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How to Open a Non-Profit Organization in Singapore

Singapore is appropriate for setting up any type of structure, including non-profit organizations (NGOs), also known as charities or voluntary welfare organizations (VWOs). These are entities which are not established with the purpose of making any profits, hence the name, and can be set up for private or public interest. Foreign citizens seeking to set up a non-profit organization in Singapore must comply with various regulations comprised in the Charities Act, in the Societies Law and in the Company Act.

Our Singapore company formation specialist can offer full information about the legislation applicable to non-profit organizations in the city-state.

The video below shows the main steps to follow when setting up a non-profit organization in Singapore:

Features of NGOs in Singapore

In order to be deemed a non-profit organization, a structure must have the following characteristics:

  • –          it must be self-governed;
  • –          it must be dedicated for the welfare of others, individuals or communities;
  • –          they do not distribute the profits they make to their members; any profit made must be reinvested in the NGO’s activities;
  • –          it is an independent entity;
  • –          if registered as charity, it will benefit for tax exemptions.

Our company registration agents in Singapore can offer information about the charity status which can be obtained by a voluntary welfare organization. We can also help if you want to open a Singapore company.

Registering a voluntary welfare organization in Singapore

Those interested in setting up a non-profit organization in Singapore have three types of structures they can choose from:

  • –          the company limited by guarantee;
  • –          the society;
  • –          the trust.

While the company limited by guarantee must be registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, the society will register with the Register of Societies, while in the case of a NGO established as a trust, it must register with the Monetary Authority. Our Singapore company formation representatives can assist foreign citizens who want to set up trusts.

The Singapore VWO set up as a society must be made up of at least 10 members, while the trust must be comprised of minimum 3 members and must appoint a board of trustees. The company limited by guarantee will be set up based on its articles of association, while the trust will have as foundation document the trust deed. Singapore NGOs registered as companies and societies must have 2 directors and a secretary, respectively a treasurer and a president who must be Singapore residents.

For information on all the requirements for establishing a non-profit organization in the city-state you can refer to our company formation consultants in Singapore. You can also contact us if you want to register a company in Singapore.