Bhutan · Athlete Visa
International Professional Football Player Visa (sport-specific channel)
Visa/Entry Permit Guidelines for International Professional Football Player, 2019 (DoI guideline supplementing Immigrati…
Visa/Entry Permit Guidelines for International Professional Football Player, 2019 (DoI guideline supplementing Immigration Rules). Limited to professional football players hired by a Bhutanese Premier League club. Eligibility (Section 6 guidelines): age 18-40; documented record of national or international competition OR national of top-20 FIFA-ranked country playing for a football club in that country; no adverse record with DoI. Club must be Bhutanese-citizen-owned, Bhutan Football Federation-registered, Premier League participant. MAX FOUR players per club at any time (Section 10)…
At a Glance
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 18+ |
| Job Offer Required | Yes |
| Sponsorship Required | Yes |
| Health Insurance Required | No |
| Passport Restrictions | Excludes: CN, KP |
Family & Rights
| Right | Details |
|---|---|
| Path to Permanent Residency | No |
Related Pathways
Cost of Living
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Professional Football Player Visa (sport-specific channel)?
Visa/Entry Permit Guidelines for International Professional Football Player, 2019 (DoI guideline supplementing Immigration Rules). Limited to professional football players hired by a Bhutanese Premier League club. Eligibility (Section 6 guidelines): age 18-40; documented record of national or international competition OR national of top-20 FIFA-ranked country playing for a football club in that country; no adverse record with DoI. Club must be Bhutanese-citizen-owned, Bhutan Football Federation-registered, Premier League participant. MAX FOUR players per club at any time (Section 10)…
Can the International Professional Football Player Visa (sport-specific channel) lead to permanent residency?
No — this is a temporary pathway and does not itself lead to permanent residence. Holders often switch to a different route to pursue settlement.
Are there alternative pathways to Bhutan?
Yes. Bhutan offers 3 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Bhutan country page.
What is the cost of living in Bhutan?
Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Thimphu: €820/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.
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Official source
Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:
Data last verified: 2026-06-22 · See our methodology
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