German Government Plans to Offer Permanent Residency Permit to Non-EU esports Players

The German government has drafted legislation for professional esports athletes from outside the EU to live and compete in the country.

The regulations would include a permanent residency permit and easier entry into Germany. These measures would go into action next year if the draft is signed into law.

Any esports player who wants to apply for these visas would need to be at least 16 years of age, be employed by an esports team organisation registered in Germany and they must compete in a national or international league.

“Visa regulations are currently blocking the development of professional esports all over Europe. Teams and tournament organizers often have difficulties bringing non-EU-citizens into their respective countries,” Hans Jagnow, president of the German Esports Federation said.

“The plans of the German government are sending a strong signal to other countries and would be providing a best-case-study for other nations to follow up,” Hans Jagnow added.