Documents and Procedure for FCRA Registration

Documents and Procedure for FCRA Registration. The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Registration is a mandatory legal compliance for Indian NGOs, trusts, societies, and charitable organizations wishing to receive foreign donations. This process ensures transparency and accountability in the utilization of foreign funds for social, educational, cultural, or religious purposes.
To successfully register under FCRA, organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide a set of essential documents proving their legal existence, credibility, and history of social work. The registration process is now completely online, requiring submission through the Ministry of Home Affairs’ official FCRA portal. The complete documents and procedure for FCRA registration is to avoid delays or rejections and to maintain long-term compliance with Indian regulations governing foreign contributions.
Documents for FCRA Registration
Here is a complete list of Documents for FCRA Registration that must be submitted while applying either for permanent registration or prior permission:

Document Name

Purpose & Description

Registration Certificate

Proof that the NGO is legally registered under the Societies Registration Act, Trust Act, or Companies Act.

Memorandum of Association (MOA) / Trust Deed / Articles of Association (AOA)

Shows objectives, mission, and rules governing the organization.

PAN Card of the Organization

Used for financial verification and tax purposes.

Aadhaar Cards of All Office Bearers

Identity proof for all executive members, mandatory post-FCRA 2020 amendment.

Audited Financial Statements (Last 3 Years)

Income & Expenditure Statement, Balance Sheet, and Audit Report proving consistent and transparent financial operations.

Activity Reports (Last 3 Years)

Detailed documentation of projects, social activities, and community impact.

Board Member Details

List of all governing body members with contact, designation, Aadhaar, and PAN details.

12A and 80G Certificates (if available)

Optional but adds credibility by showing income tax exemption status.

Bank Account Details (SBI – New Delhi Main Branch)

As per FCRA rules, a designated account must be opened at this branch to receive foreign contributions.

Commitment Letter from Donor (For Prior Permission only)

Clearly mentions the purpose, amount, and donor details for foreign contribution.

Format & Guidelines

All documents must be in PDF format, clearly scanned.

File size should not exceed limits specified by the FCRA portal.

Documents must be legible, up-to-date, and match details entered in the online form.

