A co-operative society is an association of persons who have voluntarily joined together to achieve a common economic and social end by forming a jointly-owned and democratically controlled business organisation. Members make equitable contributions to the capital required and accept a fair share of risks and benefits of the undertaking. Co-operative societies work on the principles of self-help and mutual assistance to provide services for their members. The co-operatives are broadly categorised as credit, consumer and services or school co-operatives. There are two types of co-operative societies - primary and secondary.

The Registry of Co-operative Societies is responsible for the administration of the Co-operative Societies Act (Cap 62) and the Co-operative Societies Rules. The Registry regulates the activities of co-operative societies and protects the interests of members of these societies. The Registry regulates in the 3 following areas:

1) Formation and dissolution of co-operative societies
2) Organisation and management of co-operative societies
3) Custody and utilisation of co-operative societies' funds

You can reach the Registry of Co-operative Societies at the below address and contact numbers:

Registry of Co-operative Societies
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
140 Hill Street, #02-00
Old Hill Street Police Station
Singapore 179369
Republic of Singapore

Contact number: 6337 3832
Fax number: 6837 8090
Email address: MCCY_regcoop@mccy.gov.sg
Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8.30am - 5.30pm