Germany’s Catholic and Protestant churches recorded an increase in church tax revenue in 2025 despite a continued decline in membership. The figures have prompted renewed discussion about the country’s unique church tax system and its long-term sustainability.
Data released by the German Bishops’ Conference show that Catholic dioceses received €6.75 billion in church tax during 2025, up from €6.63 billion the previous year. The increase came even though more than 300,000 Catholics formally left the Church during the same period.
Germany’s Protestant churches experienced a similar trend. The Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) collected €6.09 billion in church tax in 2025 while also recording the loss of hundreds of thousands of registered members.
Germany operates a church tax system that requires registered members of Catholic and Protestant churches to contribute an additional 8% to 9% of their income tax. The government collects the funds and transfers them to the churches, where they support clergy salaries, church buildings, schools, charitable ministries, and overseas mission work.
Analysts say the rise in revenue reflects changes in the makeup of church membership rather than growth in attendance. Many younger or lower-income members have chosen to leave, while older and higher-earning members continue contributing larger amounts through Germany’s progressive tax system. Rising wages have also increased the amount collected from those who remain registered.
Church leaders have cautioned that the current increase in revenue is unlikely to continue indefinitely. As older members retire and fewer young people remain registered with the churches, some dioceses have already begun reducing spending and restructuring parish funding in preparation for future financial challenges.
