E-Sports Visa Germany
All necessary information for applying for an eSports visa in Germany.
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Here you learn ...
what an eSports visa is
what types of eSports visas are available
what the requirements are for an eSports visa
which eSports leagues are officially recognized in Germany
Table of contents
1. Stay of eSports players in Germany
2. Requirements for a short-term eSports visa (Schengen visa)
3. Requirements for a permanent eSports visa (long-term D visa)
4. Recognized eSports leagues for visa
5. FAQ
6. Conclusion eSports Visa Germany
1. Stay of eSports players in Germany
In recent years, eSports has developed into one of the largest and most popular leisure activities worldwide, and the scene is predicted to have a thriving future. The eSports scene in Germany has also experienced a commercial boom, as Berlin is a globally recognized venue for numerous professional tournaments. In addition to the growing number of spectators and fans, more and more international professional eSports athletes are also interested in a career in German eSports. But what does it take to become a professional eSports player in Germany? In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about the eSports visa in Germany.
The so-called eSports visa is based on Section 22 No. 5 of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV) and allows professional eSports athletes to work in Germany without the approval of the Federal Employment Agency. It is a residence permit specifically created for employment in the field of professional eSports . The eSports visa allows international professional eSports athletes to enter Germany to play professionally as part of a club/clan.
2. Requirements for a short-term eSports visa (Schengen visa)
There are two different types of eSports visas : the short-term (Schengen) eSports visa and the long-term eSports visa (D visa). The long-term D visa can only be issued if the applicant has a permanent position with a club , a salary of approximately €3,700 (as of 2025), and the league is recognized by the eSports Association of Germany (ESBD) ( Section 22 No. 5 of the Employment Regulations ). Long-term eSports visas are designed, for example, for permanent residence in gaming venues or for complete relocation for the purpose of practicing eSports.
An eSports visa can be applied for not only for long-term stays, but also for short-term entries. Entry must be for "performances of particular artistic value or performances of a sporting nature" (Section 22 No. 1 of the Employment Ordinance ). This regulation is primarily aimed at players and teams who do not work permanently in Germany, but only wish to enter for specific competitions or events . To obtain a Schengen eSports visa, eSports athletes must keep their residence abroad and are therefore not allowed to relocate long-term. Stays are then possible for up to 90 days within a 12-month period – ideal for tournaments, public boot camps, or exhibition matches. An important criterion for this regulation is that the sporting event is the focus, meaning it must be clearly structured and publicly accessible, whether as a live stream or through media coverage.
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3. Requirements for a permanent eSports visa (long-term D visa)
Apart from short-term entry for show purposes, however, it is possible to apply for a long-term eSports visa . To obtain a long-term eSports visa in Germany, certain requirements must be met:
Minimum age : The eSports player must be at least 16 years old.
Salary: The gross salary must be at least 50% of the contribution assessment ceiling for statutory pension insurance. For 2025, this means a monthly gross salary of approximately €3,500 (depending on the currently applicable ceiling).
Recognition by the ESBD : The eSport-Bund Deutschland eV (ESBD) must confirm that the activity is carried out professionally and is of significant national or international importance.
Contract with a team or club : The assignment must be with a German club or a comparable institution participating in competitions (e.g. professional eSports team).
Qualified gaming operations : The activity must take place within the framework of a recognized eSports competition or league (see Part 2 below).
4. Recognized eSports leagues for visa
An important prerequisite for the long-term eSports visa is the recognition of the league or events by the ESBD .
What does “qualified gaming operations” mean?
An eSports visa pursuant to Section 22 No. 5 of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV) is only issued if the activity takes place in what is known as qualified gaming operations . The umbrella organization responsible for eSports (ESBD – eSport-Bund Deutschland e. V.) must have confirmed that the activity is being carried out professionally and is of significant national or international importance (qualified gaming operations). Qualified gaming operations exist if the league is a national or international league in which a significant number of players or teams regularly compete against each other. This means: Not every eSports event automatically meets this requirement. Rather, a certain degree of professionalization is required.
Officially recognized leagues and tournaments
The eSports Association of Germany (ESBD) regularly publishes a list of recognized eSports leagues and tournaments that are considered qualified gaming operations (see here for the list of recognized eSports leagues (PDF) . This overview is updated approximately every six months and forms the basis for assessment by embassies and immigration authorities.
Examples of recognized formats according to the ESBD are:
ESL Pro League (CS:GO / Counter-Strike 2)
League of Legends European Championship (LEC)
Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS)
FIFA Global Series
Valorant Champions Tour (VCT)
Dota 2 – The International / DPC
What if a tournament is not on the ESBD list?
If a tournament is not on the ESBD list, the ESBD may conduct a case-by-case review. This review will determine whether the tournament or league meets the criteria for qualified competition—for example, through high participation numbers, sporting relevance, and media reach (e.g., Twitch and YouTube).
Contact us
Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Our specialised attorneys are always by your side. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!
5. FAQ
What types of eSports visas are there?
There is a short-term eSports visa (Schengen visa) for up to 90 days within 12 months and a long-term eSports visa (D visa) for permanent stays with permanent employment.
Who is the short-term eSports visa suitable for?
For eSports athletes who are only temporarily in Germany – for example, for tournaments, boot camps, or show matches – they are not allowed to give up their residence abroad.
What are the requirements for the short-term eSports visa?
Participation must represent a sporting performance of exceptional value. The stay may last a maximum of 90 days within a 12-month period, and the event must be open to the public or covered by the media.
What are the requirements for the long-term eSports visa?
A permanent position with a team or club is required, a monthly gross salary of around 3,500–3,700 euros (as of 2025), the activity must be recognized as professional by the ESBD, and the eSports athlete must be at least 16 years old.
What is a “qualified gaming operation” for the purposes of the visa?
Qualified gaming operations exist when many teams or players regularly compete in a national or international league. The activity must be professional and of sporting relevance.
Which leagues are officially recognized?
Examples of recognized leagues include the ESL Pro League, League of Legends European Championship (LEC), Rocket League Championship Series, FIFA Global Series, Valorant Champions Tour, and Dota 2 – The International.
What happens if a tournament is not on the ESBD list?
The ESBD can then conduct a case-by-case review, taking into account factors such as the number of participants, the sporting significance, and media coverage.
6. Conclusion
The eSports visa offers professional gamers from abroad the opportunity to legally work in Germany – whether for individual tournaments or as permanent team members in recognized leagues. The legal basis for this is Section 22 of the Employment Ordinance, which distinguishes between short-term (Schengen visa) and long-term (D visa) stays. While the Schengen visa is primarily intended for tournaments or boot camps, the long-term visa is aimed at eSports athletes with a permanent contract and a sufficiently high income. Recognition by the eSports Association of Germany (ESBD), which confirms the seriousness and relevance of the gaming operation, plays a key role. Those who meet these requirements have a good chance of realizing their eSports dream in Germany.
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List of sources
[1] Oliver Daum, The new e-sports definition of the ESBD – a legal analysis essay, SpoPrax 2025, 88
[2] Sebastian Klaus, Foreigners’ Employment Law: eSports as a Form of Employment, SpoPrax 2022, 160
