Working rights for spouse of EU citizen

Hello, hope for advice on my right to work in the EU as the spouse of an EU citizen. I am American and my husband is Irish. We currently live in Croatia where we both have residence and work permission. I have just accepted a job in Germany and it’s looking like it might get complicated for how I obtain permission to work there. My husband, at least initially, will not join me in Germany. He has work secured in Croatia but will likely be joining me within about 6 months of my move.

So here’s my question: do I have the right to work in ANY EU country as the spouse of an EU citizen? Or do I only have the right to work where my spouse resides? Thanks in advance for any help!

Jamieokeeffe wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 12, 2020 12:55 am

So here’s my question: do I have the right to work in ANY EU country as the spouse of an EU citizen? Or do I only have the right to work where my spouse resides? Thanks in advance for any help!

No, you have work rights in an EU country that your EEA-spouse lives in and exercises treaty rights = working, studying full time (this usually means university level), jobseeking (limited amount of time). If your spouse leaves that country permanently - moves away - you automatically lose those rights.

If you move on your own, you have to satisfy the same requirements as any other American applying for a work permit in Germany.

How long have you lived in Croatia with your spouse?