you are both looking to work why don't you apply for your own jobs, and receive a visa from the respective employer?
This what my fiancé and I did when we moved to the ME.
We're now married but being on separate visa's also gives a fallback that if one of you lose your job, you can (once married) hop onto the others and remain in the country to look for another position.
We were lucky to both find work at the same time very easily but this was before the oil price drop.
One thing to note if you do decide on the ME is even if you have separate visa's you still can't legally live together until wed.
This what my fiancé and I did when we moved to the ME.
We're now married but being on separate visa's also gives a fallback that if one of you lose your job, you can (once married) hop onto the others and remain in the country to look for another position.
We were lucky to both find work at the same time very easily but this was before the oil price drop.
One thing to note if you do decide on the ME is even if you have separate visa's you still can't legally live together until wed.
Dubai here - technically living together while not married is haram, but providing you don't do anything to piss someone off who is influential, no one will ever check up on you. Each of you will have to have jobs as that will get you work permits and visas each.
If you're unmarried, you couldn't sponsor your partner on your visa. Must be married if you're going to have kids. If she was to get pregnant out of wedlock, she will, and you probably will, get deported.
If you're unmarried, you couldn't sponsor your partner on your visa. Must be married if you're going to have kids. If she was to get pregnant out of wedlock, she will, and you probably will, get deported.
Asterix said:
Dubai here - technically living together while not married is haram, but providing you don't do anything to piss someone off who is influential, no one will ever check up on you. Each of you will have to have jobs as that will get you work permits and visas each.
If you're unmarried, you couldn't sponsor your partner on your visa. Must be married if you're going to have kids. If she was to get pregnant out of wedlock, she will, and you probably will, get deported.
Same here in Kuwait.If you're unmarried, you couldn't sponsor your partner on your visa. Must be married if you're going to have kids. If she was to get pregnant out of wedlock, she will, and you probably will, get deported.
Obviously if you are unmarried you have to each qualify for something in your own right, if you are married one can have permission to be there on the visa of the other. But depending on where you are that may not include the ability to work.
If you are both British then you have the same rights, so if you pick a country you are allowed to go and live in then you both can, EU being the obvious.
If you are both British then you have the same rights, so if you pick a country you are allowed to go and live in then you both can, EU being the obvious.
HenryJM said:
Obviously if you are unmarried you have to each qualify for something in your own right, if you are married one can have permission to be there on the visa of the other. But depending on where you are that may not include the ability to work.
If you are both British then you have the same rights, so if you pick a country you are allowed to go and live in then you both can, EU being the obvious.
A US B1 co-habiting partner visa may be applicable - though it does carry some quite punitive restrictions.If you are both British then you have the same rights, so if you pick a country you are allowed to go and live in then you both can, EU being the obvious.
Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff