Ready to apply?

If you can successfully answer the questions in our ‘Preparing for your application’ section, you are now ready to begin your application to become a charity.

The application form is structured in a way that highlights the information we need to make a decision. If you need help expressing the information in this way, we have guidance on Being a Charity in Scotland and we recommend that you get help and advice with your application.

How to apply

To apply to become a charity, you must need use our online application form to become a charity. You will have to create log in details if you have never applied to become a charity before.

We have guidance that takes you through the form step by step.

As part of the application, you will need to upload:

• completed and signed trustee declaration forms for each of the proposed charity trustees
• a draft governing document.

If you are applying to be a SCIO, you must have a minimum of three charity trustees. If you are a cross-border charity, please read our guidance to find out when an English and Welsh charity needs to register with OSCR.

Please note: Our application system automatically deletes applications when there has been no activity for 3 months.