Hong Kong

Legal forms of philanthropic organizations included in the law: Company limited by guarantee, trust, society

Five main social issues addressed by these organizations: Primary and high school education, arts and culture, health and medical research, youth and family, human rights

Average time established by law to register a philanthropic organization: 0-30 days

Twelve days for society and four days for company limited by guarantee, according to 2016 media report.

Average cost for registering a philanthropic organization: US$2,000

If the registration takes the form of a "society," it costs very little. To register a company limited by guarantee, fees range from US$20-$131 depending on the number of members. The costs of forming a "company limited by guarantee" or "charitable trust” may increase substantially as they might require the assistance of an attorney.

Government levels primarily regulating the incorporation of philanthropic organizations: Hong Kong has only one level, i.e., the Special Administrative Region government