A voluntary organisation is created or established:

• For a social purpose including public benefit;
• As non-profit making;
• Voluntarily;
• Independently and autonomously of the Government.

Voluntary organisations can be established in three legal forms:

1. Association: An agreement between 3+ persons to achieve defined aims with dedicated resources. Has its own patrimony.
2. Foundation: A written setup by founders to dedicate assets for a specific purpose or for named beneficiaries. Only public purpose foundations may enroll.
3. Trust: A trustee holds property under obligation for beneficiaries or for a charitable purpose. Only charitable trusts qualify.

• Associations: Yes, with voting rights.
• Foundations & Trusts: No, only volunteers or contributors (no voting rights).

It’s a formal letter confirming the Board’s decision to enroll:

"We the undersigned... resolve to enroll the organisation..." Must be signed and dated by all committee members with their full details.

Must comply with:

• Second Schedule to the Civil Code;
• Trust and Trustees Act (if applicable);
• Voluntary Organisations Act.

Then, the Voluntary Organisations Act and Civil Code provisions apply.

Anyone managing operations and assets. Cannot be President, VP, Treasurer, and Secretary at the same time.

At least three (3) administrators required.

• No for principal address.
• Yes for receiving mail.

Application Fee €40 (one-time enrolment fee)

Use an administrator’s address or apply to use the Malta Council’s.

Register at Malta Business Registry: https://mbr.mt
Email: foundations.associations@mbr.mt | Tel: +356 2258 2300

• Minimum 3 members, aged 16+
• One activity only
• Max duration: 1 year (unless approved)

• Association: 75% member vote at meeting
• Foundation: Via Public Registry
• Trust: As per Trust and Trustees Act

Assets go to another non-profit, charity, or Voluntary Organisations Fund.