The German labour market is also open to esports professionals from abroad. To find out if you need a visa to enter or a residence permit to stay in Germany, see the “Do I need a visa?” section.
Special regulations for esports professionals
Are you an esports professional looking to compete professionally in Germany? Find out here which visa regulations apply to you.
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You are considered an esports professional if you receive more than an expense allowance for your activities.
To obtain a visa to take up employment as an esports professional, you must meet the following conditions:
- You must be at least 16 years of age;
- You must work at a German esports club or similar esports institution. This institution must participate in competitive esports;
- The esports club or institution must pay you an annual gross salary of at least €53,130 (as of 2025);
- The national association responsible for esports confirms the professional performance of esports and that the form of esports performed is of considerable national or international importance, for example because there is a major national/international league. Concerning this, the German Esports Federation ESBD has published a list of qualified esports gaming operations.
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