🏗️First, of course, you actually got to build your app. Then you register at the Google Play Console (and fork over $25). Then you provide your name, contact details, etc. and then the fun starts: You need official ID (drivers license, passport), proof of residence (“Meldezettel” in Austria), proof that you own an Android device, install the Google Play Console App on that device, and verify your contact phone number.
📄Then you fill out about 5 different questionnaires about the nature of your app, all coming down to Google covering its (legal) base regarding restricted content, privacy, data, user age, etc. Is your app a Government app? Does it give financial advice? Does it collect the precise location? Do you have or need an Advertising ID? Does the app provide health advice or collect health-related personal information?
🔐Of course, you also need to provide a contact email, a link to your terms of use and your privacy policy, short and long descriptions for the Play Store listing, release notes, etc. And, of course, screenshots: Phone screenshots, tablet screenshots, Chromebook screenshots (if you happen to have any), etc. etc., All of them have to comply with Google’s criteria in terms of size, format, orientation, etc.
🤯 Testing requirement for new devs: You can’t just publish your app. You first need to find at least 12 testers, each of whom must install the app and keep it on their device for 14 consecutive days. Only after that will Google even consider giving you “production” access.
I get it — they have to to protect Android users from low-quality or malicious apps. But do they have to make developers feel like Odysseus on the way to Ithaca?