Bahrain issues new law regulating fundraising for public purposes

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has issued Law Decree No. (39) of 2025, amending certain provisions of Law Decree No. (21) of 2013 on regulating fundraising for public purposes.

The amendments, approved by the Cabinet and presented by the Prime Minister, introduce stricter rules and clearer definitions for individuals and organizations seeking to collect donations.

Key Updates in the Law:

• Definition of license holder:
  A licensed entity is defined as any legal person (such as an association or organization) authorized to collect money for public purposes, or an individual granted permission to raise funds for religious purposes.

• Licensing requirement:
  Legal entities may not collect money without prior approval from the Minister concerned. Individuals may only collect donations if the purpose is religious.

• Unlicensed donations:
  Anyone who receives donations without authorization must notify the ministry within seven working days, stating the amount, purpose, and donor details. The ministry then has 30 days to accept or reject the donation. If no response is issued, the donation is considered rejected.

• Reporting obligations:
  Licensed fundraisers must submit detailed reports to the ministry within 30 days of the license’s expiry or after receiving donations. If fundraising extends beyond one year, reports must be submitted annually.

• Penalties:

  • Collecting money for terrorist purposes is punishable by life imprisonment or a minimum of 10 years in prison, along with fines ranging from BD 100,000 to BD 500,000.

  • Collecting donations without a license may lead to imprisonment or fines up to BD 1,000.

  • Confiscated funds will be redirected to charitable causes determined by the ministry.

• Risk assessment & oversight:
  The ministry will implement a risk-based system to monitor licensed fundraisers, particularly to prevent misuse of funds for terrorism financing. Measures will be updated regularly in line with national risk assessments.

• Administrative fines:
  The ministry may impose administrative fines of up to BD 10,000 for violations of the law or its regulations, depending on the severity of the offense and the harm caused.

The law will come into effect the day after its publication in the Official Gazette.