Playing football abroad: country by country guide to emigrate as a footballer

According to CIES Football Observatory, more than 50% of players in European elite leagues are foreigners. International mobility is no longer exclusive to stars — it is a reality for thousands of players at all levels looking for better opportunities, better wages, or simply a place to play.

But migrating as a footballer is not just about buying a ticket and showing up at a club. Each country has different rules on foreign quotas, work permits, sports visas, and eligibility conditions. If you don’t investigate well before traveling, you can lose time, money, and opportunities.

In this article I present a guide by country with the most accessible markets for international players, the rules you must know, and the practical steps to make the jump.

What this article covers

Before I emigrate: what you need to have ready
Country Guide: Scandinavia, Spain, England, Portugal, Germany, USA, Eastern Europe
Rules of quotas for foreigners by league
Visas and work permits: the basics
The real cost of migrating as a footballer
Common errors to avoid

Before I emigrate: what you need to have ready

Before looking for clubs abroad, make sure you have:

Passport in force (with at least 6 months of remaining validity)
Dual nationality if you have it — a European passport removes the barriers of foreign quota and work visa across the EU/EEA
Sports CV updated and Highlights video of 3-5 minutes
Professional Profile Online in Soccer CV — a link to your data, history, statistics and video that you can send to any club in the world
Budget to sustain you at least 2-3 months without income (accommodation, food, transportation)
Medical insurance covering sporting activity in the country of destination
Basic level of the local language (or at least English)

Country guide

Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland)

Season
March-November

Preseason
January-February

Level
Accessible

Language
English works

The gateway to Europe for many international players. Scandinavian leagues are well organized, clubs are open to foreigners, and the level — though competitive — is accessible to mid-division players from South America or South Europe. English is widely spoken, making it easier to adapt. Iceland and Finland have the most accessible leagues; Sweden and Norway are a step higher. Many players use Scandinavia as a trampoline to then jump into larger leagues.

Spain (1st RFEF to 3rd RFEF)

Season
August-May

Preseason
June-July

Level
Medium-high

Language
Spanish (advantage for Latinos)

The most popular destination for Latin American players, by language and by game style. The League allows a maximum of 3 non-community players per team in La Liga and La Liga 2. In the lower categories (1a RFEF to 3a RFEF) the rules vary. For non-community players, the club must manage a work permit — many clubs use the student visa route (combining football with a course) as a first step. International academies like Alicante Football Academy facilitate this process.

England (National League and regional leagues)

Season
August-May

Preseason
May-July

Level
Variable (5a-9a div.)

Language
English

After Brexit, all foreign players (including Europeans) need a point system to get the Governing Body Endorsement (GBE). This makes professional leagues (Premier League a League Two) very difficult for players without an international career. But semi-professional leagues (National League and regional, fifth division down) are much more accessible and are where Vardy, Wright, Austin and DeMerit started. open evidence It's the biggest in the world.

Portugal

Season
August-May

Preseason
June-July

Level
Medium-high

Language
Portuguese (advantage for Brazilians)

Known for its culture of player development (Sporting CP, Benfica, Porto), Portugal is a natural springboard to top leagues. The Portuguese League allows foreign players without rigid quota limit, although there are regulations on non-community players. Lower divisions are accessible and many clubs seek Brazilian and African talent. Citizens from Lusophone countries (Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde) have migratory advantages.

Germany

Season
August-May

Preseason
June-July

Level
Stop

Language
German (English in large clubs)

The Bundesliga has no limit of foreigners, but it requires each team to have at least 12 players trained in German clubs. Regionalligas (fourth division) and lower leagues are accessible and many international players use them as a platform. Germany also combines football with education — if you can study at a German university (registration is free or very low), you can use the student visa to play in local leagues while you study.

United States of America (MLS, USL, NISA)

For full information about the university system and sports scholarships, read our dedicated article: Industria alimentaria en Estados Unidos.

The MLS uses an international player " positions system (8 on average per team), which can be exchanged between clubs. Minor leagues (USL, NISA, MLS NEXT Pro) are more flexible and organize open evidence preseason (January-February).

Eastern Europe and Baltics (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, etc.)

The most underestimated option. The leagues of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are professional, they are within UEFA (meaning access to European competition qualifiers), wages are modest but real, and competition for positions is significantly lower than in Western Europe. For a South American player without a European passport, these leagues can be a first valuable international experience that then opens doors to larger markets.

Rules for quotas for foreigners: summary

Country/Liga	Rule of aliens
Spain (Liga)	Max. 3 non-EU per team. Players with EU/EEA passport do not count as foreigners.
Italy (A Series)	No limit of foreigners on the board, but max. 2 new non-community signings per season. 8 players trained in Italy required.
England (Premier League)	No limit of foreigners, but 8 locally trained players required. All non-British players need GBE (dot system).
Germany (Bundesliga)	No limit of foreigners. 12 players trained in Germany required by plantel.
Argentina	Max. 6 foreigners enrolled, 5 in the call per party.
Brazil	No limit of foreign signings. Max. 9 foreigners on the court per game.
USA (MLS)	~8 international player positions per team. Interchangeable between clubs.

Visas and work permits: the basics

If you have a passport from an EU/EEA country (or you can get it by Italian, Spanish, etc.), your immigration status across Europe is greatly simplified. You don’t need a work permit, you don’t occupy a foreign quota, and you can move freely between clubs in any EU country. Research whether you have the right to European citizenship by descent — may be the most important decision of your career.

For non-EU players, the most common options are:

Student Visa + Football: Many players enroll in a course (language, coaching, or university career) to obtain a student visa, and play in local clubs while studying. It is the most accessible way in Spain, Germany and Portugal.

Sports work permit: In some countries, the club that hires you can manage a sports work permit. It usually requires the club to prove that it could not find an equivalent local player.

Schengen area: If your nationality allows, you can enter the Schengen area (26 European countries) without a visa for up to 90 days. This gives you time to do evidence If a club offers you a contract, you need to manage the work permit.

Common errors

What you shouldn't do

Traveling without previous contacts. Don't buy a ticket without having at least 3-5 clubs contacted and some scheduled proof. To arrive without a plan is to throw money away.
Ignore migration requirements. Playing professionally without a work permit can cause legal problems for you and the club. Investigate before traveling.
Underestimating the level. The third division of Sweden or the fourth division of Spain are not "easy" — they are competitive leagues with players of good level. If you are not in good physical and technical form, do not pass the shame.
You're out of money. Many players travel on a budget for 2 weeks and stay stranded. It takes money for at least 2-3 months.
Trust unverified intermediaries. If someone promises you a contract in Europe in exchange for money in advance, it is almost certainly a scam. Always check the legitimacy of any agency or intermediary.

Your first step

Before spending on a plane ticket, invest in your professional visibility. A complete profile in Soccer CV with your data, statistics, video and contact allows clubs from any country in the world to evaluate you without having to travel first. Many international opportunities start with a scout or sports director who discovers your online profile — not with a blind trip.

This guide was prepared on the basis of public information from Transfermarkt (foreign player rules, August 2025), Centuro Global (sports visas), Young Talents Group, RicFit Training, PlayAbroad, and the current immigration regulations of each country. Visa requirements and work permits may change — always check with the appropriate embassy or consulate before travelling. This guidance is informative and does not replace specialized advice.

If you're building your football career, create your profile in CV Football — make it possible for clubs around the world to evaluate you before you travel.

Playing football abroad: country by country guide to emigrate as a footballer