Trust & Societies · FCRA Registration
No Indian NGO can accept a single rupee of foreign funding without FCRA clearance, and the rules tightened sharply in 2020. We secure your FCRA registration or prior permission, set up the mandatory SBI Delhi account, and keep the annual return and the strict do’s-and-don’ts on track so the registration is never at risk.
An overseas foundation, agency or donor wants to fund you and needs you FCRA-cleared first.
A trust, society or Section 8 company, 3+ years old, ready to apply for full registration.
A newer organisation with a single committed foreign donor, prior permission fits.
Your FCRA is approaching its 5-year expiry and renewal must be filed in the window.
Unsure about the SBI account, FC-4 or the 20% cap and want it put right before scrutiny.
Registration is suspended or at risk and you need representation to restore it.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Eligibility & route | Decide between full Registration and Prior Permission based on your age, spend and donor. |
| SBI FCRA account | Open the mandatory designated FCRA account at SBI New Delhi Main Branch. |
| Documentation | Compile activity reports, audited accounts, governing documents and office-bearer details. |
| Online application | File Form FC-3A (registration) or FC-3B (prior permission) on the FCRA portal with fee. |
| Follow-up | Respond to queries from the Ministry of Home Affairs through processing. |
| Ongoing compliance | Annual FC-4 return, separate books, the 20% cap, and renewal before expiry. |
| Aspect | Registration | Prior Permission |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Established NGOs (3+ years, ~₹15 lakh spent on objects) | Newer NGOs with a specific committed donor |
| Scope | General, receive from multiple donors | One named donor and a defined project |
| Validity | 5 years, renewable | Till the project / amount is utilised |
| Form | FC-3A | FC-3B |
Government cost (statutory position)
Professional fees depend on the route, the state of your documentation and whether it is a fresh application, renewal or a compliance fix. You receive a clear written quote after a short call, no hidden charges, no published menu.
Schedule a 15-minute callAny Indian trust, society or Section 8 company that wants to receive foreign contributions, donations or grants from a foreign source, for a definite cultural, economic, educational, religious or social programme. Without FCRA registration or prior permission, accepting foreign funds is not permitted under the Act.
Registration suits established organisations, generally those in existence for at least three years that have spent a reasonable amount (around ₹15 lakh) on their core activities, and is valid for five years for receipts from multiple donors. Prior permission suits newer organisations and covers a specific amount from a specific named donor for a defined project.
Yes. Since the 2020 amendment, every FCRA-registered organisation must receive foreign contributions only in a designated FCRA account at the State Bank of India, New Delhi Main Branch. You may open further utilisation accounts elsewhere, but the first receipt must come into the SBI Delhi account.
No. The 2020 amendment prohibits transferring foreign contributions to any other person or organisation, including another FCRA-registered NGO. The funds must be used by your organisation for your own programmes. This is a frequent compliance trap that we make sure you avoid.
Filing the annual return in Form FC-4 by 31 December with audited FCRA accounts, keeping foreign funds in a separate set of books, limiting administrative expenses to 20% of foreign contributions, declaring receipts quarterly on the website, and renewing the registration before its five-year expiry.
It varies with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ processing and any queries raised, and typically takes a few months. Prior permission, being project-specific, can sometimes be quicker. We give you a realistic timeline once we assess your documents and route.
FCRA registration is valid for five years and must be renewed by applying within six months before expiry. If you miss the window, foreign-funding activity has to stop until it is regularised. We track the date and file the renewal in good time.
No. FCRA governs receiving foreign funds; 12AB gives your NGO income-tax exemption and 80G lets Indian donors claim a deduction. Most NGOs that take foreign money need all three. We handle 12AB and 80G on a dedicated page, often alongside the FCRA work.
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Vijay R Singh & Co., Chartered Accountants · FRN 136869W · ICAI M.No. 153926 · Andheri East, Mumbai, in practice since 2013. References are to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 2010 and its 2020 amendment. Grant of registration is at the discretion of the Ministry of Home Affairs. General information, not advice until engaged.
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