Detailed Rules for the Implementation of the Provisions on the Administration of Religious Activities of Foreigners within the Territory of the People's Republic of China
(Revised and adopted by the National Religious Affairs Administration, andissued by the Order No. 23 of the National Religious Affairs Administration on January 18, 2025, effective onMay 1, 2025)

Chapter I General Provisions
Article 1 These Detailed Rules are formulated in accordance with the Provisions on the Administration of Religious Activities of Foreigners within the Territory of the People's Republic of China and other relevant provisions.
Article 2 For the purpose of these Detailed Rules, "foreigner" means an individual who does not have Chinese nationality in accordance with the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China.
Article 3 For the purpose of these Detailed Rules, "religious activities of foreigners within the territory of China" means activities in which foreigners, according to their religious beliefs, conduct or participate in religious rituals within the territory of China, and engage in religious exchange or interactions with Chinese religious groups, religious institutions, religious activity sites, and religious personnel.
Article 4 China respects the freedom of religious belief of foreigners within the territory of China and protects their religious activities in accordance with the law.
China shall, in accordance with the law, protect the friendly exchange and cultural and academic exchange in religious matters between foreigners within the territory of China and Chinese religious circles.
Article 5 Foreigners conducting religious activities within the territory of China shall comply with Chinese laws, regulations, and rules; respect the principle of independence, autonomy, and self-management of Chinese religious affairs; and accept the lawful administration of the Chinese government. They shall not use religion to harm China's national interests, public interests, or the lawful rights and interests of citizens, nor shall they contravene public order and good morals in China.
Chapter II Collective Religious Activities
Article 6 Collective religious activities of foreigners within the territory of China shall be conducted at a Buddhist temple, Taoist temple, church, or mosque that is lawfully registered as a religious activity site (“temple, mosque or church”), which shall provide exclusive services for such activities. Where a temple, mosque or church is unable to provide exclusive services, such activities may be conducted at a temporary site designated by the religious affairs department of the provincial-level people's government (“temporary site”).
For the purpose of these Detailed Rules, "collective religious activities of foreigners within the territory of China" means religious activities that are organized by foreigners within the territory of China and involve a certain number of foreign participants, excluding the circumstances specified in Article 19 of these Detailed Rules.
The term "certain number" as mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall be determined by the religious affairs departments of provincial-level people's governments.
Article 7 Where foreigners within the territory of China apply to conduct collective religious activities at a Buddhist temple, Taoist temple, mosque, or church (“temple, mosque or church”), or to establish a temporary site, they shall elect more than three conveners.
Conveners shall comply with Chinese laws, regulations, and rules; shall not engage in hostile acts or expressions against China; shall have no record of misconduct; shall be legally responsible; and shall lawfully reside within the territory of China.
Personnel of foreign diplomatic or consular missions in China and other foreigners enjoying privileges and immunities shall not serve as conveners.
Article 8 Where foreigners within the territory of China intend to conduct collective religious activities at a temple, mosque or church, the conveners shall submit a written application to the religious group of a districted city (prefecture, autonomous prefecture, or league) in the place where the temple, mosque or church is located.
The religious group of the districted city (prefecture, autonomous prefecture, or league) shall, based on the application and the actual local conditions concerning temples, mosques or churches, designate a temple, mosque or church to provide exclusive services for the collective religious activity of foreigners within the territory of China, and shall file the designation with the religious affairs department of the people's government at the districted city level. Where the designated temple, mosque or church is not eligible to provide exclusive services, the religious group shall issue a written reply to the conveners. The conveners may apply to establish a temporary site in accordance with these Detailed Rules.
Article 9 A temple, mosque or church that provides exclusive services for collective religious activities of foreigners within the territory of China shall enter into an agreement with the conveners, specifying the schedule, format, frequency, number of participants, safety measures, mutual rights and obligations, and legal responsibilities regarding such activities, and shall, within ten days from the date of signing the agreement, file the agreement and the information about the conveners with the religious affairs department of the people's government at the districted city level where the temple, mosque or church is located.
Article 10 Collective religious activities conducted by foreigners within the territory of China at a temple, mosque or church shall be presided over by Chinese religious personnel designated by the temple, mosque or church. Where it is necessary for foreigners to preside over religious activities, the temple, mosque or church shall file such matters with the religious affairs department of the people's governments at the districted city level in the place where it is located.
Article 11 For an application for establishing a temporary site, the following conditions shall be met:
(1) The activities to be conducted at the temporary site shall not interfere with the normal production, study, or life of nearby entities or residents, and shall be subject to the administration of the local religious affairs department;
(2) The applicant shall have the right to use the building or facility designated as the temporary site;
(3) The building or facility designated as the temporary site shall comply with laws and regulations on planning, construction, fire safety, and building safety, and shall be suitable for collective religious activities.
