We aim to decide an application for registration in an average of 30 working days.

We can usually register a charity more quickly if you have used an approved governing document and have fully completed the application form.

• What is an approved governing document?

Some cases might take longer than average as we need to consider particular legal issues and decide whether an organisation is charitable or not. These cases include applications where:

• the organisation has new or unusual purposes
• there is significant private benefit (benefit which an individual or organisation receives other than as a beneficiary of the charity)
• you have not provided full details of the charity’s activities or have not demonstrated how the charity’s aims are for public benefit

See also:

• Start up a charity
• How do I register my charity?
• Demonstrating public benefit

ID: 479

• See full list of FAQ topics