FCRA Registration for NGOs & Trusts
What is FCRA Registration?
FCRA registration is a mandatory license under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It allows NGOs, trusts, societies, and Section 8 companies to legally receive foreign contributions. The registration ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance with national regulations, preventing misuse of foreign funds.
Types of FCRA Registration
| Type | Eligibility | Validity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular FCRA Registration | NGOs active for ≥3 years, spent ≥₹15 lakh on core activities | 5 years | Allows receiving foreign contributions for all approved activities |
| Prior Permission (PP) | New organizations or NGOs not meeting 3-year/expenditure criteria | One-time, project-specific | Limited foreign contribution approval for a specific donor/project |
Key Benefits
- Legal Acceptance of Foreign Funds: Receive donations from international donors without legal issues.
- Enhanced Credibility: FCRA certification signals government recognition and compliance.
- Access to Wider Funding Sources: Opens opportunities with global funding agencies.
- Assurance for Donors: Foreign contributors are confident that their funds are legally handled.
- Support for National Development: Scale social impact using foreign contributions efficiently.
Eligibility Criteria
- Registered Entity: Trust (Indian Trusts Act, 1882), Society (Societies Registration Act, 1860), or Section 8 Company (Companies Act, 2013).
- Defined Objectives: Must have social, cultural, educational, religious, or economic programs.
- Minimum 3 Years Active (Regular FCRA): Proven track record of social work.
- Minimum Expenditure: ₹15 lakh over last 3 years on core activities (excluding administrative costs).
- No Prohibited Persons: Office bearers cannot be public servants, legislators, political party members, etc.
- Dedicated FCRA Bank Account: Mandatory account with SBI, Sansad Marg, New Delhi.
- Compliance with Laws: Must adhere to all other Indian legal regulations.
Documents Required
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Registration Certificate / Trust Deed / MoA & AoA | Proof of legal registration |
| PAN Card | Organization’s Permanent Account Number |
| Aadhaar / Passport of Office Bearers | Identity of President, Secretary, Treasurer, etc. |
| Activity Report | Detailed report of last 3 years of activities |
| Audited Financial Statements | Balance Sheet, Income & Expenditure, Receipt & Payment Account |
| FCRA Designated Bank Account Details | SBI Sansad Marg branch account information |
| Board Resolution | Authorizes Chief Functionary to apply for FCRA |
| Darpan ID (Optional) | Registration on NITI Aayog portal |
| Justification Note | Explanation of target beneficiaries and purpose of foreign funds |
| Signature & Seal | Digital signature and organizational seal for submission |
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Check Eligibility: Ensure NGO is legally registered and meets the minimum activity/expenditure requirements.
- Obtain NGO Darpan ID: Optional but recommended for smoother approvals.
- Open FCRA SBI Bank Account: Mandatory account for receiving foreign contributions.
- Prepare Documents: Compile all necessary certificates, financials, and reports.
- Register on FCRA Portal: Create login and select Form FC-3A (Fresh) or FC-3B (Prior Permission).
- Fill Application Form: Accurately provide details about organization, objectives, and fund usage.
- Upload Documents & Digital Signature: Submit scanned copies and digitally sign the application.
- Pay Fee: ₹10,000 for Fresh Registration, ₹5,000 for Prior Permission.
- Submit & Receive Acknowledgment: Track application through the FCRA portal.
- Respond to Clarifications: Address queries from MHA if requested.
- Receive FCRA Certificate: Download official certificate upon approval.
Fees & Penalties
| Type | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh FCRA Registration | ₹10,000 | Form FC-3A submission |
| Prior Permission | ₹5,000 | Form FC-3B submission |
| Renewal (every 5 years) | ₹5,000 | Apply 6 months before expiry |
Penalties
- Late renewal: ₹5,000–₹50,000
- Compounding offences: ₹1,00,000–₹10,00,000
- Late filing of Form FC-4: ₹1,000/day (max ₹1,00,000)
- Accepting foreign funds without FCRA: Legal action & cancellation
Validity & Renewal
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity Period | 5 years from registration |
| Renewal Timeline | At least 6 months before expiry |
| Renewal Process | Submit online with updated documents |
| Consequence of Non-Renewal | Registration invalid; cannot receive foreign funds |
| Extension | No automatic extension; reapply if expired |
Prohibitions under FCRA
- Public servants, political leaders, candidates, or office bearers of political parties
- Individuals linked to newspapers, media houses, or judicial offices
- Transfer of foreign funds to third parties is prohibited
Exceptions
- Personal gifts ≤₹1,00,000
- Salaries or payments in the ordinary course of business
- Scholarships/stipends for studies abroad
- Remittances from relatives (must inform if >₹10 lakh/year)
- Payments from diplomats or consular officers
FCRA Certificate
The FCRA certificate legally authorizes NGOs to receive foreign contributions. It contains:
- FCRA registration number
- Validity period
- Approved FCRA bank account details
Download Steps:
- Log in to your FCRA portal account.
- Navigate to “View/Print Certificate.”
- Download the PDF and store securely.
Certification
