Country Overview
Legal forms of philanthropic organizations included in the law: Association, Foundation
Main social issues addressed by these organizations: Arts and Culture, Early Childhood Education, Food, Human Rights, Health and Medical Research
Average time established by law to register a philanthropic organization: 0-30 days
Average cost for registering a philanthropic organization: USD 50
1) Philanthropic organizations (POs) with political objectives (such as promotion of democracy) are practically impossible to register; 2) Registrars are highly discretional and government-controlled; 3) It may take more than the legal time to register a PO (several months); 4) Most of the times, registration employees may ask for non-legal fees which are very much higher than the average legal cost; 5) There are restrictions to foreigners to serve on a PO’s board of directors, especially those with political purposes; and 6) Even if all the necessary steps for registering are met, and the legal and non-legal fees are paid, given the high levels of discretion and secrecy that surround the internal functioning of the registering authorities, registering authorities may refuse to process a PO’s registry with no explanation given.
Government levels primarily regulating the incorporation of philanthropic organizations: Central/Federal Government