Country Overview
Legal forms of philanthropic organizations included in the law: Corporation, Foundation
Other national or foreign forms of social organization such as Association, Cooperative, and Foreign NGO
Main social issues addressed by these organizations: Arts and Culture, Basic Needs, Early Childhood Education, Food, Housing and Economic Development
Average time established by law to register a philanthropic organization: 31-60 days
Average cost for registering a philanthropic organization: USD 2,000
According to Executive Decree 193, the average time is around 38 business days, however it depends on the fulfillment of requirements and also, in many occasions, on the discretion of the officer in charge of the case, so the effective time can be much longer. Regarding costs, the Decree does not establish a minimum amount that must be credited (starting fund) or a cost for approval fees. In practice, the Ministry in charge of the registry may charge a fee for the approval of the legal entity (for example, in the Ministry of Environment and Water, the cost is USD 100). Likewise, although the procedures are not required to be sponsored by a lawyer, the philanthropic organization (PO) may decide to hire one and increase the cost.
Government levels primarily regulating the incorporation of philanthropic organizations: Central/Federal Government