22/04/2025
From May 1, new Regulations on Foreigners' Religious Activities.
Recently, the National Religious Affairs Administration issued Order No. 23, announcing the newly revised "Detailed Rules for the Implementation of the Regulations on the Administration of Religious Activities of Foreigners within the Territory of the People's Republic of China", which will take effect on May 1, 2025. The revision and implementation of these Detailed Rules play an important role in thoroughly implementing the Regulations on Religious Affairs, protecting the normal religious activities of foreigners in China, fostering friendly exchanges between foreigners and Chinese religious communities, and improving the institutionalization and standardization of the management of religious activities involving foreigners in China.
Chapter 1: General Provisions
1.These Implementation Rules are formulated in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Regulations on the Administration of Religious Activities of Foreigners in the Territory of the People's Republic of China.
2.The term foreigner in these Implementation Rules refers to individuals who do not hold Chinese nationality as defined by the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China.
3.The term religious activities of foreigners in China refers to religious ceremonies held or attended by foreigners in China in accordance with their religious beliefs, as well as religious exchanges and interactions between foreigners and Chinese religious groups, religious institutions, religious venues, and religious clergy.
4.China respects the freedom of religious belief of foreigners in the territory of China and protects the religious activities of foreigners in the territory of China in accordance with law.
China protects the friendly exchanges and cultural and academic exchanges between foreigners in the territory of China and the Chinese religious community in accordance with law.
5.Foreigners in the territory of China shall abide by Chinese laws, regulations and rules when conducting religious activities, respect the principle of independence and self-management of Chinese religions, and accept the management of the Chinese government in accordance with law; they shall not use religion to harm China's national interests, social public interests and the legitimate rights and interests of citizens, and shall not violate China's public order and good customs.