FCRA Registration Procedure – Complete Step-by-Step Guide for NGOs in India
For NGOs in India, the ability to receive foreign funding can be a turning point in their growth. International grants, overseas donor contributions, and global CSR projects can help an organization scale its impact far beyond what local resources allow. However, accepting foreign donations is not simply a matter of opening a bank account — it is governed strictly under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, commonly known as FCRA.
In this guide, you will learn the complete FCRA registration procedure, eligibility rules, required documents, timelines, and compliance responsibilities. The goal is to give you a clear, practical roadmap so your NGO can operate confidently within the law.
What is FCRA Registration?
The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) is a central law administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India. It regulates the acceptance and use of foreign contributions or hospitality by individuals, associations, and companies.
For NGOs, FCRA registration is the legal permission to receive foreign donations for charitable, social, educational, cultural, religious, or economic purposes. Without this registration, accepting any amount from a foreign source — even from an individual donor abroad — is prohibited.
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Who Needs FCRA Registration?
You must apply for FCRA registration if your NGO intends to:
- Receive donations from foreign individuals or organizations.
- Accept funding from foreign embassies or international agencies.
- Partner with overseas charities for project execution in India.
This applies to:
- Registered Trusts
- Registered Societies
- Section 8 Companies (Non-profit companies under the Companies Act)
Even newly formed NGOs can apply under the prior permission route if they have a specific commitment from a foreign donor for a defined purpose.
Types of FCRA Registration
There are two ways NGOs can get approval under FCRA:
1.) FCRA Prior Permission
- For newly registered organizations.
- Granted for receiving a specific amount from a specific donor for a specific project.
- Suitable when an NGO does not yet have a three-year track record.
2.) FCRA Regular Registration
- For NGOs that have completed at least three years of active work in their chosen field.
- Requires proof of past activities and audited financial statements.
- Allows unrestricted receipt of foreign contributions for permitted purposes.
Step-by-Step FCRA Registration Procedure
Step 1 – Gather and Verify Your Documents
Before beginning the application, make sure your NGO’s paperwork is complete:
- Registration certificate (Trust Deed, Society Registration Certificate, or Certificate of Incorporation).
- PAN card of the NGO.
- PAN and Aadhaar of all key office bearers or directors.
- Audited financial statements for the past three years (for regular registration).
- Activity report outlining work done.
- Commitment letter from the foreign donor (for prior permission).
Step 2 – Open a Designated FCRA Bank Account
The law requires NGOs to open an FCRA account in a branch of the State Bank of India, New Delhi Main Branch (NDMB) for receiving foreign contributions. This is mandatory for both prior permission and regular registration.
Step 3 – Register on the FCRA Online Portal
Visit the official MHA FCRA online services portal and create a user account for your organization. Choose the relevant application form:
- Form FC-3A – For regular registration.
- Form FC-3B – For prior permission.
Step 4 – Fill the Application and Upload Documents
Enter all organizational details, objectives, and information about office bearers. Upload the required documents in the prescribed formats. Accuracy here is critical — even small mismatches in names, dates, or signatures can lead to delays.
Step 5 – Pay the Government Fee
- ₹10,000 for regular registration.
- ₹5,000 for prior permission.
Payment is made online through the portal.
Step 6 – Respond to Queries Promptly
After submission, the MHA may ask for clarifications or additional documents. Respond within the stipulated time frame to avoid rejection.
Step 7 – Receive the Approval Certificate
Once approved, you will get a digitally signed FCRA certificate. This document will also be available in your online account for download.
Eligibility Criteria for FCRA Registration
The NGO must be registered as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company.
- For regular registration, the organization should be at least three years old and have spent at least ₹10,00,000 on its charitable activities (excluding administrative expenses).
- Clean track record — no history of misuse of funds or legal violations.
- Activities must align with charitable purposes defined under the Act.
- Dedicated FCRA bank account in SBI NDMB.
Documents Required for FCRA Registration
- NGO registration certificate (Trust Deed, Society Registration, MOA & AOA).
- PAN of the NGO.
- PAN & Aadhaar of all office bearers.
- Last three years’ audited financials (if applicable).
- Detailed activity report.
- Commitment letter from foreign donor (for prior permission cases).
- Resolution passed by governing body approving the application.
Timeline and Processing
- Government processing time: Usually 90–120 days from submission.
- Delays may occur if queries are raised or documents are incomplete.
- The certificate is valid for five years and must be renewed before expiry.
Benefits of FCRA Registration
1. Legal Authorization to Receive Foreign Funds
- Complies with Indian law, ensuring your NGO can work without legal hurdles.
2. Access to International Grants
- Opens doors to funding from overseas foundations, aid agencies, and corporate CSR initiatives.
3. Enhanced Credibility
- Demonstrates compliance and transparency to stakeholders.
4. Greater Project Opportunities
- Enables collaborations with foreign NGOs and global development bodies.
Common Reasons for Rejection and How to Avoid Them
- Mismatch between details in the application and documents.
- Failure to meet minimum eligibility requirements.
- Submission of unaudited or outdated financial statements.
- Past non-compliance with FCRA provisions.
- Tips to avoid rejection:
- Cross-check all entries before submission.
- Ensure governing documents clearly state charitable objectives.
- Maintain updated records for all office bearers.
Post-Registration Compliance
Getting FCRA approval is only the first step. You must:
- File annual returns in Form FC-4 within nine months of the end of the financial year.
- Use foreign funds only for the purposes specified in your application.
- Maintain a separate ledger for FCRA transactions.
- Inform the MHA of any changes in the governing body, bank account, or address within the prescribed time.
Why Choose NGO Partner for FCRA Registration
At NGO Partner, we understand that navigating government processes can be challenging for NGO teams already busy with field work. Our legal services team has:
- Assisted over 1,000 NGOs in securing FCRA registration across India.
- Experience in handling both prior permission and regular registration cases.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
- Ongoing compliance support to keep your NGO safe from penalties.
We take care of the paperwork, so you can focus on your mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but only under the prior permission route with a confirmed foreign donor.
Five years from the date of approval.
No, unless the funds are routed through an organization that already has FCRA approval and is implementing the project.
Penalties apply, and repeated non-compliance can lead to cancellation of registration.
Take the Next Step
If your NGO is ready to expand its impact with foreign support, now is the time to start your FCRA registration procedure. Our team will guide you from document preparation to final approval, ensuring a smooth process without delays.
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