Properly organizing and uploading these documents for FCRA registration is essential to avoid delays, rejections, or compliance issues during the approval process.
Procedure for FCRA Registration
1. Check Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for FCRA registration, an organization must be legally registered in India, active for at least three years, and have spent Rs.10 lakhs on core activities. It must have an SBI New Delhi FCRA bank account and clean legal records of its office bearers, ensuring compliance with national interest.
2. Prepare Required Documents:
Gather essential documents like registration certificate, PAN card, audited financials, activity reports, and Aadhaar of office bearers. Include MOA or Trust Deed, 12A/80G certificates, and FCRA SBI bank account details. For prior permission, add a donor commitment letter. Ensure all files are clear, updated, and in PDF format.
3. Register on the FCRA Online Portal:
Visit https://fcraonline.nic.in, create an account using your NGO’s email and mobile number, then log in to access the application. Choose Form FC-3A for registration or FC-3B for prior permission. Enter accurate organizational details, upload required documents in PDF format, and proceed to the next step for fee payment.
4. Fill in the Online Application:
Log in to the FCRA portal and select the appropriate form. Enter details of your organization, including registration info, objectives, activities, and key office bearers. Provide your FCRA SBI bank account information. Upload all required documents in the prescribed format, ensuring accuracy and completeness before proceeding to the payment section.
5. Pay the Application Fee:
After completing the application, proceed to pay the fee online. The fee is Rs.10,000 for FCRA registration and Rs.5,000 for prior permission. Payment can be made via net banking, debit card, or credit card. Ensure successful payment and save the transaction receipt for future reference and application tracking.
6. Submit the Application:
Review all entered information and uploaded documents carefully before final submission. Once confirmed, click the “Submit” button on the FCRA portal. An acknowledgment with a unique reference number will be generated—download and save it for future correspondence. Ensure no errors, as changes cannot be made after submission.
7. Ministry Scrutiny & Field Verification:
After submission, the Ministry of Home Affairs reviews the application and documents. They may request additional details or clarifications. In many cases, field verification is conducted by local authorities to validate the organization’s existence and activities. Approval or rejection is based on this scrutiny and adherence to FCRA guidelines.
8. Issuance of FCRA Certificate:
Upon successful verification, the Ministry of Home Affairs issues a digitally signed FCRA registration certificate. This certificate is valid for 5 years, allowing the organization to legally receive and utilize foreign contributions. The certificate can be downloaded from the FCRA portal and must be renewed before expiration to maintain compliance.
Meeting all these eligibility criteria ensures that the organization is qualified to move forward with the FCRA registration process.
Conclusion
FCRA registration is an Important step for any organization in India aspiring to receive foreign contributions transparently and legally. The complete documents and procedure for FCRA registration not only ensures compliance but also opens doors to global funding and long-term sustainability. From verifying eligibility and compiling key documents to the online portal and undergoing government scrutiny, each step requires accuracy, diligence, and preparation. With changing regulations and heightened scrutiny, staying informed and maintaining transparency are more than ever. By following the correct procedure and adhering to FCRA norms, your organization can build credibility, attract international donors, and maximize its social impact across communities.
If you have any queries regarding documents and procedure for FCRA Registration, then you can connect with Compliance Calendar LLP experts through email info@ccoffice.in or Call/Whatsapp at +91 9988424211.
FAQs
Q1. What are the documents required for FCRA registration?
Ans. Documents required for FCRA registration include registration certificate, PAN card, MOA/Trust Deed, Aadhaar of office bearers, audited financials (3 years), activity reports, governing body details, SBI FCRA account info, and donor commitment letter (for prior permission).
Q2. What is the cost of FCRA registration?
Ans. The cost of FCRA registration is Rs.10,000 for permanent registration and Rs.5,000 for prior permission. The fee must be paid online through the official FCRA portal during the application process and is non-refundable.
Q3. What are the requirements for FCRA?
Ans. To get FCRA registration, an organization must be legally registered in India, active for 3+ years, and have spent Rs.10 lakhs on core activities. It needs audited financials, Aadhaar/PAN of office bearers, an SBI FCRA account, and a clean legal record with no national interest violations.
Q4. Who gives permission for FCRA account?
Ans. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India is the authority that grants permission for FCRA registration and the use of an FCRA account. Once approved, the foreign contribution must be received through a designated FCRA account in the SBI, New Delhi Main Branch as per FCRA rules.
Q5. What is the validity period of FCRA registration?
Ans. The validity period of FCRA registration is 5 years from the date of approval. Organizations must apply for renewal at least 6 months before the expiry to continue receiving foreign contributions without interruption. Failure to renew on time may lead to suspension or cancellation of the registration.
Q6. What are the qualifications for FCRA registration?
Ans. To qualify for FCRA registration, an organization must be legally registered in India, active for 3+ years, spent Rs.10 lakhs on core activities, have audited financials, Aadhaar/PAN of office bearers, an FCRA SBI account, and no involvement in activities against national interest.
Q7. Does FCRA apply to private companies?
Ans. No, FCRA does not apply to private companies engaged in commercial or profit-making activities. FCRA registration is intended for non-profit organizations like NGOs, trusts, societies, and Section 8 companies that receive foreign contributions for social, cultural, educational, religious, or charitable purposes.
Q8. What is the new rule of FCRA?
Ans. The FCRA Amendment 2020 introduced key rules: mandatory SBI New Delhi account for foreign funds, Aadhaar for office bearers, reduced admin expense cap to 20%, ban on fund transfers to other NGOs, and stricter scrutiny. These aim to boost transparency and control foreign fund usage.

