Germany to introduce esports players dedicated visas

Germany will introduce a new visa dedicated to professional esports
coaches and players. They will allow eligible foreign applicants to the sector permanent residence without needing approval from the Federal Employment Agency.

Competitive video gaming is becoming more popular all over the globe, and governments are starting to notice. Many are creating new incentives for professionals traveling to their country for major tournaments.

The US had previously announced that they would grant P1 visas to esports professionals. Germany is, however, the first country that offers a dedicated visa program for the esports community. The Federal Republic will offer this scheme, which is also the first country in the EU to offer it to professional gamers.

What are the benefits of the proposed eSports Visa?

This new system offers permanent residence in the country, which is the most significant benefit. This will allow applicants to obtain residency visas without needing to undergo an assessment by the Federal Employment Agency, as it is currently.

Hans Jagnow (President of the German Esports Federation, ESBD), praised the new scheme and stated: “The German esports Visa will be a huge advantage for events held in Germany. We are the first country in Europe to create a dedicated visa category specifically for esports.” Germany is expected to host more international esports events.

Some of the most important esports tournaments taking place in Germany at the moment include:

• League of Legends European Championships (LEC).
• Dreamleague
• Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds Europe League – (PEL).
• Dreamhack

Esports Immigration is increasingly in the limelight as countries try to grab a larger share of this vibrant market. Germany has been particularly keen to attract potential talent to its borders, especially in sectors where EU migration alone is insufficient to fill skilled employment vacancies.

Who can apply for a German eSports Visa

The esports visa was introduced as part of the country’s efforts to attract skilled foreign workers. This system allows 3rd-country nationals to obtain travel authorization to visit or reside in Germany. It is a simplified and incentive-based process.

All eligible players outside of the EU will be granted this in the largest video game leagues. To qualify for the scheme, applicants must be:

• Aged over 16
• Registered to a German esports team or organization
• Competing in esports leagues, either national or international, with their team

These new rules are most likely to be of greatest benefit to citizens from BRIC countries. The countries with the most prominent esports communities are:

• India
• China
• Vietnam
• Brazil

When will the Esports Visa be available?

The German cabinet approved the Skilled Workers Immigration Act last year, which will allow the issuance of esports visas. It is currently expected to be fully implemented by March 2020. Professional video gamers will then be eligible for the visa program.

What other ways can non-EU citizens travel to Germany?

ETIAS visa waiver for visitors who travel to Germany (and all 25 Schengen member countries) for business or tourism trips for up to 90 days will be available starting Spring 2025. It will require prospective visitors from non-EU countries to complete an online application before arriving in Germany.

This can only be completed three days before the departure date. It allows multiple entry to Germany and other EU countries over three years, making it easier to travel between Europe and Germany.
However, visitors traveling to Germany to work or for extended periods will need to apply for a Schengen visa. In such cases, applicants must visit the German consulate in their country and register for the best immigration scheme.

Participants in this rapidly growing sector will find the new Esports Visas a more simplified and simplified form of travel authorization. German residency will become much easier for thousands of young people all over the globe once it is fully launched.
soon introduce a new eSports visa for dedicated professional gamers to obtain residency without prior screening. This measure will be complemented by the new ETIAS visa waiver live in 2025.