Registering with the Regulator as a Charity

The Regulator manages the charity registration process. It provides helpful guidance to help organizations become sustainable, effective, and well-governed.

Who is the Charities Regulator?

The Charities Regulator is an independent body. It acts as the national regulator for Irish charities. Established in 2014, it ensures compliance with Charity Law. It also maintains a public Register of Charities and promotes transparency and accountability.

 

Do You Need to Register as a Charity

Your board must decide if your organization fits the legal definition of a charity.

  • If it does, start the registration process with the Regulator.

  • The Regulator created the Charity Test and a guide, What is a Charity?, outlining key questions for your board.

These questions focus on your organization’s purpose and its public benefit.

Criteria

The Charity Test has 5 criteria – If your organization meets all 5 criteria, you may need to register as a charity.

  • Not an excluded body

  • Has a charitable purpose only

  • All activities promote the charitable purpose

  • Has a public benefit

  • Operates in Ireland

The definition does not depend on the size or type of organization. It also doesn’t matter if you fundraise from the public.

How to Register

If you’re starting your registration, follow these steps:

  • Review the Regulator’s What is a Charity? guide.

  • Set up an account on the Regulator’s portal. You need this to fill out the registration form.

  • Familiarise yourself with the application form’s requirements. You might already have many needed materials, especially if you’re a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG).

  • Prepare and upload your governing documents and other supporting information.

  • Once you believe you meet all application requirements, submit your form.

  • Once approved, you will receive your Registered Charity Number (RCN).

If you’re unsure about registration, contact the Regulator directly by phone or email.

Phone: 01-6331500
Email:

Ongoing Compliance

To remain compliant with the Regulator, charities and trustees should:

  • Follow your duties as a trustee.
  • Maintain compliance with the Charities Governance Code.
  • File your Annual Return with the Regulator ten months after your financial year-end.
  • Keep your charity details updated on the public Register, like your list of trustees, address, and charitable classifications.
  • Display your RCN on all communications.
  • Respond to requests from the Regulator, especially regarding investigations.
  • Notify the Regulator of any constitutional changes or if winding up.

Useful guides

Charities Regulator Registering A Charity page

All charities operating in Ireland are required to be registered with us. Here you can learn about the requirements for registration, and begin your application to register as a charitable organisation on the Register of Charities (“Register”).

The Regulator’s guide for charity trustees

This guidance is for anyone who is a charity trustee or thinking of becoming one. It explains who trustees are as well as their role and key responsibilities in managing a charity. It also includes links to some useful guidance and further information to assist charity trustees to understand their duties.

Charities Governance Code guidance

The Charities Regulator launched a new Charities Governance Code in late 2018. This Code sets out a mandatory standard for governance in Irish charities. All charities in Ireland must implement the Code from 2020 onwards.

Update on Charities Amendment Act

The Charities (Amendment) Act 2024 has partially commenced, with 12 sections coming into force on 27 January 2025, under Statutory Instrument 10 of 2025. Key changes include updated definitions, enhanced information-sharing powers for the Charities Regulator, and expanded High Court oversight. Most provisions remain uncommenced, requiring further Statutory Instruments. Charities should review these changes and assess their impact.

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