The Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Kevin Farrell, is of the opinion, based on the documents submitted, "that an apostolic visit is the most appropriate way to fulfil the request of the Moderator General and the International Council for external help", wrote Moderator General Michel-Bernard de Vregille in a letter on Thursday.
There had previously been disputes within the governing body of the community about future governance structures.
"We are faced with numerous internal challenges: the growth of the community, the very different international realities, the need to inculturate the charism and the complexity of our organisation. It is essential for the Community to prepare for the future in order to respond as a Church to the challenges of our time," writes de Vregille in an accompanying statement.
As part of the annual summer seminars, four working groups were formed last year on various topics: Youth ministry, internationality and interculturality, the role of the general moderator and the link between the various instances of the community.
"Before and since this summer seminar, we experienced tensions within the government of the community with regard to these topics and realised that we would not make any progress on our own."
The Vatican was therefore approached. He did not provide any information on the timing, nature or scope of the visitation.
The Emmanuel Community was founded in France in the 1970s and is charismatic in character.
Members of the community are mainly lay people, but also priests to a lesser extent.
Its spirituality is centred on Eucharistic adoration and praise, among other things.
Politically, the community has campaigned against the opening up of marriage in France in 2013, among other things.