FCRA Registration for NGOs, Trusts & Section 8 Companies
Legally receive foreign donations and grants in 2026 under the new FCRA 2.0 portal and Amendment Rules. SSA TAX handles eligibility checks, documentation, MHA filing and post-registration compliance start to finish.
Eligibility Check • Documentation • Filing • Compliance Assistance
Overview
What is FCRA Registration?
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Any Trust, Society or Section 8 Company that wants to accept donations, grants or hospitality from a foreign source for cultural, economic, educational, religious or social programs must first obtain FCRA registration or Prior Permission. Accepting foreign funds without it is a criminal offence.
Who must register
Trusts, registered Societies, and Section 8 Companies that are at least 3 years old and intend to receive donations from abroad.
Who does not need it
Freelancers, exporters and businesses receiving payment for services that's a commercial transaction under FEMA, not FCRA.
Validity
Once granted, FCRA registration is valid for 5 years and must be renewed via Form FC-3C before it lapses.
New FCRA Rules & Regulations, 2026
2026 has brought the biggest overhaul to FCRA compliance in years. Here's exactly what has changed and why getting expert help now matters more than ever.
FCRA 2.0 Portal
The MHA has launched a redesigned portal with Aadhaar-based authentication, e-sign and OCR-based document scrutiny, replacing the older manual-heavy filing system.
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026
A new schedule classifies exactly which activities qualify under the "religious purposes" category, and tightens documentation for organisations claiming it.
Key functionary accountability
Liability now expressly extends to trustees, partners, governing body members and Karta of HUFs not just the organisation unless due diligence can be shown.
75% utilisation rule
NGOs must utilise at least 75% of previously received foreign funds before becoming eligible for the next instalment from the same donor.
Foreign-national functionary restriction
Organisations with foreign nationals (other than persons of Indian origin) as key functionaries generally will not qualify for registration unless specifically permitted.
Mandatory SBI FCRA account
Every applicant must maintain its designated FC account with the SBI, New Delhi Main Branch, in addition to any single permitted utilisation account
Normal Registration vs. Prior Permission
Choosing the right route saves months. SSA TAX assesses your organisation's age and funding source before recommending a path.
| Basis | Normal FCRA Registration | Prior Permission (PP) |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal for | Organisations active for 3+ years with a proven track record | Newer organisations with one identified foreign donor and project |
| Validity | 5 years, renewable | Limited to the specific contribution/project sanctioned |
| Application form | Form FC-3A | Form FC-3B |
| Donor flexibility | Can receive from multiple foreign sources | Restricted to the named donor only |
| Typical timeline | 90–150 days | 60–90 days |
Step-by-Step Process
Step-by-Step FCRA Registration Process
This is the exact sequence mandated by the Act each step must be completed before the next is unlocked on the portal.
Eligibility & document audit
SSA TAX reviews your organisation's age, financials and activity history to confirm it qualifies for Normal registration or Prior Permission.
Open your FCRA designated account
We assist in opening the mandatory FC account with SBI, New Delhi Main Branch a non-negotiable prerequisite before filing.
Register on the FCRA 2.0 portal
Create your login on fcraonline.nic.in, complete Aadhaar-based authentication for all key functionaries
File Form FC-3A / FC-3B
We prepare and e-sign the application with OCR-verified attachments, paying the applicable government fee online.
MHA scrutiny & field verification
The Ministry of Home Affairs conducts document checks and, where needed, Intelligence Bureau field inquiry.
Certificate issuance
On approval, download your FCRA Registration Certificate valid for 5 years directly from the portal.
Checklist
Eligibility & Documents Required
Incomplete or inconsistent documents are the top reason applications get delayed on the FCRA 2.0 portal. Here's the full checklist SSA TAX verifies before filing.
- Registration certificate / Trust Deed / MOA & AOA of the organisation
- PAN of the association and all key functionaries
- Audited financial statements for the last 3 years
- Activity report of the last 3 years showing genuine welfare work
- Details & Aadhaar of Chief Functionary and governing body members
- Proof of registered office address (utility bill / rent agreement)
- Designated FCRA bank account details (SBI, New Delhi Main Branch)
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar OTP for e-sign
Why Choose SSA TAX?
Most consultants file your form and disappear. Here's exactly how we're different.
We Track Policy, Not Just Paperwork
Our team monitors every MHA circular and amendment including the 2026 Rules so your application is built for today's scrutiny standards, not last year's.
CA + CS + Legal, One Team
Financial statements, MOA drafting and MHA filing are handled by one coordinated team instead of being outsourced piece by piece.
Pre-Filing Risk Audit
We flag red flags inconsistent activity reports, foreign functionaries and incomplete audits before submission, not after a rejection.
Post-Registration Compliance Included
Annual FC-4 returns, FC-6 amendments and renewal reminders are tracked for you, so your certificate never lapses silently.
Transparent, Fixed Pricing
No hidden "government liaison" charges you see the professional fee and the government fee separately, upfront.
18+ Years, 5,000+ Registrations
Decades of hands-on experience with MHA, ROC and Income Tax filings across states not a call-centre operation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about FCRA Registration Services in India.