Set-up NGO Romania

Do you want to set up an NGO in Romania? NGOs are non-governmental, private legal forms that take on various roles in addressing pressing society issues such as poverty, poor healthcare, environmental issues, and more.

Individuals can set up an NGO in Romania or choose a different legal form to structure their charitable activities, another option being the one to open a foundation in Romania.

The main law that governs the incorporation of NGOs in Romania is Ordinance No. 26 of January 2000 on Associations and Foundations in the country.

Our team that can help you with company formation in Romania can also assist in the creation of a foundation or a non-governmental organization.

What is the legal basis for creating a foundation in Romania?

Those who open a foundation in Romania will do so for a determined purpose, which is oftentimes charitable in purpose, or is deeply related to providing relief in certain important or pressing society issues (poverty, education, healthcare, religion, or others).

A key factor for those who set up an NGO in Romania is that this business form will carry out its activities in the interest of a community, or in any case, will have a non-patrimonial interest.

Ordinance No. 26 of January 2000 on Associations and Foundations clearly states these conditions, furthermore, clarifying that both individuals and other legal entities can engage in carrying out these types of not-for-profit activities.

In addition to the NGO, the non-governmental organization, Romanian laws provide specific details for the registration of either associations or foundations.

Our team, which can help you open a company in Romania, can also provide you with detailed information on the key differences between associations and foundations. One key difference we will mention is that the association requires more individuals (natural or legal) for its registration.

How is the foundation or NGO incorporated in Romania?

The law stipulates the following on the establishment and registration of a foundation in Romania:

• The foundation is incorporated by one or more individuals;
• These persons provide a patrimony, which is permanently assigned to the achievement of a certain purpose or general interest;
• The initial patrimony consists of cash and in-kind contributions, at least 10 times the minimum gross basic salary at the time of its incorporation;
• By way of exception, those foundations that have the sole purpose of raising funds for other associations or foundations may have an initial patrimony of at least 2 times the minimum gross basic salary;
• Currently, the gross basic salary in Romania is 3,700 lei per month.

The way in which one or more individuals open a foundation in Romania is by drawing up its statute (which is its constitutive document) and register it with the authorities. At a minimum, the foundation’s statute will include the following information:

• The founder’s information (identification details);
• The purpose and objectives of the foundation;
• The foundation’s name and headquarters;
• The foundation’s duration: fixed or indefinite period;
• Initial patrimony value;
• Management structure, appointed individuals.

Along with the statute, other documents are required to set up an NGO in Romania, among which are certified copies and documents that attest to the location of the headquarters.

A foundation is formally registered and acquires legal personality after it is entered in the Register of Associations and Foundations. Our team can assist with this mandatory registration, which takes place at the court registry in the area in which the foundation’s headquarters are located.

Do you require assistance with following the process or gathering the necessary documents? Do not hesitate to contact our lawyers in Bucharest for support. We offer free consultation!

by Cristian Darie