Article 12 When applying for establishing a temporary site, the conveners shall fill out the Application Form for the Establishment of Temporary Sites for Collective Religious Activities of Foreigners within the Territory of China and submit the following materials to the religious affairs department of the provincial-level people's government where the temporary site is to be established.
(1) A written reply from the religious group of a districted city (prefecture, autonomous prefecture, or league) stating that the temple, mosque or church is incapable of providing exclusive services;
(2) The main scriptures of the religion they believe in, as well as an explanation of the profile of the religion;
(3) Information about the foreigners within the territory of China who are to participate in the collective religious activities, including their full names, nationalities, current residences, and valid Chinese visas or stay/residence permits;
(4) A letter of commitment from the conveners;
(5) Originals and photocopies of the passports and residence permits of the conveners;
(6) Explanations about the personnel to preside over the collective religious activities, as well as the schedule, format, frequency, number of participants, and safety measures for the activities;
(7) Valid materials proving the right to use the building or facility designated as the temporary site, as well as materials demonstrating that the building or facility complies with laws and regulations on planning, construction, fire safety, and building safety.
The materials required to be submitted in the preceding paragraph, except for the principal scriptures of the religion specified in subparagraph (2), shall be in Chinese. The religious affairs departments shall protect any personal privacy contained in the materials in accordance with the law.
In the letter of commitment specified in subparagraph (4) of Paragraph 1, the conveners shall pledge to manage and supervise collective religious activities at the temporary site; to ensure that foreign participants comply with Chinese laws, regulations, and rules; to ensure that the activities do not interfere with the normal production, study, or life of nearby entities or residents; to accept the administration of the local religious affairs department; and to ensure that no religious symbols are displayed outside the temporary site. All conveners shall sign the letter of commitment.
The format of the Application Form for the Establishment of Temporary Sites for Collective Religious Activities of Foreigners within the territory of China shall be prescribed by the National Religious Affairs Administration.
Article 13 Upon receipt of the application materials for the establishment of a temporary site, the religious affairs department of the provincial-level people's government shall solicit opinions from the religious affairs department of the county-level people's government, the religious affairs department of the people's government at the districted city level, and the religious groups of the province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the Central Government where the temporary site is to be established. A decision to approve or disapprove the application shall be made within 20 working days from the date of acceptance.
Generally, only one temporary site shall be approved within the same county-level administrative region for foreigners who share the same religion and are able to use the same language to conduct collective religious activities.
The validity period for a temporary site shall be no more than two years. If, upon expiration, collective religious activities are to continue at the same temporary site, a new application shall be submitted in accordance with Article 12 of these Detailed Rules no later than 30 days before the expiration date.
Collective religious activities conducted by foreigners within the territory of China at a temporary site shall be administered by the religious affairs department of the county-level people's government where the site is located.
Article 14 For collective religious activities at a temporary site, at least one convener shall be present to oversee the activities.
Conveners shall strengthen the safety management of collective religious activities at temporary sites, and the number of participants shall not exceed that specified in the approval document for the temporary site.
Article 15 Where collective religious activities at a temporary site require Chinese religious personnel to preside, the conveners shall submit a request to the religious group of the districted city (prefecture, autonomous prefecture, or league) where the temporary site is located, and the religious group shall arrange for appropriate religious personnel to preside over the activities.
Article 16 Except for Chinese religious personnel arranged or invited in accordance with these Detailed Rules, collective religious activities conducted by foreigners within the territory of China shall be limited to participation by foreigners within the territory of China.
Article 17 A temple, mosque or church that provides exclusive services for collective religious activities of foreigners within the territory of China, or the provider of buildings or facilities used as temporary sites, shall, upon discovering any violations of Chinese laws, regulations, or rules during such activities, promptly report to the local religious affairs department or other relevant departments.
Article 18 Where any change is proposed regarding the conveners, schedule, format, or number of participants for a temporary site, an application for change shall be submitted to the religious affairs department of the provincial-level people's government no later than 30 days before the proposed change, accompanied by the relevant materials.
Article 19 With the consent of local religious groups, foreigners within the territory of China may invite Chinese religious personnel to conduct religious ceremonies such as baptisms, weddings, funerals, and Taoist or Buddhist rites according to religious customs.
Chapter III Religious Exchange
Article 20 Friendly religious exchange and cultural and academic exchange between foreigners within the territory of China and Chinese religious groups, religious institutions, or religious activity sites shall be conducted through the national religious group or the religious group of a province, autonomous regions, or municipality directly under the Central Government.
Article 21 Foreign religious personnel who enter China in the capacity of religious personnel may, upon the invitation of the national religious group or the religious group of a province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the Central Government, deliver sermons or preach at a temple, mosque or church.
