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Professional Athlete and Coach Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

4-12 weeks

Estimated Cost

EUR €75

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Varies (Tied to sports contract)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in Germany

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€36,000

Quality of Life

195/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Work visa for professional athletes and coaches working at German sports clubs or athletic organizations.

The German Professional Athlete and Coach Visa lets non-EU nationals work at a German sports club competing in competitive sport. Applicants must earn at least EUR 50,700 gross/year (50% of the 2026 statutory pension insurance ceiling) and be confirmed by the relevant national governing body.

The permit is tied to the employment contract and renewable while conditions are met. No Federal Employment Agency approval is required. Dependents may join on family reunification; spouses have unrestricted work rights. The permit can convert to a settlement permit, providing a permanent residence pathway.

This visa is ideal for elite athletes and qualified coaches from outside the EU who have secured a professional contract with a recognized German sports club.

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Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Settlement Permit (Permanent Residency) / Niederlassungserlaubnis

Germany

Settlement Permit (Permanent Residency) / Niederlassungserlaubnis

ValidityIndefinite

Processing2–6 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be at least 16 years old.

Must be a professional athlete or coach confirmed by the relevant German sports association.

Must be employed by a German sports club or comparable institution participating in competitive sports.

Must earn a minimum salary (at least 50% of the contribution assessment ceiling in statutory pension insurance, approx. EUR 4,225/month or EUR 50,700/year).

Must have the necessary athletic or professional qualifications.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

50,700 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Sports contract

Federation confirmation

Proof of athlete status

Passport photos

Club verification (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Simplified procedure under the Employment Ordinance (BeschV) for professional sports groups.
No requirement for approval from the Federal Employment Agency.
Allows for professional practice of sport in Germany.

Worth Knowing

Strict salary thresholds apply to ensure self-sufficiency.
Must be active in competitive sports at a recognized club.
Visa is tied to the specific employment relationship.

Application Process

Secure sports contract: With German sports club or organization

Get sports federation confirmation: From national governing body and German Olympic Sports Confederation

Prepare documents: Contract, confirmation letter, passport

Apply for visa: At German consulate

Pay visa fee: EUR 75

Visa approval: Usually within 4-8 weeks

Application Forms

Professional Athlete Visa Application

—

Verified Claims (19)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Secure sports contract: With German sports club or organization; Get sports federation confirmation:…

make-it-in-germany.com

Dependent Visa

Dependents allowed

make-it-in-germany.com

Fee Breakdown

Application fee: 75 EUR

make-it-in-germany.com

Fees

EUR 75

make-it-in-germany.com

Forms

Professional Athlete Visa Application

make-it-in-germany.com

Included Nationalities

—

make-it-in-germany.com

Job Offer Required

true

make-it-in-germany.com

Official Info

https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/other/athletes-coaches

make-it-in-germany.com

Official Information

Living in Germany

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€36,000

Quality of Life

195/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

Work visa for professional athletes and coaches working at German sports clubs or athletic organizations.

This visa is ideal for elite athletes and qualified coaches from outside the EU who have secured a professional contract with a recognized German sports club.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be at least 16 years old.

Must be a professional athlete or coach confirmed by the relevant German sports association.

Must be employed by a German sports club or comparable institution participating in competitive sports.

Must earn a minimum salary (at least 50% of the contribution assessment ceiling in statutory pension insurance, approx. EUR 4,225/month or EUR 50,700/year).

Must have the necessary athletic or professional qualifications.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

50,700 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Sports contract

Federation confirmation

Proof of athlete status

Passport photos

Club verification (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Simplified procedure under the Employment Ordinance (BeschV) for professional sports groups.
No requirement for approval from the Federal Employment Agency.
Allows for professional practice of sport in Germany.

Worth Knowing

Strict salary thresholds apply to ensure self-sufficiency.
Must be active in competitive sports at a recognized club.
Visa is tied to the specific employment relationship.

Application Process