Germany Sets Visa Requirements for Foreign Athletes

Germany has outlined four specific conditions that foreign professional athletes and coaches must meet to obtain a visa for living and working in the country. As per the information published on Germany's official immigration and career portal, Make it in Germany, the requirements are effective as of 2026.

First, applicants must be at least 16 years old. Second, they must be employed by a German club or a comparable sporting institution that participates in competitive sports.

Third, the club or institution must pay the athlete or coach an annual gross salary of no less than €50,700. Lastly, a national governing body of the relevant sport must confirm, in agreement with the German Olympic Sports Confederation, that the individual qualifies as a professional athlete or has the necessary competence to work as a coach.

All conditions must be met collectively to secure the visa, which applies across various sports disciplines.