What is FCRA Registration?
FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) Registration is a mandatory authorization from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for any NGO, Trust, or Society in India to accept foreign donations or grants. It ensures that foreign funds are utilized for legitimate charitable purposes and do not compromise national security.
Types of Registration:
- Regular Registration: Valid for 5 years, for NGOs with a 3-year track record.
- Prior Permission: For newly registered NGOs or specific projects, valid for a specific donor and amount.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for Regular FCRA Registration, an organization must meet the following criteria:
- Legal Entity: Must be registered as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company.
- Existence: Must be in existence for at least 3 years.
- Expenditure: Must have spent at least ₹15 Lakhs on its core activities (excluding administrative costs) in the last 3 financial years.
- Bank Account: Must have a designated "FCRA Account" with the State Bank of India (SBI), New Delhi Main Branch.
Documents Required for FCRA Registration
| Category | Documents |
|---|---|
| Entity Proof | Registration Certificate, MOA/Trust Deed, PAN Card of NGO. |
| Key Persons | Aadhaar & PAN of all Board Members/Trustees. |
| Financials | Audited Financial Statements for the last 3 years. |
| Activity Proof | Annual Activity Reports for the last 3 years. |
| Others | Darpan ID (NITI Aayog), Resolution for FCRA application, Affidavit from each member. |
Registration Process
- Darpan Registration: Register on the NGO Darpan portal to get a unique ID.
- Open Bank Account: Open the mandatory FCRA account at SBI, New Delhi Main Branch.
- Online Application: File Form FC-3A (for regular registration) on the MHA FCRA portal.
- Fee Payment: Pay the government fee of ₹10,000 online.
- Verification: The Intelligence Bureau (IB) conducts a background check of the NGO and its members.
- Approval: Upon successful verification, the MHA issues the FCRA Registration Certificate.
Fees and Penalties
Government Fees:
- Regular Registration (FC-3A): ₹10,000
- Prior Permission (FC-3B): ₹5,000
- Renewal (FC-3C): ₹5,000
Penalties: Non-compliance, such as late filing of returns or misuse of funds, can lead to heavy penalties, suspension, or cancellation of the registration.
Validity and Renewal
Validity: The FCRA Registration is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.
Renewal: An application for renewal (Form FC-3C) must be filed 6 months before the expiry date. Failure to renew results in the lapse of registration, and the NGO cannot receive foreign funds thereafter.
