As far as I know, all approach clearences 'automatically include' a clearance to descend according to the appropriate approach chart, instrument or visual. If no visual approach chart exsist, descend 'all the way'.
ATC may however restrict the descend to an 'initially/not below' altitude, and this will of course overrule the general rule mentioned above.
Our letters of agreement (ENZV TWR/APP) say that aircraft on visual approaches shall be restricted to 2000 feet by approach. The tower controller will clear the visual approaches for 'unrestricted descend' when clear of possible conflicting VFR traffic. VFR in the control zone is restricted to max 1000 feet.