Licenses without an expiration date need to be renewed upon completion of three (3) years from the issuance date. For example, if an NGO obtained a license in 2023, it will be valid until 2026. Licenses obtained in 2021 are now technically expired and must be renewed. NGOs established during the former government must apply for renewal by sending a letter or petition to the Ministry of Economy. They should not wait for a call from the Ministry. The president, vice president, or an authorized representative of the NGO can apply for renewal and obtain a new license.
The new policy does not provide any grace period for the renewal of licenses. NGOs that obtained their licenses more than three (3) years ago, even if the license does not have an expiry date, need to renew their licenses as soon as possible, or their licenses will become void.
The renewal fee for NGOs is determined based on their current activity level. Active NGOs pay 60% of the license fee, while inactive NGOs pay 30%.
- International NGOs:
o New license fee: 5,000 USD
o Renewal fee (active): 60% of 5,000 USD
o Renewal fee (inactive): 30% of 5,000 USD - Local NGOs:
o New license fee: 50,000 AFN
o Renewal fee (active): 60% of 50,000 AFN
o Renewal fee (inactive): 30% of 50,000 AFN
If an NGO does not respond to the Ministry’s call for renewal, the Ministry will block their online account on the Ministry of Economy website. According to the new policy, if an NGO does not apply for renewal within three (3) years, their license will be canceled. If they do not apply within two (2) years after cancellation, the NGO will be barred from renewal.
For questions and assistance regarding this matter, NGO can contact Kakar Advocates at Office@KakarAdvocates.com.