Top 5 Countries Offering Family-Friendly Benefits for Foreign Workers

Several countries are making it easier for foreign workers to bring their families with them by offering a range of benefits, including health care, education and work permits for spouses.

These family-friendly policies are designed to help professionals balance career opportunities and family life.

According to the DAAD scholarship, these five countries are pioneers in providing comprehensive support to foreign workers and their families.

Canada:

Canada offers numerous benefits to foreign workers and their families. Public health care is available to the entire family in most provinces and children under 18 can attend public schools free of charge. There are also clear pathways for families to transition to permanent residency.

Spouses or civil partners can apply for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer.

Dependent children under the age of 22 can also work, although some children are eligible to work depending on their age and level of education.

Canada’s family-oriented policies coupled with its high quality of life make it an attractive destination for skilled professionals.

Australia:

Australia is another popular destination that offers support to workers and their families. Families are eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public health system, and children can attend public schools either free or for a small fee. There are also opportunities for family members to obtain permanent residency and citizenship.

Spouses or partners and dependent children under the age of 18 (or under 23 if they are financial dependents) can join the employee in Australia.

Spouses can work without restrictions, and children of working age are also allowed to work with the necessary permits. Australia’s high standards of living and robust economy make the country the first choice for professionals looking to relocate with their families.

Germany:

Germany offers a comprehensive system of support for foreign workers and their families. The country provides free or subsidized education for children and healthcare through its social security system. Family members can apply for a permanent residence permit after living in Germany for a few years.

Spouses can work under the family reunification visa, and children can work part-time depending on their age and education. The strong economy, excellent public services and family integration opportunities make Germany a popular choice for professionals who want to bring their families with them.

United Kingdom:

The United Kingdom offers various benefits to foreign workers and their families, including access to the National Health Service (NHS) for dependents.

Children can attend public schools free of charge and family members have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency and citizenship.

Spouses and dependent children under the age of 18 can join the employee in the UK, although spouses can work full-time without restrictions.

However, children are only allowed to work if they meet certain visa criteria. The UK’s competitive job market, strong healthcare system and cultural diversity continue to make it a top destination for professionals and their families.

New Zealand:

New Zealand offers a thriving environment for families of foreign workers. The country offers free access to public health care for the whole family and children can attend public schools free of charge. There is also a clear path for the entire family to apply for permanent residency.

Spouses can apply for an open work visa, allowing them to work for any employer, and dependent children can work if they meet the legal criteria. With its beautiful natural landscapes and high quality of life, New Zealand remains a top choice for families looking to settle abroad.

Family reunification in 2025: A brief overview

Here is a quick comparison of family reunification options in these countries:

• Canada allows spouses and children under 22 access to health care, education and work permits for family members.
• Australia offers similar benefits with no restrictions on spousal employment and work opportunities for children based on age.
• In Germany, spouses and children can work part-time and benefit from health and education benefits.
• The UK has free education and healthcare, although work opportunities for children are more limited.
• New Zealand offers a family-friendly environment with work permits for spouses and children who meet certain criteria.

These countries remain the first choice for professionals who want to combine professional growth with family life. For more information on specific visa and family reunification processes, please visit official immigration websites.