Q&A

Employment without work authorisation: essential checks

Check which document actually permits the intended work and establish the candidate’s and employer’s responsibilities before starting.
Practical guide · Updated 26 October 2026
Candidate consulting an adviser before starting employment
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Check the activity covered by the document you hold

Holding a passport, visa or residence document does not establish without examination that the intended job is permitted. Have the document’s scope checked, including any employer or activity restrictions and the steps needed when the proposed position does not match your current administrative circumstances.

Establish who applies and when work may begin

Administrative preparation should clarify the applicant’s role, the company’s responsibilities and the authority making the decision. Obtain confirmation of the procedure and resulting permission before agreeing an actual start; an accepted application for employment or a submitted administrative file is not itself a favourable official decision.

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