Normal Registration process:

• The types of societies that are listed in the Schedule of the Societies Act shall seek registration under the normal registration process.

Automatic Registration process:

• The types of societies that are not listed in the Schedule of the Societies Act are eligible to seek registration under the automatic registration process.

• A society has to submit its registration application together with a declaration. 

• Under the Societies Act, the Registrar of Societies is empowered to: 

  • Seek clarification with applicants to qualify society for automatic registration.

  • Move applications from automatic registration to normal registration for further assessment, even if they do not fall into the categories of specified societies stated in the Schedule of the Societies Act.

  • Order an automatically registered society to, after its registration, change its name or its rules, if he is of the opinion that the rules of the society, if unchanged, would be contrary to national interest or prejudicial to the public peace, welfare or good order in Singapore.

  • Reject an application submitted via the automatic route if the Registrar is satisfied that the society, if registered, is likely to be used for unlawful purposes or for purposes prejudicial to public peace, welfare or good order in Singapore, or would be contrary to Singapore’s national interests or security.