The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Registration is a mandatory legal compliance for Indian NGOs, trusts, societies, and charitable organizations wishing to receive foreign donations. This process ensures transparency and accountability in the utilization of foreign funds for social, educational, cultural, or religious purposes.

To successfully register under FCRA, organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide a set of essential documents proving their legal existence, credibility, and history of social work. The registration process is now completely online, requiring submission through the Ministry of Home Affairs’ official FCRA portal. The complete documents and procedure for FCRA registration is to avoid delays or rejections and to maintain long-term compliance with Indian regulations governing foreign contributions.

Documents for FCRA Registration

Here is a complete list of Documents for FCRA Registration that must be submitted while applying either for permanent registration or prior permission:

Document Name	Purpose & Description
Registration Certificate	Proof that the NGO is legally registered under the Societies Registration Act, Trust Act, or Companies Act.
Memorandum of Association (MOA) / Trust Deed / Articles of Association (AOA)	Shows objectives, mission, and rules governing the organization.
PAN Card of the Organization	Used for financial verification and tax purposes.
Aadhaar Cards of All Office Bearers	Identity proof for all executive members, mandatory post-FCRA 2020 amendment.
Audited Financial Statements (Last 3 Years)	Income & Expenditure Statement, Balance Sheet, and Audit Report proving consistent and transparent financial operations.
Activity Reports (Last 3 Years)	Detailed documentation of projects, social activities, and community impact.
Board Member Details	List of all governing body members with contact, designation, Aadhaar, and PAN details.
12A and 80G Certificates (if available)	Optional but adds credibility by showing income tax exemption status.
Bank Account Details (SBI – New Delhi Main Branch)	As per FCRA rules, a designated account must be opened at this branch to receive foreign contributions.
Commitment Letter from Donor (For Prior Permission only)	Clearly mentions the purpose, amount, and donor details for foreign contribution.

Format & Guidelines

All documents must be in PDF format, clearly scanned.
File size should not exceed limits specified by the FCRA portal.
Documents must be legible, up-to-date, and match details entered in the online form.

Properly organizing and uploading these documents for FCRA registration is essential to avoid delays, rejections, or compliance issues during the approval process.

Procedure for FCRA Registration

1. Check Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for FCRA registration, an organization must be legally registered in India, active for at least three years, and have spent Rs.10 lakhs on core activities. It must have an SBI New Delhi FCRA bank account and clean legal records of its office bearers, ensuring compliance with national interest.

2. Prepare Required Documents:

Gather essential documents like registration certificate, PAN card, audited financials, activity reports, and Aadhaar of office bearers. Include MOA or Trust Deed, 12A/80G certificates, and FCRA SBI bank account details. For prior permission, add a donor commitment letter. Ensure all files are clear, updated, and in PDF format.

3. Register on the FCRA Online Portal:

Visit https://fcraonline.nic.in, create an account using your NGO’s email and mobile number, then log in to access the application. Choose Form FC-3A for registration or FC-3B for prior permission. Enter accurate organizational details, upload required documents in PDF format, and proceed to the next step for fee payment.

4. Fill in the Online Application:

Log in to the FCRA portal and select the appropriate form. Enter details of your organization, including registration info, objectives, activities, and key office bearers. Provide your FCRA SBI bank account information. Upload all required documents in the prescribed format, ensuring accuracy and completeness before proceeding to the payment section.

5. Pay the Application Fee:

After completing the application, proceed to pay the fee online. The fee is Rs.10,000 for FCRA registration and Rs.5,000 for prior permission. Payment can be made via net banking, debit card, or credit card. Ensure successful payment and save the transaction receipt for future reference and application tracking.

6. Submit the Application:

Review all entered information and uploaded documents carefully before final submission. Once confirmed, click the “Submit” button on the FCRA portal. An acknowledgment with a unique reference number will be generated—download and save it for future correspondence. Ensure no errors, as changes cannot be made after submission.

