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Residence Permit for Religious/Charitable Activities
VisasGermanyResidence Permit for Religious/Charitable Activities
GermanyGermany•Europe
Open

Residence Permit for Religious/Charitable Activities

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

4-6 weeks

Application Fee

373 EUR

Stay Duration

Determined by assignment

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information
Germany flag

Living in Germany

Cost of Living
Same as United States
Avg Salary€39,600
Quality of Life
196/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Residence Permit for Religious/Charitable Activities (§ 19c (1) AufenthG in conjunction with § 14 BeschV)

The §19c(1)/§14 BeschV permit allows foreign clergy, religious order members, imams, and charitable workers to live and work in Germany under their institution's sponsorship. No Federal Employment Agency approval is required, making it one of the more accessible routes for non-economic activity.

Stay duration follows the assignment contract; the permit is renewable. Dependents may join subject to financial requirements. After 5 continuous years, holders can apply for a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis). Fees are EUR 75 (national visa) plus EUR 56–100 for the residence permit.

This visa is ideal for foreign religious leaders, missionaries, and charitable workers assigned to a German institution who need a long-term, renewable work status with a path to permanent residence.

Fee Breakdown

National Visa Fee
75 EUR
Initial Residence Permit (Sticker)
56 EUR
Initial Residence Permit (eAT)
100 EUR
Residence Permit Extension (Sticker)
49 EUR
Residence Permit Extension (eAT)
93 EUR

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Clergy, member of religious order, or charitable worker

Altruistic/public-benefit activity

Invitation/assignment letter from the institution

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Assignment letter from institution

Proof of financial means

Valid passport

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Renewable status
  • Pathway to settlement permit
  • Dependents allowed

Worth Knowing

  • Strictly tied to the specific organization
  • Financial requirements for dependents
  • Non-altruistic activity
  • Lack of institutional sponsorship

Application Process

1

Apply for a National Visa (Type D) if outside Germany

2

Apply directly at the local Immigration Office if already in Germany

Application Forms

VIDEX National Visa Portal
Online National Visa Application Portal for German embassies
Fill online

Verified Claims (24)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application StepsApply for a National Visa (Type D) if outside Germany; Apply directly at the local Immigration Offic…make-it-in-germany.com
Dependent VisaPossible, subject to financial requirementsmake-it-in-germany.com
Fee BreakdownNational Visa Fee: 75 EUR; Initial Residence Permit (Sticker): 56 EUR; Initial Residence Permit (eAT…visaguard.berlin
FeesEUR 75 (National Visa), EUR 56-100 (initial residence permit), EUR 49-93 (extension)visaguard.berlin
FormsVIDEX National Visa Portalargentinien.diplo.de
Forms · VIDEX National Visa Portal · descriptionOnline National Visa Application Portal for German embassiesvidex-national.diplo.de
Included Nationalities—argentinien.diplo.de
Job Offer Requiredtruevisaguard.berlin

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