Work visa (not Schengen) tips and tricks?

Rather than relying on advice here, I would strongly suggest that you contact an immigration attorney about your issue. In my experience, work visas are usually handled by the hiring organization, so I'm surprised that the sports organization you referred to is not taking care of this.

Immigration work visas are very very tricky and one wrong move on your part could negate the whole thing. Talk to a lawyer.

If your wife is Italian she is basically entitled to live where she wants in the EU. No ifs or buts. And you as a family member of a EU citizen enjoy that right as well. The details I think you better inquire at the embassy of the country you have picked to live in.

But your wife, as a EU citizen, can live anywhere in the EU/EEA/Switzerland, and so can you as her husband.

But your wife, as a EU citizen, can live anywhere in the EU/EEA/Switzerland, and so can you as her husband.

But does he have the right to work, without obtaining 'permission' in some form?

And like Mardee, I am surprised the employer has left you high and dry and having to come here for 'how to' advice.

But your wife, as a EU citizen, can live anywhere in the EU/EEA/Switzerland, and so can you as her husband.

True, but you still have to get your official documents. A friend of mine's wife is an Italian citizen. He has Italian residency but he still had to get the proper documents. He couldn't just start living there and ignore the rules.

Exactly. As the spouse of an Italian citizen myself, I have the right to live and work in Europe - but I had to apply with all my paperwork (i.e. proof) to get the documentation (i.e. residence card -- the equivalent of a green card in the US) that actually shows/proves I have those rights.

Mardee has said it right, right from the top: you need to seek expert advice, not rely on a bunch of anecdotes from volunteer posters on a travel forum.

This sounds like a neat opportunity, and I hope you can make it work !

Just because folks asked, there's no guarantee that I make the roster. As a result, the league doesn't want the responsibility of giving me an offer letter ahead of giving me a roster spot. I get it. I'm not bothered by it.

Thanks again for everyone's insight.

Typically, in my expat work experience, the employer facilitated the visa process.

If they don’t, watch out! Things may be going “under the table” which you probably don’t want to get involved in.

I would speak to the League about your concerns or a former employee if you don’t want to risk your chances of selection by “asking too much”.

Interesting that all the responders have said mid the same thing!

I worked in two different countries in Europe. My employer completed all the paperwork for my work/residence visa including the justification of need. In both of the countries I lived in, my visa constrained me to work only for my sponsoring employer in a specific role. If I had terminated that employment, I would have been required to leave the country.

Seeking a visa based on your spouse’s citizenship will probably offer more flexibility over seeking a visa based exclusively on your May to September employment.

You will definitely want to consult an immigration specialist.

I hope this all works out for you!

But does he have the right to work, without obtaining 'permission' in
some form?

Yes. As a European citizen you have the right to take up residence anywhere in the EU/EEA/CH area, and work there as well. I mentioned this because the OP thought that his wife being Italian would only be relevant if they moved to Italy, but in fact she is a EU citizen, and can exercise here rights as such in any EU country, in Norway or Iceland, and in Switzerland.

The easiest thing would be to volunteer and not be paid, but you are in fact working so you should get compensated

Because you are doing this as a spouse, you may not actually need an offer to get the paperwork done. But get a lawyer.

I have residency in Hungary and have been told that it does not give me the right to overstay Schengen outside of Hungary. I don't know if it's true, but would be impossible to enforce.

First, congratulations on this possibility; it sounds like a pretty unique experience. Could the organization that you are going to work for put you in touch with someone that has previously done this? Has the organization offered any resources? My daughter’s first international job was in France and between the organization and the internet she was able to figure what she needed and how to proceed.

If you have a residency in a Schengen Area country you can travel freely in the whole zone, but you indeed are subject to t he 90/180 rule, which you should in theory follow.

But nobody is going to be tracking your movements. There is no immigration controls between countries normally. Airlines may want to see your passport, but that is for conformity checks.

What however could lead to problems is when you register somewhere, and then people notice that you are never at home. With a residence permit you are expected to live there. So taking up residence and then touring Europe for 6 months isn't going to work.

And not my intent. I apparently MUST be in Hungary 90 in every 180 days. Schengen in reverse LOL. It's home, so it's easy.

Marriage of convenience? Is that possible?

There was nothing convenient about any of my marriages.

So many things that need to be corrected and I don't have the time....

• There is no such thing as a Schengen work visa
• Work visas are country specific and are granted according to a common set of principles for all EU states
• You must reside in the country issuing the visa for the majority of your time, with perhaps short tourist visits to other states
• All work requires an appropriate visa regardless if it is paid, unpaid or compensates in another manner
• Visas must be applied for by the potential employer
• Your wife as an EU citizen has no greater rights than you unless she is a permanent resident, in which case she could apply for a family reunification visa for you

Bottom line - get a lawyer.

Get a lawyer is the best advice, and I would get one in the country I want to live in. I do know a company in Hungary that specializes in this sort of thing ... they got my residency for me.

One of the questions I would ask is if I live in Germany and I have a work visa in Germany (which I believe will only be valid in Germany) if I go to Italy to officiate a match, am I working in Italy. I am no lawyer, but I think not, or the non-EU athletes would have issues because the match is their work too. But again, just a question to ask.

But make sure it's a good lawyer. My residency was a wild shot in the dark, but mine managed to pull it off. Any less knowledgeable and it would not have happened.

Another question, can you apply before you get the job offer? I think not, and if that's true what is the wait time? My residency took 3 months to get and I know the wait in Hungary for a work permit is about the same (but much easier to get). But they did give me a temporary to use during that time, which took about a month to get. But i had to be in country for most of this. GRT A GOOD LAWYER (yes, that is an oxymoron)

Not mentioned yet, but you likely do not want a typical work visa as most people think about it. Determine what country makes the most sense for you to reside, and contact that embassy. What you are looking for is a separate category of visa for Cultural, Sports, Religious, and Film Crews. Basically, this is the same visa used by music acts, sports teams, etc. when they are paid to perform for these short term events (Taylor Swift likely has one for her upcoming tour).

It likely would not cover your wife, but sounds like she is set with the Italian passport.

You can start to contact them now to gather information, but you cannot apply until you have a commitment from the league you are talking to. The reason, is that to apply, you will need something from them, plus air tickets, proof of someplace to reside (rental agreement), proof of insurance, proof of funds, etc. It seems like you are a bit far into the thought process, but verify that the league is willing to work with you on justifying the visa.

Good luck.

Call Taylor Swift and get her attorney's name.