FCRA Registration

FCRA Registration – Register to Receive Foreign Contributions

Before receiving any foreign donation or contribution, individuals, associations, or companies in India must obtain registration or prior permission under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA). This ensures transparency and accountability in handling foreign funds.

At IndiaFills.com, our experts provide end-to-end assistance for FCRA registration, helping NGOs and entities seamlessly comply with the legal requirements to receive foreign contributions.

✅ What is FCRA?

FCRA stands for Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, a regulatory framework enacted in 1976 and revamped in 2010 to oversee the acceptance and utilization of foreign funds in India. The Act ensures that foreign donations are used for legitimate and ethical purposes, particularly in sectors such as education, culture, religion, economic development, and social welfare.

🔍 What is FCRA Registration?

FCRA registration is a mandatory approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, that allows entities in India to legally receive foreign contributions. There are two types:

1. Normal FCRA Registration

• For organizations operational for at least 3 years.
• Must have spent a minimum of ₹10 lakhs on core activities (excluding administrative expenses).
• The organization must be registered under:
  • Societies Registration Act, 1860
  • Indian Trusts Act, 1882
  • Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013

2. FCRA Prior Permission

• For newly established organizations without a 3-year track record.
• Must have a specific project and a firm commitment from a foreign donor.
• Granted on a case-by-case basis, depending on the purpose and donor confirmation.

⭐ Benefits of FCRA Registration

• ✅ Legally Receive Foreign Donations
  Enables NGOs and trusts to accept foreign funds without restrictions for approved activities.
• ✅ Transparency & Credibility
  Promotes accountability by ensuring clear reporting and fund utilization.
• ✅ Legal Protection & Tax Benefits
  Enjoy tax exemptions and better financial planning under Indian tax laws.
• ✅ Supports Social Work
  Allows NGOs to collaborate globally and attract international support.
• ✅ Prevents Misuse of Funds
  Ensures contributions are used only for legitimate purposes and not for unlawful or political activities.

📝 Eligibility Criteria for FCRA Registration

An organization must meet the following conditions:

• Legally Registered under:
  • Societies Registration Act, 1860
  • Indian Trusts Act, 1882
  • Section 8 Companies Act, 2013
• Minimum 3 Years of Existence and active social contributions.
• Minimum ₹10 Lakhs spent in the last 3 years on activities (excluding admin expenses).
• If owning capital assets (e.g., land/buildings), an undertaking is required that these will be used only for FCRA-related purposes.

🔰 Eligibility for Prior Permission

For newly registered organizations:

• Must be legally registered under one of the statutes mentioned above.
• Must present a donor commitment letter stating donation purpose and amount.
• If donor and recipient share members, then:
  • The Chief Functionary of the recipient must not be part of the donor organization.
  • At least 75% of office-bearers of the Indian NGO must not be associated with the foreign donor.

🌍 What is a Foreign Contribution?

Includes:

• Any article, currency (Indian or foreign), or securities.
• Interest earned or income generated from foreign donations.

Note: Personal gifts under ₹25,000 are exempt.

🏛️ Who is Considered a Foreign Source?

• Foreign governments or their agencies
• International agencies (excluding UN, World Bank, IMF)
• Foreign companies and multinational corporations
• Foreign trusts, foundations, associations, and individuals

✅ Mandatory Requirements for FCRA Registration

• Legal registration of the NGO.
• NGO Darpan ID from NITI Aayog portal.
• Dedicated FCRA Bank Account (as per RBI norms).
• Aadhaar numbers of all office bearers.
• Passport or OCI card for foreign members (if applicable).

📄 Documents Required for FCRA Registration

For Normal Registration:

• Registration certificate
• Memorandum of Association / Trust Deed
• NGO Darpan ID
• Last 3 years’ audited financials
• Activity report (last 3 years)
• Aadhaar of all office bearers

For Prior Permission:

• Registration certificate
• Memorandum / Trust Deed
• NGO Darpan ID
• Aadhaar of all office bearers
• Donor commitment letter & agreement
• Detailed project report

🔁 Renewal of FCRA Registration

• Validity: 5 years
• Must be renewed before expiry to avoid lapse in foreign donation eligibility.
• File Form FC-3C online and track FCRA renewal status via the MHA portal.

🧾 FCRA Annual & Quarterly Returns

• File FC-4 annually by December 31st (for financial year ending March 31st).
• Include balance sheet and receipts/payments statement certified by a CA.
• NGOs receiving over ₹1 crore in foreign contributions must file quarterly returns.

💻 Step-by-Step FCRA Online Registration Process

1. Visit MHA’s FCRA Portal: https://fcraonline.nic.in
2. Create Login ID and password.
3. Choose form:
   • FC-3A – FCRA Registration
   • FC-3B – Prior Permission
   • FC-3C – Renewal
   • FC-4 – Annual Return
4. Fill association & key functionary details.
5. Enter FCRA bank account info.
6. Upload required documents in PDF format.
7. Final submission and make online payment.
8. Receive confirmation and track application status online.

🏦 FCRA Bank Account Requirements

• Must be opened only after FCRA approval (for new applicants).
• Operated solely for receiving foreign funds.
• No domestic funds or local transactions permitted.

🚀 Simplify FCRA Registration with IndiaFills.com

At IndiaFills.com, our expert team makes FCRA registration quick, compliant, and stress-free. Whether you’re applying for normal registration, prior permission, or renewal, we ensure all documentation is accurate, filed correctly, and tracked till approval.

✅ End-to-end expert support

✅ Transparent process tracking

✅ Hassle-free filing and renewal

✅ Quick turnaround with government compliance

🔒 Get Started with FCRA Registration Today!

Ensure your NGO or organization is legally eligible to receive foreign donations.
Let IndiaFills.com guide you through the entire FCRA process—from documentation to approval!

📞 Contact Us Today or 📥 Apply Online Now