I mentioned it in my article on the DOSB, but I would like to make a short extra post about it again.
In the 68th edition of the visa handbook published by the Federal Foreign Office, there are now a number of simplifications for esportsmen from outside the European Union. After that, it is now possible for athletes from third countries to enter Germany in a simplified procedure, for a short time for participation in tournaments, but also for test and selection matches. The stay may not exceed 90 days per year.
The approval from the employment agency that I mentioned here is no longer required.
In the previous edition of the handbook, esports did not yet fall under the definition of sport. The new regulation now reads:
“Against the background of the changing concept of sport and the corresponding agreement in the coalition agreement, however, e-sports events […] can now be subsumed as “events with a sporting character” in contrast to international sporting events […].
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But beware: This regulation does not apply if an esports team wants to allow a foreign player to enter the country permanently. This still requires a full procedure and a work permit.
