Registration & Certification Services

What is FCRA Registration?

FCRA Registration is a certification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, authorizing eligible organizations to legally accept foreign contributions or donations. This approval ensures that foreign funds are used responsibly for charitable purposes in alignment with national interests.

Key Purposes of FCRA Registration:

• Facilitate legal receipt of foreign contributions for social, cultural, educational, and economic welfare projects.
• Prevent misuse of foreign funds for activities that may harm national security or public interest.

Who Requires FCRA Registration?

The following entities require FCRA registration to legally receive foreign funds:

1. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
2. Charitable Trusts
3. Section 8 Companies (Non-profit companies under the Companies Act, 2013)
4. Societies registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860
5. Associations involved in cultural, economic, educational, or religious activities.

Types of FCRA Registration

FCRA registration is categorized into two types based on the nature and duration of the organization’s activities:

1. Prior Permission Registration:
   • Suitable for newly established organizations or those planning to receive a specific foreign contribution for a defined project.
   • Requires details of the donor, the project, and the amount of the contribution.
2. Regular Registration:
   • Meant for organizations that have been operational for at least three years with a proven track record in charitable activities.
   • Requires submission of audited financial statements and activity reports for the last three years.

Eligibility for FCRA Registration

To be eligible for FCRA registration, an organization must:

1. Be legally registered under an appropriate act (e.g., Societies Registration Act, Trust Act, or Companies Act).
2. Have a minimum of three years of operational track record for regular registration.
3. Demonstrate its objectives align with activities permitted under FCRA, such as:
   • Relief of poverty
   • Education
   • Medical assistance
   • Preservation of the environment
   • Other public welfare initiatives.
4. Maintain a separate, designated FCRA bank account for receiving foreign contributions.

Documents Required for FCRA Registration

To apply for FCRA registration, the following documents are required:

1. Incorporation/Registration Certificate:
   Proof of registration under the applicable act (e.g., Trust Deed, MOA, or AOA).
2. PAN Card:
   Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the organization.
3. Bank Account Details:
   Details of a designated bank account opened specifically for receiving foreign contributions (as per RBI-approved banks).
4. Financial Records:
   • Audited financial statements (Balance Sheet, Income & Expenditure Statement, etc.) for the last three years.
   • If applying for prior permission, proof of the proposed project’s financial needs.
5. Activity Report:
   Detailed reports of past activities showcasing the organization’s impact.
6. Details of Governing Members:
   Names, addresses, contact information, and identity proofs (e.g., PAN/Aadhaar) of the organization’s board or governing members.
7. Affidavits and Undertakings:
   • Declaration confirming adherence to FCRA rules.
   • Commitment to the ethical use of foreign funds for the stated purposes.

Step-by-Step Process for FCRA Registration

The FCRA registration process involves the following steps:

1. Eligibility Verification

• Determine whether the organization qualifies for Prior Permission or Regular Registration based on its operations and objectives.

2. Document Preparation

• Gather and organize all necessary documents, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare detailed financial reports and activity summaries.

3. Online Application Filing

• Register on the FCRA portal and file the appropriate form:
  • Form FC-3 (Part A) for Prior Permission.
  • Form FC-3 (Part B) for Regular Registration.
• Upload scanned copies of required documents and pay the applicable fees online.

4. Verification by MHA

• The MHA reviews the application and supporting documents.
• If necessary, the local administration may conduct a physical inspection of the organization’s premises and activities.

5. Approval and Certification

• Upon approval, the MHA issues the FCRA registration certificate.
• The certificate is valid for five years, after which it must be renewed.

Time Period for FCRA Registration

The FCRA registration process typically takes 90 to 120 days, depending on:

• The accuracy of the submitted application and documents.
• Timely responses to MHA queries or clarifications.
• Completion of inspections, if applicable.

Why is FCRA Registration Important?

1. Legal Compliance:
   Receiving foreign contributions without FCRA registration is a violation of Indian law and can lead to severe penalties, including the cancellation of registration and prosecution.
2. Transparency and Credibility:
   Organizations with FCRA registration are perceived as trustworthy and credible by foreign donors.
3. Access to Foreign Funding:
   Enables NGOs and non-profits to access global resources for community development projects.
4. Structured Fund Utilization:
   Ensures proper accountability and effective use of foreign contributions for approved purposes.
5. Avoidance of Penalties:
   Prevents legal issues and fines associated with unauthorized receipt or mismanagement of foreign funds.