American married to Polish Citizen, and looking to Relocate

[LuridTraversal]

Hello, I am an American man married to a Polish lady. We've been living and working in Poland for the last 2 years and are thinking about moving elsewhere in the EU. Is it possible for me to work within the EU (other countries than Poland) or is it forbidden until I have Polish Citizenship? Thanks in advance for any help that can be given.

[Administrator]

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As the spouse of an EU citizen, you have rights to work in the EU/EEA that are nearly identical to being an EU citizen yourself.

You will need an EU/EEA Family Permit, and you will need to choose the country from which you will obtain it. You need to know which country you are going to. You can apply at their embassy from Poland (in most, perhaps all, cases).

I don't know all the specifics in this area. I assume you can get such a permit in Poland from Poland, but the target country you will attempt to move to might be a better option. There is some variation in how easy/expensive it is to get these permits, and some countries get a bit sticky about permits issued in particular others.

Politically today, for example, a Polish national with an American husband might find Britain less than welcoming. Might. Many variables apply.

However, even if you encounter a less than friendly individual or two, Britain can do just about nothing to keep you out due to its open-doors policy toward Poland. Experiences with other countries can be more difficult.

You can use the search function on this forum to find a few topics on other peoples experiences. You will need to do a bit of internet research, too.

The Admin

[JAJ]

Hello, I am an American man married to a Polish lady. We've been living and working in Poland for the last 2 years and are thinking about moving elsewhere in the EU. Is it possible for me to work within the EU (other countries than Poland) or is it forbidden until I have Polish Citizenship?

As someone else has said, you could be sponsored for an EEA family permit.

But this doesn't give you citizenship rights in any EEA country. Some EEA states do offer citizenship (eg in your case it would be 6 years in Britain) but not all will do so.

And once you leave Poland it may become difficult to get Polish citizenship.

How long more is it to be eligible for Polish citizenship and do you want to have that?

[LuridTraversal]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I have one more question...I am a fair idiot when it comes to internet research, and I'm wondering if anyone knows any good websites that might be useful off the top of their heads. Thanks again in advance. Every reply is appreciated!!!

[Administrator]

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The country you wish to enter is important. Without that information, most searches will turn up sites relating specifically to the UK (under English language searches).

Poland is known as an A8 Accession State, one of the ten from the May 2004 EU-25 expansion).

Technically, once you obtain your EEA family/spouse permit, you may then travel throughout the EU/EEA as if you are a Polish citizen, subject to the same/very similar conditions as your wife.

That's a simplistic explanation, but it should help you to visualize how you will be processed by any country you enter.

Some countries are easier to get EEA permits through. I can't help you there ... your income and travel options will help determine which countries are best for you to attempt.

Use google with a search string like :

european commission EEA family permit

to find links like :

http://www.iasuk.org/C2B/document_tree/ ... 3&CatID=26
http://www.iasuk.org/C2B/document_tree/ ... 43&CatID=1

These two have a lot of important background information for you.

You may wish to use country names, such as Poland or Britain or Germany or Norway or Spain to find specific information. Include "embassy" to try and get government sites with detailed information.

I'm happy to give you a few pointers, but you will have to do your own work on this. Professional services (such as workpermit.com ) charge money to do this sort of work for you.

The Admin

[JAJ]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I have one more question...I am a fair idiot when it comes to internet research, and I'm wondering if anyone knows any good websites that might be useful off the top of their heads.

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk
http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk