A Step-by-Step Guide to Section 8 Company Registration in Delhi NCR
Suppose you plan to start a nonprofit for charitable, social, educational, or environmental work. In that case, Section 8 company registration is one of the most structured and recognized ways to form an NGO in India. Registered under the Companies Act 2013, a Section 8 company enjoys corporate benefits and tax exemptions while working in the public interest.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything about Section 8 NGO registration, how to apply online, the key documents required, benefits, and the complete Section 8 company registration procedure in Delhi/NCR.
What Is a Section 8 Company?
A Section 8 company is a nonprofit organization formed to promote:
- Charity and relief work
- Education and literacy
- Science, art, and culture
- Social welfare
- Environment and sustainability
- Religion, sports, and more
Unlike other companies, a Section 8 NGO doesn’t pay its members or shareholders dividends. All profits are used to further the organization’s social objectives.
Why Choose Section 8 NGO Registration in Delhi/NCR?
Here’s why most NGOs and nonprofit leaders prefer Section 8 company registration in Delhi/NCR:
- Legal recognition across India
- Limited liability of members
- No minimum capital requirement
- Eligible for 12A and 80G tax exemptions
- More trust from CSR funders and donors
- Ease of foreign funding (FCRA) registration
- Corporate-like structure with credibility
It combines the social mission of an NGO with the structural strength of a company.
Section 8 NGO Registration Online – How It Works
Thanks to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), you can complete the entire Section 8 NGO registration online. The process is centralized and digital, ensuring faster approvals and transparency.
Here are the key steps:
Step 1: Name Approval via RUN Form

- Submit the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) form on the MCA portal
- Choose a unique name ending with “Foundation,” “Association,” “Society,” “Council,” or “Trust.”
- Ensure it reflects your NGO’s mission
Step 2: Get a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Every director must have a DSC to sign documents electronically
- Apply through any authorized DSC provider
Step 3: Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)
- Directors without a DIN can apply along with the SPICe+ form
- You can apply for up to 3 DINs in a single application
Step 4: File SPICe+ Form for Incorporation
This integrated form includes:
- Part A – Name Reservation
- Part B – Company registration, PAN, TAN, GST (optional)
- Attach Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), and other supporting documents
Step 5: Issue of Section 8 License
- MCA verifies your documents and purpose
- Upon approval, the Registrar grants a Section 8 license
Step 6: Certificate of Incorporation
After license approval, you receive the Certificate of Incorporation (COI), and your NGO is now a legally registered Section 8 company.
Documents Required for Section 8 Company Registration
Here’s the checklist for successful Section 8 NGO registration in Delhi/NCR:
For Directors:
- PAN card and Aadhaar card
- Passport (if foreign national)
- Passport-size photo
- Address proof (bank statement, utility bill)
For Registered Office:
- Rent agreement or ownership proof
- NOC from the property owner
- Utility bill (not older than 2 months)
Organizational Documents:
- Draft MOA and AOA
- Project plan or mission statement
- Declaration from directors (INC-9)
- Consent to act as director (DIR-2)
Key Benefits of Section 8 Company Registration in Delhi
- Legal Identity and Structure: Your organization gets a recognized corporate identity.
- Tax Benefits: Eligible for 12A registration (income exemption) and 80G certificate (donor benefits).
- CSR Eligibility: Corporate donors prefer Section 8 companies for funding under CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility).
- Perpetual Existence: The organization continues regardless of changes in members or directors.
- Easy Compliance: MCA has digitized filings, making managing annual reports and returns easier.
Benefits of Section 8 NGO Registration
- Strong Legal Standing Right from the Start: Registering as a Section 8 Company means your NGO gets recognized under the Companies Act. This isn’t just paperwork — it gives your NGO a solid legal foundation that donors, government bodies, and partners respect.
- Professional and Transparent Operations: Because Section 8 NGOs follow corporate norms like board meetings, audits, and regular filings, it creates a system of checks and balances. This kind of transparency builds absolute trust with people who support your cause.
- Attracts Big Donors and Corporate Partners: Many big companies prefer working with Section 8 NGOs because of their formal governance and accountability. If you want to tap into CSR funds or large grants, this registration makes you an appealing choice.
- No Need to Worry About Initial Capital: Unlike regular companies, Section 8 NGOs don’t require depositing a minimum amount of capital. This makes starting easier, especially if you get off the ground with limited funds.
- Separate Legal Identity Protects Members: Your NGO will have its legal identity. So, if something goes wrong, the liability rests with the NGO, not the directors or members personally. This safeguard encourages more people to take leadership roles.
- Eligibility for Tax Exemptions and Foreign Donations: Section 8 NGOs can apply for tax exemptions under sections 12A and 80G and get clearance to receive foreign donations (FCRA approval). These benefits make fundraising much smoother.

- Perpetual Existence Keeps Your Mission Alive: Even if founders or board members change, the Section 8 NGO continues without interruption. This ongoing existence is crucial for long-term projects and legacy-building.
- Gives You a Professional Identity: Being registered as a Section 8 Company means you can present yourself with confidence—on letterheads, websites, and campaigns. It shows you’re serious and organized, which makes people want to support you.
- Better Control Over Governance: Section 8 NGOs have to follow certain compliance and governance rules, which helps avoid mismanagement. Clear guidelines and accountability mean your NGO stays focused on its mission.
Opportunity for Wider Collaboration: Many government and private sector projects prefer partnering with Section 8 Companies due to their regulatory oversight. This opens doors for collaboration and funding that might not be available otherwise.
Cost and Time for Section 8 NGO Registration in Delhi/NCR
Service Estimated | Cost (INR) | Time Required |
---|---|---|
Time Required | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 | 1–2 working days |
DSC for Directors | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 | each 1–2 working days |
SPICe+ Filing & License | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 | 7–12 working days |
Overall Timeline | ₹7,000 – ₹15,000 | total 10–15 working days |
Prices may vary depending on consultant fees and urgency.
You may also want to explore:
- 12A and 80G Registration for NGOs
- Trust vs. Section 8 Company vs. Society – Which is Better?
- FCRA Registration – Accepting Foreign Donations in India
At NGO Partner, we help with all NGO registrations, renewals, and compliance services under one roof.
FAQ – Section 8 Company Registration in Delhi
You need at least two directors and two shareholders to register a Section 8 company.
Yes. The entire process of Section 8 NGO registration online can be completed digitally, including e-signatures and document uploads.
Yes, in terms of structure, transparency, and eligibility for funding. It’s best for professionals, corporate-backed NGOs, and high-scale impact work.
Yes, after obtaining FCRA registration from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Once registered, a Section 8 company has perpetual existence, subject to annual compliances.
Summary
Section 8 NGO registration is the most trusted and structured way to establish a nonprofit in India. With the benefits of legal status, tax exemption, credibility, and CSR eligibility, it offers everything needed to scale your impact. Section 8 company registration in Delhi/NCR is a straightforward process requiring proper documents and guidance.
Whether you’re registering for the first time or looking to convert an existing trust into a company, our team at NGO Partner can assist you with everything — from name approval to final incorporation, PAN/TAN registration, and post-registration compliance.