Nonprofit & Corporate
Nonprofit & Company Formation
Plan your company setup with the permits and operations that follow in mind.
We review your business plans and current stage to map the administrative steps required before and after incorporation, including related permit and visa matters. Where registration, tax, or other specialist work is needed, we clearly separate those roles so you know who should handle each part.
Get a free review of your situation
Plan the three connected decisions together
Permits, the Korean business entity and immigration status affect one another. Start from your current decision, then check the connected steps before fixing an opening or hiring date.
Formal cooperation · INSIGHT Law Firm
Administrative services and separate legal matters
ETHOS handles eligible nonprofit incorporation permits and administrative documents. Internal disputes, litigation and other regulated professional work are handled separately by appropriately qualified professionals.
The law firm independently decides on engagement and fees. Client information is not automatically shared.
Who it's for
- Groups and individuals preparing a nonprofit association or foundation
- Those looking for the competent authority for their purpose
- Applicants who received a supplement request on their approval filing
- Nonprofits that need approval or reporting for amendments or officer changes
- Those reviewing a for-profit or foreign-investment company structure
How we help you
- Understand the facts and questions that need review
- Organize the documents needed for the next step
Process
- 01
Purpose & form
Association vs. foundation, authority and requirements
- 02
Formation documents
Articles, business plan, assets and officers
- 03
Approval filing
Submission to the authority and supplement responses
- 04
After approval
Registration via a partner scrivener, reports, ongoing support
Documents
- Statement of purpose and draft articles
- Business plan and income/expense budget
- Asset list and evidence of contributions
- Officer list and letters of acceptance
- Minutes of the founding meeting (associations)
※ May expand or narrow per case.
Key deadlines
- Nonprofit registration
- Within 3 weeks of the approval (through a partner judicial scrivener) (Civil Act Art. 49(1))
- Report after registration
- Within the period set by the competent authority
- Later changes
- Check approval or reporting for amendments and officer changes
※ May differ by individual case.
What happens if you wait
- Missing information can delay the initial review
- Unclear requirements can lead to avoidable document revisions
- Starting preparation late leaves less time to resolve outstanding questions
Administrative attorney vs. lawyer vs. doing it yourself
Compare the three ways to handle the same matter in one table.
| Item | RecommendedAdministrative attorneyETHOS | Hiring a lawyer | Doing it yourself |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best suited for | Administrative procedures, documents, permits | Litigation and legal disputes | Simple filings and reports |
| Cost | Quoted in advance per matter | Generally higher | KRW 0 |
| Deadline management | Included |
Frequently asked
What is the difference between an association and a foundation?
An association is built on its members; a foundation is built on contributed assets. We recommend the form after reviewing your purpose and how it will operate.
Which authority approves a nonprofit?
The ministry or local government in charge of the nonprofit's intended activities. We confirm the competent authority from your plans.
How long does approval take?
It depends on the authority, the documents, and any supplement requests. We share an estimated timeline after the initial review.
Can you handle the court registration?
Registration filings are the work of a judicial scrivener. We refer it to a partner scrivener and manage the schedule and post-registration reports with you.
This is general information only; feasibility and procedures require case-by-case review and confirmation with the official agency.
Related practical columns
Review common requirements and practical issues before you file.
