Religious and charitable work
All information on the right of residence for religious or charitable employment.
Here you learn ...
which regulations apply to religious work in Germany
how clergy get a residence permit for Germany
What visa rules apply to charitable work in Germany
when religious volunteer services are possible in Germany
Table of Content
1. Religious work in Germany
2. Residence regulations for religious employment
3. Charitable activities of foreigners
4. Religious volunteer services
5. Conclusion Work of clergy in Germany
1. Religious work in Germany
Activities for charitable or religious reasons occupy a special position under German residence law. Clergy and members of religious orders who work in institutions such as hospitals or social services are usually not in a traditional employment relationship. The focus of these assignments is not the exchange of work for remuneration, but rather membership in a religious order and selfless service to others. Therefore, the granting of a residence permit for the exercise of religious or charitable activities is possible under simplified conditions .
Particularly in the case of assignment contracts with an international dimension – for example, in the context of the Catholic Church – religious orders send their members specifically to perform charitable or religious tasks at locations designated by the receiving institution. This form of assignment falls under Section 19c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 14 Paragraph 1 No. 2 and Paragraph 1a of the Employment Ordinance . The basis for this is a assignment contract and a letter of assignment that describes the planned activities as precisely as possible. This legal construct enables the smooth deployment of foreign members of religious orders in the German community.
2. Requirements for visa for religious employment
Individuals employed in Germany for religious reasons , such as foreign clergy—including priests, members of religious orders, or Islamic prayer leaders (imams)—often assume an important role model function in their communities. Therefore, sufficient language skills are a prerequisite for this, ensuring successful communication and integration within the community.
To apply for a visa for religious employment, the following documents must be submitted:
completed and signed application
biometric passport photos
valid passport
Proof of health insurance
Job offer (invitation from a diocese also counts as a job offer)
Letter of secondment in original with copy
Proof of basic German language skills (A2)
Complete CV (including full addresses and contact details)
Sometimes the embassy may request additional documents. However, this depends on the specific case.
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3. Charitable activities of foreigners
Charitable work also plays a prominent role in the issuance of religious visas. Charitable work makes an invaluable contribution to the common good. Compassion, caring, and volunteer work are particularly essential in the health and social services sectors . Third-country nationals who wish to engage in charitable work in Germany can obtain a residence permit under simplified conditions pursuant to Section 19c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 14 Paragraph 1 No. 2 of the Employment Regulations – without the approval of the Federal Employment Agency. However, this requires that the work actually be charitable.
What are charitable activities?
Charitable activities are characterized by their altruistic and public-benefit nature . They are not primarily carried out for economic gain, but rather pursue the goal of helping people in need or in difficult life situations. For the activity to be considered charitable under the law, the following criteria must be met:
Selflessness: The activity is characterized by compassion, helpfulness and charity.
Non-profit: Economic gain is not the primary objective. The goal is not to improve one's own financial situation.
Orientation towards the common good: The activity is an expression of an inner attitude that is oriented towards the well-being of society.
Typical areas of charitable activities are:
Elderly and nursing care
Care for people with disabilities
Childcare and education
social work
Pastoral care and support
Charitable work can take place with both religious and secular organizations—for example, Caritas, the German Red Cross, the Workers' Welfare Association, or smaller non-profit initiatives. A small reimbursement of expenses or the reimbursement of expenses does not conflict with the charitable nature of the work—provided it does not exceed the actual expenditure. A tax certificate of non-profit status pursuant to Section 53 of the German Fiscal Code (AO) is a strong indication of a charitable nature, but is not proof alone.
4. Special case: Charitable activities of members of religious orders
A special area of charitable activities concerns foreign members of religious orders who work in church or non-profit institutions under a religious assignment contract . Here, too, approval from the Federal Employment Agency is not required if the employment meets the following conditions:
Internal deployment in religious communities (e.g. in the cloistered area or episcopal households).
Training to become a nun/monk, including external training components.
Deployment in the religious community’s own facilities (e.g. nursing homes, educational institutions).
Activities in church institutions for elderly and sick care, education or childcare.
Activities performed under a religious order contract are considered charitable by definition – even if they would normally be performed professionally or commercially. While the activities may also be subject to standard German laws (e.g., the regulations governing professional regulation ( professional practice permit )), these requirements are applied comparatively liberally.
Summary of this Page
Religious and charitable activities play a special role in German residence law. Clergy, members of religious orders, and other individuals engaged in religious or charitable work benefit from simplified regulations for the issuance of a residence permit. In particular, religious orders and activities within the framework of charitable organizations such as Caritas or the German Red Cross enable third-country nationals to reside in Germany legally and with legal certainty – without the approval of the Federal Employment Agency. Anyone wishing to engage in religious or charitable work in Germany should inform themselves early on about the required documents, language skills, and legal framework. This paves the way to a successful stay and a fulfilling career serving people.
