Germany Announce a Dedicated Visa for Esports
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| Author Eliana Bollati
Germany have announced a a dedicated visa for esports players and professionals will become available in spring 2020.
As part of new changes to the Skilled Immigration Act, the German Federal Government have created a visa specifically for esports professionals.
The esports focused visa will allow for smoother recruitment of Non-EU players and coaches by German organizations. As a result professional esports athletes from countries outside the EU will have an easier pathway to permanent residency.
President of the German Esports Federation (ESBD), Hans Jagnow, announced the news on Twitter.
In Germany, a dedicated esports visa was introduced today: as of spring 2020, professional esports athletes from non-EU countries will be subject to an easy procedure for a permanent residency in the term of their contracts.
More information: https://t.co/hiL1Y8TApL pic.twitter.com/3KC8XI8dJT
— ESBD – eSport-Bund Deutschland (@ESBD_Verband) December 20, 2019
“We are the first country to establish a dedicated visa category for esports.” Said Jagnow, before adding that it could also “serve as a model for other nations.”
Jagnow believes the visa is a “big advantage” and will strengthen the country's position as a global esports hub.
According to Jagnow visa requirements for esports professionals need to be simplified to “…allow easy access to tournaments and leagues for esports athletes all over the world.”
Certain conditions will apply for the new esports visa however, including a minimum age of sixteen. Applicants will also need to provide salary information, and employment contracts.
The ESBD intend to set up a streamlined procedure to help future applicants.
The visa regulations come into affect in conjunction with the Skilled Immigration Act, expected to be finalized in March 2020.
Eliana is a freelance editor & journalist from Australia with a passion for esports and video games. An avid player of video games for the better part of three decades, she began following professional esports circuits during the 2010s. She brings both a player and longtime fan perspective into her commentary on the professional scenes.