Foreign religious personnel entering China under other identities may, upon invitation by the national religious group or the religious group of a province, autonomous regions, or municipality directly under the Central Government and with the approval of the National Religious Affairs Administration or the religious affairs department of the provincial-level people's government, deliver sermons or preach at a temple, mosque or church.
The invitees shall meet the following conditions:
(1) They shall comply with Chinese laws, regulations, and rules; respect the principle of independence and self-governance of Chinese religions; have no hostile words or actions against China; and have no tendencies toward religious extremism; and
(2) The content they intend to deliver shall not violate Chinese laws, regulations, or rules; interfere with Chinese religious affairs; or contravene the public order and good morals in China.
Article 22 Where foreign religious personnel who enter China in capacities other than that of religious personnel intend to deliver sermons or preach at a temple, mosque or church, the national religious group or the religious group of a province, autonomous regions, or municipality directly under the Central Government shall submit the following application materials to the National Religious Affairs Administration or the religious affairs department of the provincial-level people's government, respectively:
(1) An application specifying the reasons for the invitation and information on the temple, mosque or church where the sermons or preaching is to be delivered;
(2) Background information about the invitees, their status as religious personnel, their entry identity, and the main content of their intended sermons or preaching; and
(3) Written consent from the temple, mosque or church where the sermons or preaching is to be delivered.
The National Religious Affairs Administration or the religious affairs department of the provincial-level people's government shall make a decision to approve or disapprove the application within 20 working days of acceptance of the application.
Article 23 Where foreigners engage in religious, cultural, or academic exchange with Chinese religious groups, religious institutions, or religious activity sites and carry into China religious printed materials, religious audio-visual products, or other religious articles in quantities exceeding those reasonable for personal use, the following conditions shall be met:
(1) The religious printed materials, religious audio-visual products, and other religious articles do not contain any content that endangers China's national security, undermines public interests, or contravenes the principle of independence and self-governance of Chinese religions;
(2) The recipients of such materials shall be religious groups, religious institutions, or religious activity sites;
(3) The religious printed materials, religious audio-visual products, and other religious articles to be carried shall be consistent with the needs of the relevant religious, cultural, or academic exchange program or agreement;
(4) Such materials may be carried only with the consent of the national religious group or the religious group of the province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the Central Government.
"Reasonable quantities for personal use" of religious printed materials and religious audio-visual products means no more than 10 copies per person per entry for single-volume publications and no more than three sets per person per entry for multi-volume publications. For other religious articles, "reasonable quantities for personal use" means no more than three basic units per type.
The entry of religious printed materials or religious audio-visual products intended for distribution is prohibited.
Article 24 Where a foreigner carries into China any religious printed materials, religious audio-visual products, or other religious articles that exceed reasonable quantities for personal use, the receiving entity shall file an application with the religious affairs department of the provincial-level people's government where it is located, and shall submit the following materials:
(1) A written application containing: (a) an introduction of the foreigner; (b) a description of the religious, cultural, or academic exchange program; and (c) a catalog, samples, quantity, and written statement of purpose for the religious printed materials, religious audio-visual products, and other religious articles carried;
(2) The text of the relevant religious, cultural, or academic exchange program or agreement; and
(3) Written consent from the national religious group or the religious group of the province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the Central Government.
Where the receiving entity is the national religious group or a religious institution established by such a group, the national religious group shall submit the application materials to the National Religious Affairs Administration.
The National Religious Affairs Administration or the religious affairs department of the provincial-level people's government shall decide whether to approve or disapprove the application within 20 working days from the date of acceptance.
Article 25 When entering China, foreigners approved to carry religious printed materials, religious audio-visual products, or other religious articles exceeding reasonable quantities for personal use shall declare such items to the customs. The customs shall release the items upon verification of the approval documents issued by the National Religious Affairs Administration or the religious affairs department of a provincial-level people's government.
Article 26 A foreign organization or individual intending to recruit Chinese nationals in China for cultivation abroad as religious personnel shall have such recruitment activities centrally coordinated by the national religious group or the religious group of a province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the Central Government, with qualified candidates dispatched by that group, based on actual needs.
A foreign organization or individual shall not recruit Chinese nationals in China for cultivation abroad as religious personnel without prior authorization.
Foreigners seeking enrollment in Chinese religious institutions shall obtain prior consent from the national religious group or the religious group of a province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the Central Government.
Article 27 A foreigner may be employed by a Chinese religious institution in accordance with statutory procedures to serve as a foreign professional and lecturer at that institution.
Article 28 A foreign religious organization or its member that has no corresponding legally established Chinese religious organization within China and seeks to interact with Chinese governmental departments, religious groups, religious institutions, or religious activity sites shall meet the following conditions:
(1) Maintaining a friendly stance toward China;
(2) Possessing legal status or recognized standing in its home country (region);
(3) Having no record of misconduct; and
(4) Respecting the principle of independence and self-management in the administration of religious affairs in China, and ensuring that the proposed interactions do not contravene Chinese laws, regulations, or rules.
