Can non-EU spouse of US expat obtain work permit in Germany?

Hi everyone,

I'm a US expat working in Germany and recently found out that my short-term assignment is turning into a long-term expat assignment. My (soon to be) wife will be relocating here with me, but I'm curious what will be required for her to obtain a work permit.

She currently works in the US and is trying to obtain a contract from her company who also has offices here, but if she is not able to do so, we'd love for her to be able to find full or part time work elsewhere. Is this possible? If so, what is required? Are there "gotchas" I need to watch out for?

Also, are there any complications if she comes where first without a work permit, and then tries to get one later?

Thanks for taking the time to read. I've had a little bit of trouble digging this information up on my own.

Thanks!
-C