Athlete Visa Germany
All necessary visa information for professional athletes and coaches in Germany.
Here you learn ...
what types of visas are available for professional athletes and professional coaches
when a permanent sports visa can be applied for
when entry is possible for sporting events
what applies to self-employed professional athletes
Table of Content
1. Visa for professional athletes in Germany
2. Long-term athlete visa
3. (International) sporting events
4. Self-employed professional athletes
5. Conclusion Athlete visa Germany
1. Visa for professional athletes in Germany
Professional athletes and coaches who wish to work in Germany with a visa benefit from a simplified procedure: According to Section 22 No. 4 of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV), their employment is generally possible – provided they have the necessary athletic or professional qualifications. The prerequisite is that they are active in teams in the first or second (football) Bundesliga or the top division of other sports with official contract player status. Riders with a German A or B license and their coaches are also included.
Professional coaches also have the opportunity to take up employment independent of the league if their professional qualifications are confirmed by the relevant umbrella organization . Another interesting point is that athletes who are exclusively financed by a sponsor – without working for the sponsor's company – are also subject to this regulation. Fitness coaches or similar activities outside of organized competitive sports are not included.
2. Long-term athlete visa
To obtain a long-term athlete visa (e.g., for permanent residence for club activities in Germany), professional athletes must meet certain requirements (see Section 22 No. 4 of the Employment Ordinance ). Germany thus creates clear framework conditions for the legal and regulated entry and employment of international athletes and coaches in elite sports.
The requirements for a long-term sports visa are as follows:
it is a professional athlete or professional trainer confirmed by the German top association responsible for the sport
the applicant travels to Germany for employment in German sports clubs (or comparable sporting facilities participating in competitive sports)
the applicant has reached the age of 16
a minimum salary of at least 50% of the contribution assessment ceiling in the statutory pension insurance (approx. 3,700 euros) is paid
Due to the privileges granted to professional athletes, approval from the Federal Employment Agency is generally not required.
CONTACT US
Are you looking for a lawyer in German immigration and foreigners law? We are happy to support you in residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities and administrative courts.
Contact us to book a video call consultation with a German immigration lawyer!
VISAGUARD.Berlin Legal Services
3. (International) sporting events
However, athlete visas can be issued not only for long-term employment with clubs, but also for short-term assignments . Visas can be issued in particular for participation in international sporting events such as world championships or similar major events under Section 19c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 23 of the Employment Ordinance . Accreditation by the responsible organizing committee is required, provided the federal government has provided guarantees for the implementation of the event. This includes players, coaches, referees, association representatives, media personnel, and official partners.
However, entry is not only possible with accreditation. According to Section 22 No. 1 of the Employment Ordinance, foreign athletes and support staff may enter Germany for up to 90 days within a twelve-month period without the approval of the Federal Employment Agency if the event is a "performance of a sporting nature." The term "performance of a sporting nature" is broadly defined – from competitions and trial training sessions to training camps. This regulation applies not only to professionals, but also to amateurs, students, and accompanying personnel, regardless of performance level, as long as the sporting performance achieves a certain reach or significance .
4. Self-employed professional athletes
A visa can also be issued to self-employed professional athletes ( Section 21 of the Residence Act ). Professional athletes who participate in competitions in Germany and act on their own account are generally considered self-employed within the meaning of Section 21 of the Residence Act. This particularly applies to athletes who are not in a traditional employment relationship but who compete with the goal of making a profit. A typical characteristic: entrepreneurial risk. For example, the fact that no prize money is paid in the event of a loss can already indicate self-employment.
A particular challenge for self-employed professional athletes applying for visas is providing proof of livelihood . According to German Residence Act, all foreign nationals must provide evidence of sufficient livelihood ( Section 5, Paragraph 1, No. 1 of the Residence Act ). Self-employed individuals must therefore demonstrate that their employment generates sufficient financial resources. For this purpose, they must submit fee agreements or, alternatively, proof of assets. Further information on securing livelihood can be found in our corresponding VISAGUARD article .
Summary of this Page
The athlete visa for Germany offers clearly regulated and diverse opportunities for professional athletes and professional coaches to legally participate in German competitive sports. Whether within the framework of a club contract, to participate in international sporting events, or as a self-employed athlete – German residence law provides suitable visa regulations for every constellation. Of particular note are the simplified requirements under Section 22 No. 4 of the Employment Regulations for professional athletes and the flexible entry options for sporting events. Self-employed athletes also find a relevant basis under Section 21 of the Residence Act, but must provide proof of their secure livelihood. Anyone wishing to move to Germany as an international sports professional will find a solid legal basis and attractive options for getting their sporting career off the ground.