7. Ministry Scrutiny & Field Verification:

After submission, the Ministry of Home Affairs reviews the application and documents. They may request additional details or clarifications. In many cases, field verification is conducted by local authorities to validate the organization’s existence and activities. Approval or rejection is based on this scrutiny and adherence to FCRA guidelines.

8. Issuance of FCRA Certificate:

Upon successful verification, the Ministry of Home Affairs issues a digitally signed FCRA registration certificate. This certificate is valid for 5 years, allowing the organization to legally receive and utilize foreign contributions. The certificate can be downloaded from the FCRA portal and must be renewed before expiration to maintain compliance.

Meeting all these eligibility criteria ensures that the organization is qualified to move forward with the FCRA registration process.

Conclusion

FCRA registration is an Important step for any organization in India aspiring to receive foreign contributions transparently and legally. The complete documents and procedure for FCRA registration not only ensures compliance but also opens doors to global funding and long-term sustainability. From verifying eligibility and compiling key documents to the online portal and undergoing government scrutiny, each step requires accuracy, diligence, and preparation. With changing regulations and heightened scrutiny, staying informed and maintaining transparency are more than ever. By following the correct procedure and adhering to FCRA norms, your organization can build credibility, attract international donors, and maximize its social impact across communities.

If you have any queries regarding documents and procedure for FCRA Registration, then you can connect with Compliance Calendar LLP experts through email info@ccoffice.in or Call/Whatsapp at +91 9988424211.

FAQs

Q1. What are the documents required for FCRA registration?

Ans. Documents required for FCRA registration include registration certificate, PAN card, MOA/Trust Deed, Aadhaar of office bearers, audited financials (3 years), activity reports, governing body details, SBI FCRA account info, and donor commitment letter (for prior permission).

Q2. What is the cost of FCRA registration?

Ans. The cost of FCRA registration is Rs.10,000 for permanent registration and Rs.5,000 for prior permission. The fee must be paid online through the official FCRA portal during the application process and is non-refundable.

Q3. What are the requirements for FCRA?

Ans. To get FCRA registration, an organization must be legally registered in India, active for 3+ years, and have spent Rs.10 lakhs on core activities. It needs audited financials, Aadhaar/PAN of office bearers, an SBI FCRA account, and a clean legal record with no national interest violations.

Q4. Who gives permission for FCRA account?

Ans. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India is the authority that grants permission for FCRA registration and the use of an FCRA account. Once approved, the foreign contribution must be received through a designated FCRA account in the SBI, New Delhi Main Branch as per FCRA rules.

Q5. What is the validity period of FCRA registration?

Ans. The validity period of FCRA registration is 5 years from the date of approval. Organizations must apply for renewal at least 6 months before the expiry to continue receiving foreign contributions without interruption. Failure to renew on time may lead to suspension or cancellation of the registration.

Q6. What are the qualifications for FCRA registration?

Ans. To qualify for FCRA registration, an organization must be legally registered in India, active for 3+ years, spent Rs.10 lakhs on core activities, have audited financials, Aadhaar/PAN of office bearers, an FCRA SBI account, and no involvement in activities against national interest.

Q7. Does FCRA apply to private companies?

Ans. No, FCRA does not apply to private companies engaged in commercial or profit-making activities. FCRA registration is intended for non-profit organizations like NGOs, trusts, societies, and Section 8 companies that receive foreign contributions for social, cultural, educational, religious, or charitable purposes.

Q8. What is the new rule of FCRA?

Ans. The FCRA Amendment 2020 introduced key rules: mandatory SBI New Delhi account for foreign funds, Aadhaar for office bearers, reduced admin expense cap to 20%, ban on fund transfers to other NGOs, and stricter scrutiny. These aim to boost transparency and control foreign fund usage.

Documents and Procedure for FCRA Registration

Documents for FCRA Registration

Format & Guidelines

Procedure for FCRA Registration

Conclusion

FAQs

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