Registering a Charity
Charities in England & Wales register with the Charity Commission once their income reaches £5,000 a year — or immediately, whatever the income, if the intended structure is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Registration is free, requires a governing document and trustees, and gives the organisation the right to describe itself as a 'registered charity' with an official charity number once approved.
Overview
A charity does not need to register with the Charity Commission for England and Wales unless its annual income is at least £5,000 — below that threshold it can still operate as an unregistered charity, bound by charity law but without a Commission number. The exception is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), which must register regardless of income, because a CIO's legal existence depends on registration. To apply, an organisation prepares a governing document setting out its charitable purposes, appoints trustees, and submits its application online together with details of its planned activities and income; the Commission may ask follow-up questions about purposes, governance or activities before deciding whether to enter the organisation on the Register of Charities. Once registered, a charity must keep filing annual returns and accounts with the Commission, and its trustees carry ongoing legal duties — including personal liability for how the charity is run. Registering is therefore the start of a continuing set of obligations, not a one-off formality, and the right to describe the organisation as a 'registered charity' comes with that ongoing accountability.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Respond to Queries
The Charity Commission may ask questions about your purposes, activities, or governance. Respond promptly and fully to avoid delays.
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.
Costs
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
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.