Golden Verdict
NGO Registration

Receive foreign funds legally with FCRA registration.

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 mandates that any Indian organisation receiving donations or grants from foreign sources must hold a valid FCRA registration. Receiving foreign funds without FCRA is a criminal offence.

Pricing

Pricing tailored to your specific requirements

FCRA Registration India MHA

FCRA Application Filed in 60 Days*

*Timeline is indicative and may vary based on document verification and government processing.

What is FCRA Registration?

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA) regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals and organisations in India. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) administers FCRA. Any NGO, charitable trust, society, research institution, educational organisation, or cultural body that wishes to receive grants, donations, or contributions from foreign sources must either obtain FCRA Registration (for established organisations) or FCRA Prior Permission (for a specific project). FCRA Registration is valid for 5 years. Registered organisations must open a designated FCRA bank account with the State Bank of India (SBI), New Delhi Main Branch (NDMB) for receiving all foreign contributions — since April 2021 this is mandatory. Annual returns in Form FC-4 must be filed with MHA by December 31 each year.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Organisation must be registered in India — as Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company
  • Organisation must have been in existence for at least 3 years (for Registration; not required for Prior Permission)
  • Organisation must have spent at least ₹15 lakh on charitable activities in the last 3 years
  • Must have a valid Darpan (NGO-Darpan) Unique ID — mandatory since 2021
  • Must open an FCRA designated account with SBI New Delhi Main Branch before receipt of funds
  • Key functionaries must not be convicted under any law or have adverse intelligence inputs

Documents Required

1

Organisation registration certificate and governing document (trust deed / MOA)

2

PAN card of the organisation

3

NITI Aayog Darpan Unique ID (NGO-Darpan registration mandatory)

4

Audited financial statements for the last 3 years

5

Annual reports / activity reports for the last 3 years — evidence of charitable work and ₹15 lakh expenditure

6

Details of foreign contributions received previously (if any) under Prior Permission

7

SBI NDMB designated FCRA bank account details

8

KYC (PAN + Aadhaar + photo) of all trustees, directors, and key functionaries

9

12A and 80G registration certificates (strengthens application)

Our Registration Process

Step 1

Verify eligibility: 3-year existence, ₹15 lakh charitable expenditure, and Darpan UID

Step 2

Open designated FCRA bank account with SBI New Delhi Main Branch

Step 3

Compile 3-year activity reports, audited financials, and governing documents

Step 4

File Form FC-3A (Registration) or FC-3B (Prior Permission) on the MHA FCRA portal

Step 5

MHA intelligence verification and scrutiny — typically 90–180 days

Step 6

Respond to any queries or additional document requests from MHA

Step 7

Receive FCRA Registration Certificate (valid 5 years) and begin receiving foreign funds through SBI NDMB

Step 8

File annual FC-4 return by December 31 each year to maintain registration

How It Works

1

Share Your Details

Fill a short form or call us. We collect your requirements and all documents online — no physical visit needed.

2

Expert Assignment

A dedicated specialist with expertise in your service category is assigned to your case within 24 hours of payment.

3

Work in Progress

Your expert prepares documents, files applications with the relevant authority, and follows up on your behalf.

4

Delivery

Your registration certificate, legal document, or filed return is delivered digitally to your Golden Verdict dashboard.

NGO Registration service

Get Your FCRA Registered Without Any Hassle

Darpan UID verification, FC-3A/FC-3B form preparation, SBI designated account guidance, MHA portal submission, and follow-up until certificate issuance.

Pricing

Custom Quote

Pricing tailored to your specific requirements

Why Golden Verdict For
FCRA Registration?

FCRA applications are scrutinised by the Ministry of Home Affairs and involve intelligence agency verification — making accuracy and completeness of the application critical. A single discrepancy in organisational history, key person details, or source of funds can lead to rejection or extended delays. Golden Verdict prepares a comprehensive FC-3A/FC-3B application with a verified Darpan UID, complete 3-year activity history, correct SBI designated account details, and a well-documented organisational profile. We also advise on post-registration compliance — annual FC-4 returns, utilisation certificate requirements, and FCRA renewal 6 months before expiry.

FCRA registration opens your organisation to global funding. Golden Verdict ensures your application is thorough, compliant, and submission-ready.

Expert legal team at Golden Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs FCRA registration?+
Any Indian person (individual or organisation) that intends to accept foreign contributions — including grants from foreign foundations, overseas Indian donors, foreign governments, or international NGOs — requires FCRA registration or Prior Permission. Political parties, government officials, judges, media organisations, and electoral candidates are prohibited from receiving foreign contributions under FCRA.
What is the difference between FCRA Registration and Prior Permission?+
FCRA Registration is for established organisations (typically 3+ years of existence) with a demonstrable track record of charitable activities. It permits receiving foreign contributions from any foreign source for 5 years. Prior Permission is for new organisations or for receiving a specific foreign contribution for a defined project. Prior Permission is project-specific and does not permit ongoing foreign contributions.
What bank account is required for FCRA?+
Since April 1, 2021, all FCRA-registered organisations must designate SBI's New Delhi Main Branch (NDMB) as their primary FCRA account for receiving foreign contributions. Utilisation of these funds can happen through secondary accounts in any scheduled bank. Foreign contributions cannot be received directly into non-SBI NDMB accounts.
What are the annual FCRA compliance requirements?+
FCRA-registered organisations must: (1) file Annual Return in Form FC-4 with MHA by December 31 each year — disclosing the quantum, source, purpose, and utilisation of all foreign contributions received; (2) maintain separate books of accounts for foreign contributions; (3) not divert foreign funds to prohibited activities; and (4) obtain renewal 6 months before the 5-year certificate expires.
Can an organisation receive CSR funds from Indian subsidiaries of foreign companies under FCRA?+
CSR contributions from Indian subsidiaries of foreign companies are generally treated as domestic contributions (not foreign contributions) because they originate from an Indian registered entity. However, direct grants from the foreign parent company or foundation would require FCRA. Consult Golden Verdict if your CSR source is ambiguous.
What are the grounds for FCRA rejection or cancellation?+
Common grounds include: failure to utilise funds for stated purposes, diverting funds to political or anti-national activities, providing false information in the application, non-filing of FC-4 returns, or adverse intelligence/CBI inputs. MHA can cancel FCRA registration by providing 30 days' notice for a hearing.
Get certified

Ready to get your FCRA Registration?

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 mandates that any Indian organisation receiving donations or grants from foreign sources must hold a valid FCRA registration. Receiving foreign funds without FCRA is a criminal offence.

“FCRA registration opens your organisation to global funding. Golden Verdict ensures your application is thorough, compliant, and submission-ready.”

Talk to an Expert

Built for Indian founders, CFOs, and operators.

Free consultationGet Custom Quote