If you transition from the military and remain overseas, do you require sponsorship to work in the country you reside?

SFC Joseph Motes — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 21:55:53 -0500

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2016 11:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 23:33:50 -0500

I would think you would have to have a work visa.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 5 at 2016 12:28 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 00:28:57 -0500

A good friend was a Corpsman over in Japan who wanted to learn Japanese. He went to a DoD supported school in town where you were paired up with a Japanese student who wanted to learn English. Two years later they graduated and got married. John was commissioned for a while, had a tour back in Japan, cycled out and stayed there. He eventually became the CEO/COO of the largest private hospital in Japan. So his experience was once getting out, the Service didn't care where you went or what you did. State doesn't care either so long as you have proper authority to stay in a foreign country. Lots of ExPats punch out and stay. Many countries like US ExPats because they bring dollars in. So it's a matter of what the laws of the country you want to stay in are. For John it was easy since he was married to a Japanese citizen. It depends on your individual circumstance.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2016 6:44 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 06:44:32 -0500

It is different in every country. Which one? In all of the Schengen countries (EU plus), you have to get a residency permit, which in most cases requires a work permit (not easy for an American, unless married to a local national). In many Central American countries, there are programs to encourage Americans to settle there (like tax breaks). A quick google search on the specific country should give you all the basic answers and then you can do more focused research.

Response by CPO Mike Castro made Feb 9 at 2016 4:21 PM

CPO Mike Castro — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 16:21:33 -0500

What Country? I can help quickly with Japan. Orther 7th Fleet AOR Countries will take a little longer. Also best way to find out is to google immigration for whatever country you want to stay in.

Response by CPT Mike Seals made Feb 10 at 2016 6:20 AM

CPT Mike Seals — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 06:20:07 -0500

Joe, I've lived and worked in Kuwait for 25 years now. If you have questions about here, or most anywhere in the Middle East, let me know.

Response by CMSgt John Momaney made Feb 10 at 2016 11:38 AM

CMSgt John Momaney — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 11:38:47 -0500

Easy to know. Go on-line and see what the requirements are for working in that country. Do you need a work visa, do you have to pay taxes, how long do you have to be in that country to become a resident? You will find all your answers. I was thinking of working in Panama and did this. Answered all my question.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2016 11:43 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 11:43:51 -0500

http://www.german-way.com/for-expats/living-in-germany/getting-a-residence-permit-for-germany/ has a lot of information about living in Germany

Response by Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. made Feb 10 at 2016 4:28 PM

Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 16:28:51 -0500

Depends on the country. But most countries and the military will not allow you to separate overseas. There may be exceptions for spousal relationships when the individual is married to a native of another country and resides in that country. The military for the most part will not separate individual overseas (except in U.S. territories). Another issue to consider is that a majority of countries will not allow a retired U.S. military member to seek "direct" employment in their countries. And US orgs. overseas, often can only bring a limited number of people from the US for limited periods of employment.

Research each country. Obviously individuals can return as civilian employees of DOD contractors if the country doesn't challenge the employment. A person can seek a visa with a foreign country and relocate to live in that country with the permission of that government (unless on the restricted country list or having had access to restricted classified material/info.).

Numerous ex-pats live without "earning" a living in those foreign countries. For example, I met hundreds of them in the Republic of the Philippines. All those I met were either single or married to a native, except for a few who were involved in ministry work. Finally, once on retirement, Uncle Sam never forget you, your Federal taxes, or where you are located as long as you are drawing your retirement pay and/ or eventually social security.