Guidance: Spousal employment - Supplementary Agreement Germany

The NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and the Supplementary Agreement are the international legal agreements that enable UK Defence to operate in Germany.

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The NATO SOFA is a multinational agreement between nations enabling the operation of a nation’s defence task in the territory of another nation.

In Germany, the stationing and operation of UK Defence personnel is governed by the Supplementary Agreement to the NATO SOFA. The Supplementary Agreement expands upon the provisions of the NATO SOFA and forms part of German domestic law, providing the detailed legal framework under which UK Defence operates in Germany.

Neither the NATO SOFA nor the Supplementary Agreement provides a direct legal entitlement for accompanying spouses or family members to undertake employment in Germany.

The agreements provide a basis for lawful residence and status in Germany for eligible dependants accompanying members of the force or civilian component. Any employment activity undertaken by a dependant must, however, comply with applicable German law.

The UK Ministry of Defence cannot grant authority, permission, or exemptions allowing spouses or dependants to work in Germany. Responsibility for ensuring compliance with host nation legislation rests with the individual and, where applicable, their employer.

There are several routes through which accompanying spouses may lawfully undertake employment within Germany, subject to the relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

The status of an accompanying spouse is recognised under German immigration arrangements associated with the Supplementary Agreement and NATO SOFA framework. Consequently, accompanying spouses generally do not require a separate residence permit or work permit to seek employment in the German economy.

Individuals employed by German or other locally established employers will be subject to German legislation and jurisdiction. This may include: