Law No. 21/1989 is the main legal framework governing the creation of foundations in Bahrain. They can take the form of associations, non-profit organizations (NPOs), and social clubs.
Below, our Bahraini company formation agents explain the procedure to open a foundation in this country. You can rely on us for support once you decide to set up a foundation in Bahrain.
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Documents required to open a foundation
There are several documents that you need to prepare in order to establish a Bahraini NGO. These are:
- the foundation’s Constitution, which can be created with the help of our lawyers in Bahrain;
- copies of the founders’ identification papers;
- a list with all the members of the foundation;
- proof of a Bahraini office;
- the minutes of the meeting of the founding committee;
- a standard application form;
- a name reservation.
The Constitution of the new entity is the most important document to prepare once you decide to open a foundation in Bahrain, and it must contain the following information:
- the purpose of creating the foundation;
- the governance;
- the roles and duties of each board member;
- the voting procedures;
- the policy related to conflicts of interest;
- the financial reporting regulations.
Once the Constitution is created, our company registration agents in Bahrain can help you file it with the Ministry of Social Development. This is the body all foundations must be registered with in this country.
Structure of NGOs in Bahrain
Just like when you incorporate a company in Bahrain, a foundation must also meet specific requirements to be registered. These mainly cover the number of members and the creation of the management board.
Here is what you need to know if you set up a foundation in Bahrain:
- There is no minimum or maximum number of members required for an NGO;
- However, it must have a board of directors comprised of 5 to 9 directors who can be selected among the founding members;
- The directors must have Bahraini residence permits (if they are foreigners) or they must be Bahraini nationals.
Once the structure is established, the foundation can be registered and even obtain a fundraising license.
The fundraising license for foundations in Bahrain
It is important to note that it is not mandatory to obtain this authorization when opening a foundation in Bahrain. As its name says, it is required if you intend to raise money to fulfil its purpose.
The fundraising license is issued by the Ministry of Social Development, in accordance with Resolution No.7/2006. There are two types of permits foundations can obtain:
- the cash fundraising permit;
- the license to collect in-kind donations.
The license can be used for creating activities that enable the foundation to raise money. Some of the following actions are allowed with this license.
- charitable activities;
- ceremonies and galas;
- competitions, including matches, sports contests;
- charity markets;
- money boxes installations.
The application for the license is filed with the NGO Support Department and implies preparing several documents.
You can rely on our local specialists for support in preparing these documents.
How many foundations operate in Bahrain?
According to the Ministry for Social Development, at the level of 2025:
- There are over 640 NGOs in Bahrain, operating in fields like: social, women’s and human rights, and charitable actions;
- Out of these, 11 are national foundations.
As mentioned above, you can also be a founder or board member of a foundation even if you are a foreign citizen. As such, if you decide on immigration to Bahrain, you can rely on us for support in moving here.
Contact us and let us help you open a foundation in Bahrain.