How long does the registering a charity process take?

The end-to-end timeline depends on which stage you're at. Common steps run on these timeframes: "Planning stage"; "1–2 weeks"; "Before applying"; "1–2 hours". Add court / counterparty response time on top — disputed matters can run months longer than the bare minimum.

How much does it cost?

Main outlays are: Charity Commission registration — Free; Companies House registration (if applicable) — £12 online. Court fees often qualify for Help with Fees remission if you're on a low income. Solicitor fees are extra and vary widely — many matters can be done as a litigant in person.

Where can I find the official forms and guidance?

The official sources are: Charity Commission — Register a Charity; Charity Commission Model Documents. Always use the forms / guidance from the issuing authority's own site — third-party copies can be out of date.

Can I do this myself without a solicitor?

Yes — many people complete this kind of matter as a litigant in person. The site walks through each step in plain English. A solicitor is recommended if: large sums are at stake, the other side has legal representation, the matter involves criminal liability, children, immigration, or you're unsure on any procedural deadline. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice, Law Centres, and (for some matters) LawWorks pro bono clinics.

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Charity Law

6 steps

Updated March 2026

England & Wales

Registering a Charity

How to register a charity with the Charity Commission for England & Wales.

This page mainly applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different rules — check the jurisdiction before relying on this information.

Overview

If your organisation has charitable purposes and wants to operate as a registered charity in England & Wales, you must register with the Charity Commission if your annual income exceeds £5,000 (or you want to operate as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation at any income level). Registration provides public accountability, tax advantages, and the ability to use 'registered charity' status in fundraising.

Who Can Use This Process

Your organisation is established for exclusively charitable purposes
It provides public benefit (not just private benefit to members)
It is based in England or Wales
Annual income exceeds £5,000 (or any income for CIOs)

Step-by-Step Process

Choose Your Legal Structure

Decide whether to register as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), charitable company limited by guarantee, unincorporated charitable association, or charitable trust. CIOs are recommended for new charities as they provide limited liability without Companies House registration.

Timeframe: Planning stage

Draft Your Governing Document

Prepare a constitution (CIO), memorandum and articles (company), trust deed, or rules (association). The Charity Commission provides model documents. The document must set out charitable purposes, objects, and powers.

Timeframe: 1–2 weeks

Appoint Trustees

Recruit at least 3 trustees (charity law recommends a minimum of 3). Trustees must be over 16 and not be disqualified. Carry out due diligence checks.

Timeframe: Before applying

Apply Online

Submit your application through the Charity Commission's online service. You will need to provide the governing document, trustee details, a description of your charitable purposes, and information about planned activities and income.

Timeframe: 1–2 hours

Respond to Queries

The Charity Commission may ask questions about your purposes, activities, or governance. Respond promptly and fully to avoid delays.

Timeframe: Ongoing

Registration Decision

If the Commission is satisfied that your organisation is charitable, it will be entered on the Register of Charities. You will receive a registered charity number.

Timeframe: 5–40 working days typically

Costs

Charity Commission registrationFree

Companies House registration (if applicable)£12 online

Important Warnings

All trustees have legal duties and personal liability for the charity's affairs.

Political campaigning is permitted but must be in furtherance of charitable purposes — a body whose main purpose is political cannot be a charity.

Charities must file annual returns and accounts with the Charity Commission.

Useful Links

Charity Commission — Register a Charity Charity Commission Model Documents

Frequently asked questions

How long does the registering a charity process take?: The end-to-end timeline depends on which stage you're at. Common steps run on these timeframes: "Planning stage"; "1–2 weeks"; "Before applying"; "1–2 hours". Add court / counterparty response time on top — disputed matters can run months longer than the bare minimum.
How much does it cost?: Main outlays are: Charity Commission registration — Free; Companies House registration (if applicable) — £12 online. Court fees often qualify for Help with Fees remission if you're on a low income. Solicitor fees are extra and vary widely — many matters can be done as a litigant in person.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid?: Watch out for: All trustees have legal duties and personal liability for the charity's affairs.; Political campaigning is permitted but must be in furtherance of charitable purposes — a body whose main purpose is political cannot be a charity.; Charities must file annual returns and accounts with the Charity Commission.. If you're unsure on any of these, get advice from a regulated solicitor or a free service like Citizens Advice before acting.
Where can I find the official forms and guidance?: The official sources are: Charity Commission — Register a Charity; Charity Commission Model Documents. Always use the forms / guidance from the issuing authority's own site — third-party copies can be out of date.
Can I do this myself without a solicitor?: Yes — many people complete this kind of matter as a litigant in person. The site walks through each step in plain English. A solicitor is recommended if: large sums are at stake, the other side has legal representation, the matter involves criminal liability, children, immigration, or you're unsure on any procedural deadline. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice, Law Centres, and (for some matters) LawWorks pro bono clinics.