Can I work in the EU if my husband is Dutch but I am Aussie?

[Tory]

My Husband is Dutch. We are living in Australia, but we want to go and work in France or Switzerland. We know he can work there, being part of the EU. However, can I work in either of these countries? What do I need to do this? Where do I find out further information?

[John]

Yes, you need to apply at the relevant embassy in Australia, either France or Switzerland, for what is known as an EEA Family Permit. That is, your Dutch husband has EEA treaty rights to live and work in any other EEA country, and so do you as his family member, but you need an EEA Family Permit in your passport to prove it.

Technically Switzerland is not part of the EEA but has signed a treaty meaning that all EEA rights extend to that country, and conversely Swiss citizens have rights in EEA countries.

Any other family members who are not Dutch ... such as your children from a former relationship? They will also need EEA Family Permits.

Finally the good news is that applications for EEA Family Permits are free .. no application fee ... thanks to EU/EEA legislation.

[JAJ]

My Husband is Dutch. We are living in Australia, but we want to go and work in France or Switzerland. We know he can work there, being part of the EU. However, can I work in either of these countries? What do I need to do this? Where do I find out further information?

As John says you'd need the equivalent of an EEA family permit from the country in which you want to live and work.

And before you decide which country, remember that you won't really have independent rights to move around Europe unless you have citizenship of an EEA state or Switzerland. EEA states are not obliged to provide a pathway to citizenship, some do, others make the process quite difficult (Switzerland especially so).

Have you thought of looking to see if you can become a Dutch citizen? They seem to be flexible for those married to Dutch citizens:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_nationality_law

Also, your husband might want to look into becoming an Australian citizen before he leaves Australia. He should confirm this with the Dutch embassy, but one of the exceptions to the Netherlands restrictions on dual citizenship concerns cases where the citizen is married to a citizen of the "other" country.