improving
overseas employment
DOWNLOAD PEWG'S EUROPEAN OVERSEAS GUIDE
AN INDISPENSABLE TOOL FOR UK ARMED FORCES FAMILIES
UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGES
The Partner Employment Working Group (PEWG) recognises the unique challenges that Armed Forces families face when embarking on overseas postings.
Through our extensive resources and strategic partnerships, PEWG is committed to improving the overseas employment landscape for UK Armed Forces families.
THE ISSUES AT hAND
Relocating to a foreign country presents a myriad of challenges, including understanding local employment laws, finding job opportunities, and accessing support networks. For families of UK Armed Forces personnel, these challenges are further compounded by the transient nature of military life.
When a family accepts an overseas posting, it's not just a matter of packing up and moving. There are employment considerations to account for, particularly for the non-serving partner. The right to work in a new location, the nuances of local employment laws, and the potential language barriers are all factors that need to be addressed.
European Overseas Guide
Developed in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), PEWG's European Overseas Guide is an indispensable tool for UK Armed Forces families.
The guide provides insights into key overseas assignment locations, offering a roadmap for working overseas.
Navigating Employment in Different Countries
PEWG's European Overseas Guide covers key overseas assignment locations, including Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. Let's delve into the specifics of each of these countries.
Belgium
PROCEDURES FOR UK FAMILIES TO CONTINUE TO WORK WHILST ON POSTING
UK nationals who wish to work in the local economy in Belgium require a work permit. While residence permits are delivered through embassies and communes by the IBZ, work permits are delivered through the three regions. Employment law and the requirements for work permits differ between the regions. Each region delivers work permits for stays of under 90 days and over 90 days. For Non-EEA nationals, there are two types of work permit. For a period under 90 days, a Work Permit B is required and for a period over 90 days a “single permit” is required. The “single permit” is a combined work and residence permit.
READ MORE ABOUT BELGIUM IN THE EUROPEAN OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT GUIDE (OPENS IN A NEW WINDOW 🖥️)
CYPRUS
PROCEDURES FOR UK FAMILIES TO CONTINUE TO WORK WHILST ON POSTING
UK nationals who wish to be employed within the Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) and reside outside the grounds of the SBA and their family members, will need to obtain Temporary Residence Permits as Visitors.
READ MORE ABOUT CYPRUS IN THE EUROPEAN OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT GUIDE (OPENS IN A NEW WINDOW 🖥️)
GERMANY
PROCEDURES FOR UK FAMILIES TO CONTINUE TO WORK WHILST ON POSTING
In principle, the residence status and the associated work permit for foreign citizens in Germany must first be clarified before they can take up or continue their work from Germany.
The applicable rules are explained in the section “Country registration requirement” but in short, through the SOFA, dependants are exempt from a visa application process and therefore keep working from German territory by the decision of the UK who qualifies as dependant rather than German authorities, who accept interference with their national laws in respect to this specific group of people.
Therefore, dependants do have a work permit if they get the corresponding documents and stamps in their passport from the British authorities, identifying them as dependants of British Armed Forces deployed to Germany.
READ MORE ABOUT GERMANY IN THE EUROPEAN OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT GUIDE (OPENS IN A NEW WINDOW 🖥️)
ITALY
PROCEDURES FOR UK FAMILIES TO CONTINUE TO WORK WHILST ON POSTING
Citizens of the United Kingdom are considered non-EU citizens and, therefore, they must apply for a visa if they want to live and travel in Italy for more than 90 days. British citizens living in Italy before the 1st of January 2021 are allowed to remain in Italy without a visa or residence permit. Family members of these UK nationals are also covered by the Withdrawal Agreement if their relationship existed before the 1st of January 2021.
READ MORE ABOUT ITALY IN THE EUROPEAN OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT GUIDE (OPENS IN A NEW WINDOW 🖥️)
NETHERLANDs
PROCEDURES FOR UK FAMILIES TO CONTINUE TO WORK WHILST ON POSTING
Citizens of the United Kingdom are considered non-EU citizens and, therefore, they must apply for a visa if they want to live and travel in Italy for more than 90 days. British citizens living in Italy before the 1st of January 2021 are allowed to remain in Italy without a visa or residence permit. Family members of these UK nationals are also covered by the Withdrawal Agreement if their relationship existed before the 1st of January 2021.
READ MORE ABOUT NETHERLANDS IN THE EUROPEAN OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT GUIDE (OPENS IN A NEW WINDOW 🖥️)
PEWG addresses these issues head-on
providing essential information and practical solutions
to Armed Forces families embarking on overseas postings
The PEWG Solution
PEWG's approach to overseas employment is twofold: providing comprehensive resources and offering individualised support.
Comprehensive Resources
The European Overseas Guide includes procedures for UK families to continue working while on posting, insights into UK employers' requirements to support their employees abroad, and information on country-specific registration requirements. It also includes details about business obligations, insurance, tax implications, and points of contact for assistance in each location.
Successful Overseas Employment
With PEWG's support, you can navigate the complexities of overseas employment with confidence.
Help with understanding the requirements of working in a new location that allows you to continue your professional pursuits while fulfilling family and military commitments.
PEWG's comprehensive overseas employment guide is more than just a resource—it's a commitment to supporting UK Armed Forces families in their overseas journey.
We understand the complexities of overseas employment, and we're here to stop the guesswork. With PEWG, you can navigate the challenges of overseas postings with confidence and focus on what truly matters—your family and your career.
We invite you to explore our European Overseas Guide and reach out to us for personalised support. Together, we can make your overseas posting a success.