It's a switch in the power structure. My wife is polish, working and living in germany. We don't need to ask for anything, no permissions for her to live here,

It's a switch in the power structure. My wife is polish, working and living in germany. We don't need to ask for anything, no permissions for her to live here, to work, healthcare, taxes, all the same as for me. The most notable thing she can't do is vote in the national election (though she can vote in local elections). There is no interference from a government employee who may have a bad day - it's a right, not something you need to apply for. Requiring a visa or a work permit would switch that around. It may expire and not be renewed for a formality. It certainly would make our live more miserable by introducing an extra element of uncertainty.