charity in a company name

Using charity in a company name!

The use of the word Charity or Charitable is restricted in your company name as it implies you are a charitable organisation. Companies House will only allow you to use charity in a company name if you provide a letter of no-objection from a recognised organisation.

If you wish to register a new company with charity in the company names then you will need to obtain a letter allowing its use. You need to write to one of the organisations detailed blow and obtain confirmation that they have no objection to your intended company name. The company name should be clearly stated in the letter.

Alternatively if you wish to change the name of your company you will need to provide proof your company is registered as a charity with one of the organisations depending on the country your company was incorporated in.

Company Formation

£2800
  • Full company documents

Who to contact to obtain permision!

England/Wales

If you would like to register your company in England or Wales or change the name of a company which has already been formed in England or Wales you will need to contact the following organisation:

Email (preferred): [email protected]

Or write to:

Head of Registration
Charity Commission Direct
PO Box 1227
Liverpool
L69 3UG

Scotland

When registering a new company or filing a name change for an existing company to include the word Charity you will need to contact the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. The following contact information can be used to contact them:

E-mail: [email protected]

Or write to:

Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator
2nd Floor Quadrant House
9 Riverside Drive
Dundee
DD1 4NY

Northern Ireland

For registering a new company or filing a name change for a company in Northern Ireland you must contact the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland using the following details:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 028 3832 0220

Or write to

Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
257 Lough Road
Lurgan
BT66 6NQ

Once you have obtained the letter of no objection this will need to be submitted with your incorporation application.

Our Point of View!

Only registered charities can include the word charity or charitable in a company name. This protects other businesses and the general public from being misled.

Register your charity company!

Customers can register a new not for profit company online. If you intend to use the word Charity or Charitable in the company name you will need to provide a letter allowing use of the name. Using our website, you can upload this information for Companies House to check. Most charity companies are registered in just a few hours. If you need assistance we will be pleased to help you.

Register your charity online.