Job Discussion Forums

[chengdu619]

Hi everyone, I am currently working in China. I am a U.S. citizen, non EU passport holder. I plan on marrying my Italian girlfriend soon. We are hoping on eventually settling in Italy. It seems that marriage is the only way I can get a visa and work there ( note: the reason I am marrying her is because I love her. And because we love one another we want to live together:))

Have any non EU passport holders had any experience marrying a European, or, more particularly an Italian, with the end result of working in that country? What I understand so far is that after we get married I either have to spend 6 months in Italy or 3 yrs abroad before I can get a spousal visa. But how would I spend 6 months in Italy if there is a 90 limit for non-EU passport holders? Anyway, I have so many questions regarding how to approach this issue my head is swimming. If anyone can tell me about their experiences I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks

[spiral78]

It's not Italy: my spouse is Czech. Within 90 days of our wedding I was entitled to permanent residency in the CR, meaning automatic work permits for the CR. The problem comes if you want to live/work somewhere else in the EU - then you need citizenship, which is much harder to get.

If you check with the Italian embassy, noting the distinction between legal 'permanent' residency (there are actually time limits which can be extended assuming the marraige is still intact) and citizenship, I think you'll find that you'll be fine. The CR is stricter, not more lenient, than most EU member states on legalities.

[chengdu619]

Thanks Spiral, I will do that. I will keep everyone posted as to what happens.

[naturegirl321]

I recently looked into this since my husband is entitled to Italian citizenship through ancestory. Problem is no one knows birth ploace, names, etc.

Anyways, basically, it's not 6 months or 3 years for the VISA: That's for citizenship.

From what I've heard Italian citizenship is pretty easy to get based on marriage or ancestory. Downside, you will need police records from all the countries you've lived in longer than 6 months. DOn't know how hard it is to get police records from China, but if you're intersted in getting Italian citnzehips, try to find that out.

DO you speak Italian? If not, try to learn a bit. If you're like many Americans and have studied Spanish, then Italian should be easier to learn.

[chengdu619]

Thanks Naturegirl

I am checking into what privileges having a spousal visa gives me. It is a relief to know that citizenship is what takes 6 months or 3 years ( depending on where you are living) , and not the spousal visa. This is a weight off my shoulders. I will call the Italian embassy and see if having a spousal visa gives one the right to work. Then, the next step is seeing if employers are willing to employ someone with a spousal visa. In addition to this, I will have to find some way to take a CELTA course once I get to Italy. I assume I will not have time to do much else when taking the CELTA. So maybe work for the first 2 months is not an option anyway.

I do speak some Italian yes. I have been studying for about a year now and my level is intermediate. Having studied Spanish for a few years a while back has made learning Italian much easier. My goal is to make much more improvement this year than I did last year.

P.S. The place we plan to marry is Italy.

P.P.S. I will inquire into how to get a police record here in China. Fun!! I can imagine that conversation.

[spiral78]

I will call the Italian embassy and see if having a spousal visa gives one the right to work. Then, the next step is seeing if employers are willing to employ someone with a spousal visa.

I strongly expect you will find the answer to both questions is yes.

My permanent residency based on marraige took 14 days to get, gives me the right to work, and is smiled upon by employers. I think the Italian case will be the same.

[chengdu619]

Nice

[naturegirl321]

[kserasera]

I married my European husband almost 2 years ago. He is French and I am Canadian. We got married in England, since this is where he is working. I was able ot start working in England the day we got married. We had to apply for permission to get married, and then apply to the home office for a residence visa for me - which i got and is valid for 4 years.

Hope this helps. We are now expecting a baby, that will be born in England and I know that she will get a Canadian passport, but I am not sure if she will get a French one too - or a UK one.

[rogan]

Any Canadian/US ladies looking for a husband - I'm available ! !

UK citizen living in France.

[PeterBar]

I'm conveniently available also - Rogan, we could start an agency.