FCRA Registration
FCRA Registration – Overview
The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010 regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions or donations by NGOs, Trusts, Societies, and Section 8 Companies in India. Any non-profit organization that wishes to receive funds or donations from foreign sources — whether individuals, institutions, or international agencies — must obtain FCRA registration or prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India.
FCRA Registration ensures that foreign funds are received and utilized only for legitimate charitable purposes such as education, health, environment, research, and social welfare, while maintaining transparency and accountability. There are two routes available:
FCRA Prior Permission – For NGOs in early stages, to receive a specific contribution from a specific donor.
FCRA Registration – For NGOs with at least 3 years of proven track record in charitable activities and a minimum expenditure of ₹15 lakh on core activities in the last 3 years.
At Cardiff Services, we assist NGOs with end-to-end support in obtaining FCRA registration, from eligibility assessment and documentation to filing applications with MHA and guiding post-registration compliance, ensuring your organization can access international funding legally and confidently.
Key Features of FCRA Registration
Mandatory for Foreign Funding – NGOs, Trusts, Societies, and Section 8 Companies must have FCRA registration or prior approval to legally receive donations from foreign sources.
Two Routes Available –
Prior Permission: For newly established NGOs to receive a specific foreign contribution from a specific donor.
Regular Registration: For NGOs with at least 3 years of operations and proven charitable activities.
Eligibility Criteria – Minimum 3 years of track record and expenditure of at least ₹15 lakh on charitable activities in the last 3 financial years (for regular registration).
Regulatory Oversight – Governed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010.
Designated Bank Account – NGOs must open a dedicated FCRA bank account (mandatorily with SBI, New Delhi Main Branch for foreign inflows).
Specific Purpose Usage – Funds must be utilized only for the objectives approved in the registration.
Increased Credibility – Enhances the NGO’s recognition among international donors, foundations, and institutions.
Compliance Requirements – Annual return filing in Form FC-4, proper books of accounts, and utilization reports are mandatory.
Documents Required for FCRA Registration
Organizational Documents
Certificate of Incorporation / Registration Certificate of Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company
Memorandum of Association (MOA) & Articles of Association (AOA) / Trust Deed / Bylaws
PAN of the NGO
Financial Records
Audited financial statements (Balance Sheet, Income & Expenditure, Receipts & Payments) for the last 3 years
Statement of charitable activities undertaken in the last 3 years
Proof of minimum expenditure of ₹15 lakh on charitable activities over 3 years (for regular registration)
Management Details
List of current trustees / governing body members / directors with name, address, contact details, occupation, and nationality
PAN & Aadhaar of key office bearers
Affidavits and declarations from chief functionary and key members
Registered Office Proof
Electricity/telephone bill of the registered office
Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable)
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from property owner
Bank Account Documents
FCRA designated bank account details (mandatory with SBI, New Delhi Main Branch for receipt of foreign funds)
Copy of cancelled cheque / bank statement
Other Supporting Documents
Activity report / annual reports of the NGO
Resolution of the governing body approving FCRA registration
Passport-size photographs of chief functionary and key members
Step-by-Step Procedure for FCRA Registration
Eligibility Check
Ensure the NGO is a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company registered under Indian law.
For regular registration: minimum 3 years of existence and ₹15 lakh expenditure on charitable activities.
Newly formed NGOs can apply through the Prior Permission route for specific foreign contributions.
Preparation of Documents
Collect incorporation certificate, MOA/Trust Deed/Bylaws, audited accounts for the last 3 years, activity reports, and governing body details.
Open a designated FCRA bank account with SBI, New Delhi Main Branch, as mandated by law.
Filing Online Application
File application in Form FC-3A (for regular registration) or Form FC-3B (for prior permission) on the FCRA portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Upload all required documents in PDF format.
Submit the application with payment of prescribed government fees.
Review by MHA
MHA scrutinizes the application and may request clarifications, additional information, or field verification of the NGO’s activities.
In some cases, Intelligence Bureau (IB) verification is also carried out.
Approval & Grant of Registration
On satisfaction, MHA issues the FCRA Registration Certificate (valid for 5 years).
The certificate is sent digitally to the registered email and is also available on the FCRA portal.
Post-Registration Compliance
File annual returns in Form FC-4 detailing receipt and utilization of foreign funds.
Maintain separate books of accounts for foreign contributions.
Renew FCRA registration every 5 years through Form FC-3C.
Ensure compliance with utilization norms, as violations can lead to suspension or cancellation of registration.
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