Best Nonprofit & Charitable Organizations Lawyers in Chile

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Or refine your search by selecting a city:

ABOGADO TRIBUTARIO LET Spa
Santiago, Chile

English
ABOGADO TRIBUTARIO LET SpA is a Chilean tax law firm that delivers specialized legal and tax advisory services to small and medium enterprises. The practice focuses on planning, compliance, and timely responses to tax obligations, providing practical guidance on deadlines, procedures and regulatory...

Founded in 2024
11 people in their team
English
ABI Abogados, based in Santiago, Chile, was formed in 2024 by ex Del Río Izquierdo Abogados partners Alejandra Aguad D., Francisco Bañados G., and Eduardo Izquierdo B., joined by José Joaquín Meza M. The firm provides focused expertise in civil and commercial disputes, domestic and...
SLF Abogados
Santiago, Chile

Founded in 2020
English
SLF Abogados operates as a Chilean law firm with a multidisciplinary team of specialists, focused on delivering fast and effective legal solutions for clients through experience and structured workflows. The firm emphasizes a technology-enabled approach to secure outcomes that align with the...
Las Condes, Chile

English
Villalobos Abogados Ltda. is a Chilean law firm with a primary specialization in insurance law. The practice supports insurers, brokers, liquidators, banks, financial institutions, businesses and individuals by addressing regulatory matters, analyzing insurance and reinsurance coverages, drafting...
Baraona Marshall
Las Condes, Chile

31 people in their team
English
Baraona Marshall is a Chilean law firm based in Santiago, widely recognized for its depth in tax, corporate and finance matters. The firm serves a diverse client base including national and international businesses, family offices and institutional investors, delivering practical, business oriented...
Viña del Mar, Chile

Founded in 2023
English
Contraloría Privada specializes in legal risk management, compliance, data protection and cyber security with a regional footprint in Chile. The firm combines deep legal expertise with technology driven processes to help clients identify, assess and mitigate regulatory risk across their...
VIO / Tax & Legal
Las Condes, Chile

7 people in their team
English
Vio & Cia Abogados is a Chilean law firm specializing in tax and corporate matters, delivering precise, business oriented advice to both local and international clients. The firm combines a focused tax practice with broad corporate capabilities, including cross border tax planning and compliance...

3 people in their team
English
CODAD Abogados is a Chilean firm specializing in administrative law, offering focused services across both the public and private sectors. The practice covers criminal administrative law, administrative litigation, municipal law, rights of public officials, concessions and public works, and...

English
Bertrand-Galindo Barrueto Barroilhet is a Chilean full-service law firm delivering high quality legal advice across all areas of law. The firm structures its practice to add value to clients' businesses by offering integrated guidance on corporate, commercial and M&A matters, cross-border...
Viña del Mar, Chile

Founded in 2021
4 people in their team
English
Altamar Asociados is a Chilean law firm that combines legal and accounting expertise to deliver integrated advisory services to companies and entrepreneurs across commercial, civil, labor and trademark matters.The firm has earned a growing reputation for practical, preventive counsel and client...
AS SEEN ON

About Nonprofit & Charitable Organizations Law in Chile

In Chile, nonprofit and charitable organizations play a significant role in addressing social issues and contributing to the community's welfare. These organizations are typically referred to as "corporaciones" (corporations) and "fundaciones" (foundations). They operate for non-commercial purposes, relying primarily on donations and volunteer assistance to fulfill their missions. Chilean law provides a legal framework for the formation, governance, and regulation of these organizations to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient resource management.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal assistance can be crucial for nonprofit and charitable organizations in several scenarios:

  • Establishment and Registration: Navigating the legal process of setting up a nonprofit, including drafting the bylaws and obtaining legal status.
  • Compliance and Governance: Ensuring adherence to local regulations, such as financial reporting requirements and governance standards.
  • Taxation: Understanding tax obligations and potential exemptions available for charitable organizations.
  • Contracts and Agreements: Drafting or reviewing contracts related to donations, partnerships, and employment.
  • Legal Disputes: Addressing conflicts that may arise, whether internal or with external parties.
  • Funding Opportunities: Navigating legal aspects of fundraising activities and ensuring compliance with donor requirements.

Local Laws Overview

The legal framework for nonprofits in Chile is outlined primarily in the Civil Code, which includes specific regulations for foundations and corporations. Some key aspects include:

  • Legal Personality: Nonprofits must register to gain legal personality, allowing them to function as legal entities.
  • Governance Structure: Organizations must establish a governing body, typically a board of directors, responsible for strategic oversight.
  • Reporting Requirements: Nonprofits are required to maintain and submit financial and activity reports to the relevant authorities periodically.
  • Public Benefit Purpose: Organizations must have a purpose that provides a public benefit and cannot distribute profits to members.
  • Tax Exemptions: Certain donations to nonprofits may qualify for tax exemptions, encouraging charitable contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a foundation and a corporation in Chile?

Foundations are established based on an endowment for a particular purpose, while corporations are formed by a group of individuals. Both serve nonprofit purposes but differ in their formation and operational structure.

How do I register a nonprofit organization in Chile?

The process involves drafting bylaws, registering with the Civil Registry, and obtaining legal personality. Legal assistance is often recommended to navigate this process efficiently.

Are donations to nonprofits tax-deductible in Chile?

Yes, donations to registered nonprofits can be tax-deductible, encouraging individuals and corporations to contribute.

What reports are required from nonprofits in Chile?

Nonprofits must submit annual financial and activity reports to demonstrate transparency and accountability to regulators and the public.

Can a nonprofit engage in commercial activities?

Yes, as long as the commercial activities are directly related to its mission and the profits are reinvested into the organization’s charitable activities.

What are the governance requirements for nonprofits?

Nonprofits must establish a governing board responsible for strategic oversight and ensuring the organization's activities align with its mission.

How can a nonprofit lose its legal status?

Organizations risk losing their legal status for reasons such as failing to submit required reports, engaging in prohibited activities, or breaching governance standards.

Can foreigners establish nonprofits in Chile?

Yes, foreigners can establish and participate in nonprofit organizations, provided they comply with Chilean regulations and procedures.

What legal protections are available for nonprofits?

Chilean law provides various legal protections, ensuring compliance and addressing issues like liability and intellectual property within the scope of their nonprofit activities.

Is it necessary to hire a lawyer to establish a nonprofit?

While not mandatory, hiring a lawyer is highly advisable to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to facilitate the process of establishment and operation.

Additional Resources

For further assistance, consider reaching out to the following resources:

  • Ministerio de Justicia de Chile: Oversees the registration and regulation of nonprofit entities.
  • SENAFI (Servicio Nacional de Fundaciones e Instituciones de Beneficencia): Provides regulatory guidance and resources for foundations and charities.
  • Local Bar Associations: Can connect you with lawyers specializing in nonprofit law.

Next Steps

If you are considering setting up or require legal assistance for a nonprofit in Chile, start by consulting with a lawyer who specializes in this field. They can guide you through the nuances of Chilean law, help establish your organization legally, and ensure ongoing compliance. Use local resources like bar associations to find qualified legal professionals. Be prepared with a clear vision and purpose for your organization, as this will streamline the legal process and help align your activities with regulatory expectations.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Chile through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Nonprofit & Charitable Organizations, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Chile — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.