The Chinese entity shall submit an application to the National Religious Affairs Administration and provide the following materials:
(1) A written application, specifying the purpose, particulars, time period, location, and number of participants for the proposed interaction;
(2) Basic information on the foreign religious organization, its members, and the religion involved, together with documentation demonstrating compliance with the conditions stipulated in the preceding paragraph; and
(3) Details on the Chinese entity and the primary participants.
The National Religious Affairs Administration shall decide whether to approve or disapprove the application within 20 working days from the date of acceptance.
Article 29 Foreigners within the territory of China shall not engage in the following religion-related activities:
(1) Interfering with or exercising control over the affairs of Chinese religious groups, religious institutions, or religious activity sites, or interfering with the recognition and administration of religious personnel;
(2) Establishing religious organizations, religious administrative offices, religious activity sites, or religious institutions;
(3) Propagating religious extremist ideologies; supporting or financing religious extremism or unlawful religious activities; or exploiting religion to jeopardize national unity, ethnic solidarity, religious harmony, or social stability;
(4) Conducting unauthorized scriptural lectures, religious preaching, or organized collective religious activities;
(5) Converting religious adherents among Chinese citizens or appointing religious clergy;
(6) Using religion to obstruct the enforcement of China's judicial, educational, marital, or social governance systems;
(7) Producing or distributing religious publications, audiovisual products, electronic media, or analogous religious materials; or disseminating religious promotional materials;
(8) Accepting donations for religious purposes from Chinese organizations or citizens;
(9) Organizing religious education or training programs;
(10) Engaging in unlawful religious activities through internet platforms; and
(11) Other unlawful religion-related acts.
Chapter IV Legal Liability
Article 30 Public officials who, in the course of administering religious activities of foreigners within the territory of China, commit abuse of authority, dereliction of duty, or fraudulent acts for personal gain shall be subjected to disciplinary sanctions in accordance with the law; where such acts constitute a crime, the offender shall be held criminally liable in accordance with the law.
Article 31 Foreigners within the territory of China who, without authorization, establish a temporary site for conducting collective religious activities shall be sanctioned in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 69 of the Regulation on Religious Affairs.
Article 32 Where collective religious activities conducted by foreigners within the territory of China at a temple, mosque, church, or temporary site violate the provisions of these Detailed Rules or the terms of the letter of commitment, the religious affairs department shall order corrections. If the conveners are accountable, they shall be removed. In cases of serious circumstances, the religious affairs department shall order the temple, mosque or church to cease providing exclusive services for foreigners' collective religious activities or order the temporary sites to cease their activities.
Article 33 Where a Chinese religious group, religious institution, or religious activity site violates the provisions of these Detailed Rules, it shall be dealt with in accordance with Article 65 of the Regulation on Religious Affairs.
Where Chinese religious personnel violate the provisions of these Detailed Rules, they shall be dealt with in accordance with Article 73 of the Regulation on Religious Affairs.
Article 34 Where facilitation is provided for illegal religious activities conducted by foreigners within the territory of China, the case shall be handled in accordance with Article 71 of the Regulation on Religious Affairs.
Article 35 Violations of other provisions of these Detailed Rules shall be dealt with by the religious affairs department and other relevant departments in accordance with the Provisions on the Administration of Religious Activities of Foreigners within the Territory of the People's Republic of China and the Regulation on Religious Affairs.
Where the same act violates both these Detailed Rules and other laws or regulations, the case shall be handled by the relevant authorities in accordance with the law; if a crime is constituted, the offender shall be held criminally liable in accordance with the law.
Chapter V Supplementary Provisions
Article 36 Within the administrative area of a municipality directly under the Central Government: (1) the duties of the religious group of a districted city (prefecture, autonomous prefecture, or league) as prescribed in these Detailed Rules shall be performed by the religious group of a district (county) of the municipality directly under the Central Government; and (2) the duties of the religious affairs departments of both the county-level people's government and the people's government at the districted city level shall be performed by the religious affairs department of a district (county) of the municipality directly under the Central Government.
Article 37 Where there is no relevant religious group of a county (city, district, or banner), the corresponding duties prescribed in these Detailed Rules shall be performed by the religious group of the districted city (prefecture, autonomous prefecture, or league).
Where there is no relevant religious group of a districted city (prefecture, autonomous prefecture, or league), the corresponding duties shall be performed by the religious group of the province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the Central Government.
Where there is no relevant religious group of a province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the Central Government, the corresponding duties shall be performed by the national religious group.
Article 38 These Detailed Rules shall come into force on May 1, 2025.