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FCRA Registration

Receive foreign contributions, legally.

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Overview

FCRA registration is required for an NGO that wishes to receive foreign contributions or donations, and it is granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. An organisation can apply for regular registration or for prior permission for a specific project, and applications are filed online on the FCRA portal. All foreign contributions must be received in a designated FCRA account with the State Bank of India, Main Branch, New Delhi.

Objective

To obtain FCRA registration or prior permission so an NGO can lawfully receive and use foreign contributions.

Characteristics

  • Granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the FCRA, 2010
  • Available as regular registration or as prior permission for a specific project
  • Requires a designated FCRA account with SBI, Main Branch, New Delhi
  • Filed online through the FCRA portal
  • Subject to strict reporting, utilisation, and renewal conditions

Eligibility

  • A registered trust, society, or Section 8 company
  • For regular registration, the organisation should generally have been in existence for at least three years
  • A record of reasonable spending on its core activities over recent years
  • A defined charitable, cultural, economic, educational, religious, or social programme
  • A designated FCRA bank account with SBI, Main Branch, New Delhi

The process

  1. 1
    Assess eligibility and readiness

    We review the organisation's age, activity record, and accounts to decide between regular registration and prior permission.

  2. 2
    Open the designated FCRA account

    We guide you in opening the designated FCRA account with the State Bank of India, Main Branch, New Delhi, as required by the Act.

  3. 3
    Prepare and file the application

    Our experts complete the relevant FCRA application form with the required documents and file it on the FCRA portal with the prescribed fee.

  4. 4
    Respond and receive the certificate

    We handle queries from the Ministry of Home Affairs and provide the registration certificate or prior permission letter on approval.

Documents required

  • Registration certificate and trust deed, memorandum, or incorporation documents
  • 12A and, where applicable, 80G registration
  • Audited financial statements for the relevant years
  • Details of activities and reports of work carried out
  • Details of the designated FCRA bank account
  • Identity details of the office bearers or key functionaries

Benefits

  • Lawful ability to receive foreign donations and grants
  • Access to international donors and funding partners
  • A recognised compliant status under the FCRA
  • Wider scope to expand charitable programmes
  • Structured record keeping for foreign contribution utilisation

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between FCRA registration and prior permission?

Regular registration is for organisations with an established track record that expect ongoing foreign contributions, while prior permission is for a specific amount from a specific donor for a specific project. Newer organisations often start with prior permission.

Where must foreign contributions be received?

All foreign contributions must be received in the designated FCRA account opened with the State Bank of India, Main Branch, New Delhi, as required under the FCRA.

How long should an NGO exist before applying for registration?

For regular FCRA registration, an organisation should generally have been in existence for at least three years and have a record of spending on its core activities. Organisations that do not meet this can consider prior permission.