I What is a Society

A society in Singapore is established with the approval of the Registry of Societies (ROS) and is regulated under the Societies Act of Singapore. A society is defined as a partnership organization, enterprise, association, or club with more than ten members. There are no restrictions on its nature or organizational goals, and it is not registered under any other law.

Societies in Singapore are typically suited for smaller volunteer groups that rely on contributions from their members to fund social activities without accepting external donations or grants. For further information, you can visit the official website: https://www.mha.gov.sg/mha-e-services/ros/applicants-for-new-society/registration-of-society

II Required Documents for Society Registration

1 Society Information

1）Society name, with at least two alternatives.
2）Primary place of business.
3）English version of the society's constitution (in Microsoft Word format).
4）Contact information: email, phone, fax.
5）Letter from the affiliated organization in English.
6）Charter of the affiliated organization in English.
7）Authorization letter from the relevant organization in English.

2 Member Information (At least 10 members)

1）Name, IC/Passport number, date of birth.
2）Position in the society.
3）Residential address.
4）Nationality and status in Singapore.
5）Gender, marital status, ethnicity, religion.
6）Contact information (e.g., email, mobile number).
7）Educational qualifications and current employment status.
8）If applicable, details of membership in other societies.

3 Other Information

The society must have three key officers—President, Secretary, and Treasurer—who must be Singapore citizens or permanent residents and provide their SINGPASS for identity verification. The remaining seven members are not required to be Singaporean but must submit detailed personal information, including: name, identification documents (NRIC, FIN, or passport number); date of birth and nationality; residential address; gender, marital status, ethnicity, religion; highest educational qualifications, occupation, and contact information. If members hold positions in other societies, relevant details must be provided.

Additionally, please include the name, address, email, and phone number of the contact person for the society's application. Applicants are strongly encouraged to verify that the information provided is complete and accurate. Any society registration involving fraud or false representation will be subject to legal penalties.

III Types of Societies and Requirements

For the following types of societies, the majority of committee members must be Singapore citizens. Additionally, the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and their deputies should be Singapore citizens or permanent residents. Foreign diplomats are not allowed to serve as committee members.
1）Religious societies
2）Societies that explicitly limit their membership to a single ethnic group
3）Societies whose primary purpose or activities involve discussing issues related to any category of individuals defined by gender or sexual orientation
4）Societies whose main purpose or activities primarily involve discussing the use or status of any language
5）Art groups promoting classical music or works
6）Societies whose purpose or activities, whether primary or secondary, involve representing or discussing any issues related to civil or political rights (including human rights, environmental rights, and animal rights)

IV Obligations of Societies

The registration of societies is generally autonomous. Societies must comply with their constitution and the prevailing laws of Singapore. The obligations set out under the Societies Act include:
1）Maintaining proper accounts and records of society transactions and affairs for at least five years.
2）Submitting an annual return and audited financial statements to the Registry of Societies (ROS) each year.
3）Applying for changes to their name, registered address, and rules.
4）Applying for the use of any flag, emblem, badge, or other insignia.
5）Submitting audited financial statements (income and expenditure along with a balance sheet) within 60 days after any fundraising appeal has ended.
6）The above submissions/applications can be sent to ROS through the ROS e-service.

V The Necessity and Importance of Society Registration

1 Legal Status and Rights Protection

Registering a society provides the organization with legal status, enabling it to exercise rights and obligations under the law. Once registered, the organization can benefit from legal protections, including contractual rights, property rights, and intellectual property protections.

2 Enhanced Credibility and Trust

Registering a society can increase the organization's credibility and trustworthiness. Once registered, the organization is viewed as a legitimate and reliable entity, making it easier to gain support and collaboration from the community and business partners.

3 Funding and Donations

Registering a society provides the organization with channels for fundraising and donations. Once registered, the organization can legally obtain funds and donations from the public and businesses to support its activities and projects.

4 Tax Benefits and Exemptions

Registering a society allows the organization to enjoy tax benefits and exemptions. Once registered, the organization can apply for tax-exempt status, reducing its tax burden and facilitating better operations and growth.