Business Registration for NPOs and Social Enterprises in Singapore

Singapore’s business scene is changing. More social enterprises and nonprofit organisations (NPOs) are helping in important areas, like education and community welfare. To date, there are 2,600 social enterprises and over 2,000 nonprofits in the Lion City.

If you plan on creating one, this guide will show you how to register an NPO or social enterprise in Singapore. Here, we will explore the key differences between the two options. It covers funding choices and compliance requirements. It also helps you choose the best structure for long-term social impact.

The Differences Between An NPO and A Social Enterprise in Singapore

Definitions and Objectives

Nonprofit Organisations (NPOs):
These are entities formed primarily for charitable, religious, educational, or community purposes. Any surplus is reinvested to further the mission rather than distributed to members.

Social Enterprises:
These businesses aim to achieve measurable social or environmental impact while generating revenue through commercial activities. Profits are used to sustain and scale their mission.

Legal Structures and Oversight

Why Confusion Happens

An NPO and a social enterprise in Singapore share social missions but differ operationally.

What To Know Before Registering An NPO or Social Enterprise in Singapore

Regulatory Framework

Depending on your chosen entity:

• ACRA: Registers companies and CLGs
• ROS: Registers societies and community groups
• MAS: Regulates charitable trusts
• Commissioner of Charities (COC): Oversees registered charities and IPCs

As stated by Charities.gov.sg, a charity must:

• Have exclusively charitable purposes
• Operate primarily for the benefit of the Singapore community
• Have at least three board members, two of whom must be Singapore citizens or permanent residents

Required Documentation

To register an NPO or social enterprise in Singapore, you need:

• A constitution or charter defining your mission and governance structure
• Identification documents for directors or board members
• Proof of registered office address in Singapore
• Description of planned activities and beneficiaries
• Initial financial plan or funding outline

Where to Register 

• NPOs (Societies): Registry of Societies (ROS)
• Charitable Trusts: Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
• Companies Limited by Guarantee: ACRA BizFile+
• Social Enterprises: Register as a Pte Ltd or CLG with ACRA

The typical registration process takes 7 to 21 working days, depending on the documentation and approval requirements.

Funding and Support Ecosystem

Singapore offers a robust support network for both nonprofits (NPOs) and social enterprises. It combines government aid, community foundations, and corporate impact programs. Here is a breakdown of key funding sources and where to apply:

Additional Grant Directories and Support Channels

Unsure where your organisation fits? Explore:

• raiSE Singapore – For social enterprises looking for mentorship, funding, and registration support.
• NVPC – Company of Good – For corporations integrating social responsibility.
• Enterprise Singapore Grants Portal – For startups and businesses driving innovation.
• Community Chest – For charities and NPOs seeking program funding.

Pros and Cons: Choosing the Right Entity

If your goal is long-term sustainability and financial independence, a social enterprise is more flexible. If you rely primarily on grants and donations, an NPO offers stronger credibility and public trust.

How to Start a Nonprofit in Singapore

Stage 1: Plan Your Mission

Before anything else, you must first define your purpose and intended beneficiaries. Then, conduct a community needs analysis and choose an appropriate structure, such as Society, Trust, or CLG.

Stage 2: Reserve Name and Office Address

Ensure your organisation’s name reflects its mission and provide a registered Singapore address.

Stage 3: Register

After preparing the essential details, it is time to register your company. However, where to register depends on the type you choose. 

• Submit online through the ROS portal for societies
• Apply with MAS for charitable trusts
• Register a CLG through ACRA BizFile+

Stage 4: Obtain Fundraising Approvals

Apply for fundraising licenses through the Commissioner of Charities if you plan to collect public donations.

Stage 5: Stay Compliant

Registration is not the end. After registering your company, there are a few things you must do to continue your business, including 

• Submitting annual returns and audited financial reports
• Disclosing fundraising activities publicly
• Maintaining clear governance records

More Reads: After ACRA Registration: Your 30‑Day Compliance Checklist 

How to Start a Social Enterprise in Singapore

Stage 1: Define Purpose and Model

You must clarify your mission and determine how your business model will sustain it through sales or service income. This clarification will become an important direction later on.

Stage 2: Register with ACRA

Register your business as a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) or Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) via the BizFile+ portal. Then, appoint a local director, company secretary, and list a registered address.

Stage 3: Secure Licenses

Obtain any required industry-specific licenses, such as SFA permits for food-related operations or fundraising approvals. This action ensures you are qualified to carry on your trade.

Need more details on business licenses? Read This. 

Stage 4: Access Funding

Apply for grants from raiSE, DBS Foundation, or Enterprise Singapore to kickstart your operations.

Stage 5: Track and Scale Impact

Establish measurable goals for your mission, build partnerships, and reinvest profits to expand reach.

Should I Register As an NPO or Social Enterprise in Singapore?

More reads: Why Outsource Corporate Secretarial Services? 

Case Study Highlights: Real Social Impact in Action

1. The Social Space: Empowering Inclusive Employment through Sustainable Retail

Impact Summary:
The Social Space is a multi-concept social enterprise promoting conscious living through its eco-retail stores, cafes, and workshops. Beyond selling sustainable products, it provides inclusive employment opportunities to individuals from marginalised backgrounds, especially those facing barriers to traditional jobs.

Key Outcomes:

• Employs and trains persons with disabilities and disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Operates two retail-café spaces in Singapore supporting local social brands.
• Member of raiSE Singapore and recipient of the VentureForGood Grant for inclusive business development.

2. Food from the Heart: Reducing Food Insecurity Nationwide

Impact Summary:
Food from the Heart is a registered charity and IPC tackling food insecurity across Singapore. Through food distribution and waste reduction programs, it channels surplus food to low-income families and individuals.

Key Outcomes:

• Serves over 10,000 beneficiaries monthly across 80 distribution points.
• Partnered with schools, corporations, and government agencies to reduce food waste.
• Funded by the Community Chest and supported by NVPC for its outreach programs.

3. Edible Garden City: Cultivating Sustainability through Urban Farming

Impact Summary:
Edible Garden City transforms underutilised spaces into productive urban farms, supplying fresh produce to restaurants, schools, and communities. It also trains vulnerable groups in urban agriculture and sustainability practices.

Key Outcomes:

• Built 200+ urban farms across Singapore, including rooftop and community gardens.
• Provides food education and horticultural therapy to schools and senior care facilities.
• Collaborates with Enterprise Singapore and raiSE to expand sustainable food systems.

4. Bettr Group: Brewing Empowerment through Skills Training

Impact Summary:
Bettr Group, formerly Bettr Barista, is Singapore’s first B Corporation-certified social enterprise coffee academy. It empowers women and youth at risk through vocational training, emotional development, and employment opportunities.

Key Outcomes:

• Trained over 1,000 individuals from vulnerable backgrounds since 2011.
• Provides barista certifications, mental wellness support, and career placement.
• Supported by DBS Foundation, raiSE, and the Company of Good network under NVPC.

Resources and Useful Links

Ready To Register Your NPO or Social Enterprise in Singapore?

Singapore has one of the most open and helpful systems in Asia for starting nonprofits and social enterprises. If you want to help communities or support the environment, picking the right legal structure is key. This choice helps your organisation make a lasting impact and follow the rules.

With the right registration, funding, and management, your organisation can make a real difference. It will also have a solid legal and operational base. Good luck!