FCRA Registration
Getting your trust, society or Section 8 company registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, so it can legally receive donations, grants or contributions from foreign sources.
FCRA registration is required under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 for any NGO wanting to receive foreign contributions, and is granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to organisations that have existed and been active in their charitable field for at least three years, with reasonable programme expenditure over that period. Newer organisations without the three-year track record can instead apply for Prior Permission for a specific foreign contribution from a specific donor for a specific activity.
What our FCRA registration service covers
Getting the entity, activity record and paperwork ready before filing.
- Assessing eligibility for regular FCRA registration versus Prior Permission
- Verifying the three-year activity and expenditure track record required for regular registration
- Opening and linking the mandatory FCRA account with the designated SBI branch in New Delhi
- Filing Form FC-3A for registration or FC-3B for Prior Permission with the Ministry of Home Affairs
- Compiling governing body, audited financial and activity report documentation
- Advising on FCRA compliance obligations once registration is granted, including utilisation and reporting
Registration versus Prior Permission
Two different routes depending on the organisation's stage.
Regular FCRA Registration
For organisations with at least three years of activity and a reasonable spend on their charitable objects, valid for five years.
Prior Permission
For newer organisations, or one-off receipt of a specific contribution from a specific donor for a defined activity.
Designated FCRA Account
A mandatory account with the SBI New Delhi Main Branch through which all foreign contributions must be received.
Renewal
Regular registration must be renewed every five years, with the renewal application filed within the window the Ministry prescribes.
Our process
From initial consultation to completion.
Eligibility Assessment
Reviewing the organisation's age, activity record and expenditure to decide between registration and Prior Permission.
FCRA Account Setup
Opening the mandatory designated account with the SBI New Delhi Main Branch.
Application Filing
Filing Form FC-3A or FC-3B on the FCRA portal with supporting documents.
Grant & Compliance Setup
Securing the registration and setting up the ongoing FC-4 annual return process.
Why FCRA applications need careful preparation
What sets our approach apart.
Incomplete activity records are a common rejection reason
The Ministry closely reviews whether the organisation has genuinely spent on its stated charitable objects over the required period.
Foreign contribution received without registration is a violation
Receiving foreign funds without valid FCRA registration or Prior Permission can attract serious penalties, including suspension or cancellation of registration.
The designated bank account rule is strictly enforced
Foreign contributions must flow through the specific FCRA account before being transferred elsewhere, and routing them differently is treated as a compliance breach.
FCRA Registration questions answered
What people ask before engaging us.
Looking to receive foreign contributions?
We will assess eligibility and handle your FCRA registration or Prior Permission application.
