Women living abroad on work visas are happier

July 22 2009 by Mark Johnstone

Work visas increase satisfaction abroad

Female expats who are enjoying living and working abroad on their own working visas are happier than women living abroad on spouse visas, according to new research.

Marriage or spouse visas are extremely useful for couples who want to remain living together when one gets a job abroad. This situation is common if a husband or wife wins a well-paid job abroad or has language or other specialist skills allowing them to apply for a work visa. They may take their spouse and dependents with them when they move, but people travelling on spouse visas are rarely allowed to work.

The European Professional Women’s Network (EPWN) interviewed women who were on spouse visas and those who were living abroad on their own work visas. They found that 81% of women who were working abroad on their own work visas were happy, compared to 44% of women living on spouse visas.

It seems that women are likely to move to European countries on spouse visas due to language barriers. However, among couples who move to Australia, Canada or the US, women find it much easier to gain their own work visas as finding work in these English speaking countries is much easier for British workers.

As a result, to live and to work in Canada and Australia remains popular with British families looking for an adventure abroad. Some 72% of women questioned by Expatica said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their new life abroad, regardless of whether they had their own work permit.

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