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A Brazilian employee entering visa-free may opt for a family reunion permit when joining their spouse in the host country. While this option offers convenience, it ties the employee’s legal stay and work rights to their spouse’s residence status, which can create dependency risks for employers and HR teams.
Family Reunion Permit and employment
The Question
The Answer
The family reunion permit places the employee’s right to stay and work under their spouse’s residence status. If the spouse’s permit ends or the relationship changes, the employee’s permit may also become invalid. Since renewal depends on personal circumstances rather than employment, it offers limited stability for companies. However, the employee may later switch to a work-based residence permit if eligible.
Germany Family Union Permit and employment
Context & Background – The Challenge
HR teams managing the relocation of Brazilian talent through family reunion routes often face uncertainties in long-term employment continuity. Since this permit type depends on family relationships rather than employment, changes in marital or residence status can unexpectedly affect the employee’s right to stay and work.
Jobbatical’s Approach
Jobbatical advises HR professionals to consider permit implications early in the relocation process. Employers are encouraged to assess the sustainability of a family-reunion-based residence status and explore work-based alternatives that offer greater independence and renewal security.
The Outcome
The family reunion permit can restrict flexibility since renewal is determined by personal rather than professional factors. However, the employee can switch to a work-based residence permit later, provided eligibility criteria are met. Proactive visa planning helps HR ensure continuity and compliance while supporting employee well-being.
Employer or Talent Steps
- Verify the employee’s current residence basis and expiration timeline.
- Evaluate if a work-based permit or Blue Card is a more stable option.
- Coordinate with legal support to plan permit transitions smoothly.
- Update internal HR records and right-to-work documentation regularly.
Key Learnings
- Family reunion permits link work rights to a spouse’s legal status.
- Renewal is not employer-dependent, offering less control for HR.
- Early assessment can prevent unexpected work authorization lapses.
- Switching to a work permit provides long-term stability.
FAQ: Family Reunion and Employment
This covers the following use cases:
- What should HR know about the risks of hiring an employee on a family reunion residence permit?
- How does a family reunion permit affect a Brazilian employee’s right to work and stay in the host country?
- What are the disadvantages of dependent residence permits compared to work-based ones for global talent?
- Can a Brazilian employee on a visa-free entry apply for a family reunion permit to stay longer?
- How can HR ensure compliance when employees hold family-based residence permits?
- Is a family reunion permit a stable option for long-term employment in Europe?
- When should HR recommend switching from a family reunion permit to a work permit?
- How do changes in a spouse’s residence status impact a dependent employee’s work rights?
- What are the renewal conditions for family reunion residence permits in Europe?
- Can HR sponsor an employee who currently holds a family reunion permit?
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