Legal Foreign Funding
Receive donations from international donors and foundations transparently, within the framework of the Act.
FCRA REGISTRATION
Fcra Registration Registration
Get end-to-end assistance for FCRA registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, from eligibility assessment and Darpan ID to MHA portal filing and the designated SBI account.
✓ Normal Registration & Prior Permission
✓ Designated SBI account guidance
✓ MHA portal filing assistance
✓ FC-4 annual return guidance
3 YrsTrack Record*
5 YrsValidity
60–90Days*
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Tell us about your organisation and funding plan, and our team can guide you through the FCRA registration journey.
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SAMPLE
FCRA Registration Certificate
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) — sample FCRA certificate
Illustrative sample. Your official certificate is issued after approval.
01FCRA, 2010Governing statute, administered by the MHA
02SBI, New DelhiMandatory designated account branch
035-Year ValidityRenewal required before expiry
0420% CapOn administrative expenses
WHY FCRA REGISTRATION?
Open the Door to International Funding.
FCRA registration is generally what allows an eligible trust, society or Section 8 company to legally receive contributions from foreign donors, foundations and agencies.
International Credibility
Registration can signal compliance and trustworthiness to overseas donors and CSR partners.
Access to Larger Grants
Eligibility to be considered for grants from international foundations and agencies.
Global Partnerships
Scope to collaborate with international NGOs and multinational funding partners.
Structured Oversight
A defined compliance framework intended to support proper utilisation of foreign funds.
Tax Treatment
Foreign contributions received by an FCRA-registered organisation are generally exempt from income tax, subject to applicable law.
OVERVIEW
What Is FCRA Registration?
FCRA registration is the authorisation, granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, that allows an eligible organisation to receive foreign contributions in India. Accepting foreign funds without it is generally an offence under the Act.
The FCRA Amendment Act, 2020 made it mandatory to open a designated FCRA account at the State Bank of India, New Delhi Main Branch, so that all foreign contributions are routed through a single, centrally monitored account.
Check Eligibility →Governing LawFCRA, 2010
RegulatorMinistry of Home Affairs
Designated AccountSBI, New Delhi
Validity5 years
Annual ReturnForm FC-4
Admin Expense Cap20% of contributions
REGISTRATION TYPES
Normal Registration or Prior Permission?
The MHA offers different routes depending on an organisation's operational history and funding requirements.
| Type | Who It's Generally For |
|---|---|
| Normal Registration | Organisations with at least 3 years of existence and a minimum spend on core activities, seeking ongoing multi-donor funding |
| Prior Permission | Newer organisations without a 3-year track record, tied to a specific project and a specific donor |
| Renewal | Existing registration holders, generally applied for before the 5-year validity expires |
| Prior Permission → Normal | Organisations that started with Prior Permission and later meet the Normal Registration conditions |
ELIGIBILITY
Who Can Apply for FCRA Registration?
Eligibility conditions vary by registration type and are assessed by the MHA on a case-by-case basis.
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Organisation type | Registered as a Society, Trust or Section 8 Company |
| Track record (Normal) | Generally at least 3 years of existence |
| Spending (Normal) | Generally a minimum spend on core activities over the last 3 years |
| Object clause | A definite cultural, educational, religious, economic or social programme |
| Managing committee | No member convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude |
| Office bearers | Not persons prohibited from receiving foreign contribution |
| Tax registration | Valid 12A and 80G registration generally recommended, though not always mandatory |
DOCUMENTATION
Documents You May Need.
Requirements can vary based on the registration type and the organisation's history.
✓
Registration Certificate
Society, Trust or Section 8 Certificate proving legal existence.
✓
Governing Document & PAN
Memorandum, trust deed or rules, plus the organisation's PAN.
✓
Office Bearer Details
Identity proof, address proof and photographs of key members.
✓
Financial Documents
Audited accounts, bank statements and income-tax returns.
✓
Activity Report
Details of activities conducted and beneficiaries served.
✓
Darpan ID & Tax Certificates
NITI Aayog Darpan ID, and 12A/80G certificates where available.
REGISTRATION PROCESS
From Eligibility to Certificate.
A guided version of the FCRA registration journey, simplified into clear steps.
01
Eligibility Assessment
Evaluate suitability for Normal Registration or Prior Permission.
02
Darpan Registration
Obtain the mandatory NITI Aayog Darpan unique ID, if not already held.
03
Designated Bank Account
Open the FCRA account at the SBI New Delhi Main Branch.
04
Document Preparation
Compile certificates, accounts, activity reports and bearer details.
05
Online Application Filing
File on the MHA FCRA portal with supporting documents and fee.
06
MHA Review & Certificate
Respond to queries during MHA review and receive the registration certificate.
AFTER REGISTRATION
Registration Is Only the Beginning.
FCRA registration comes with ongoing compliance obligations. Non-compliance can risk suspension or cancellation of the registration.
→File Form FC-4Annual return, generally due by 31 December each year.
→Maintain the Designated AccountAll foreign contributions received only through the SBI, New Delhi account.
→Report Utilisation AccountsIntimate the MHA within the applicable window of opening one.
→Respect the Administrative CapKeep administrative expenses within 20% of contributions received.
→Report Changes & Renew on TimeIntimate changes in office bearers or address, and apply for renewal before expiry.
PRIOR PERMISSION VS NORMAL
Which Route Fits Your Organisation?
| Parameter | Prior Permission | Normal Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | No 3-year track record needed | Minimum 3 years of existence generally required |
| Spending requirement | Generally none prescribed | Minimum spend on core activities over 3 years |
| Donor flexibility | Specific donor named in the application | Can generally receive from multiple donors |
| Validity | 5 years or project completion, whichever is earlier | 5 years, renewable |
| Typical processing time | 60–90 days* | 90–120 days* |
| Best suited for | Newer organisations with a committed foreign donor | Established organisations seeking ongoing foreign funding |
*Timelines are indicative and depend on MHA processing and verification.
WHY CORPORATE MART
More Than Registration. A Partner for Your Funding Journey.
We make FCRA registration easier to understand, easier to manage and easier to stay compliant with once granted.
Eligibility-First Guidance
We assess whether Normal Registration or Prior Permission fits your organisation before any filing begins.
Right route, first timeTransparent Process
We break the registration journey into clear stages so you know what is being prepared, filed and expected next.
Clear at every stepQuery Handling Support
Assistance responding to MHA clarifications and queries raised during review.
We stay with the fileCompliance Beyond the Certificate
Guidance on FC-4 filing and the recurring obligations that keep registration in good standing.
Built for the long term01Document checklist
02Application guidance
03MHA filing support
04Post-registration direction
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FCRA registration?+
It is the authorisation from the Ministry of Home Affairs, under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, that generally allows an eligible organisation to legally receive foreign contributions in India.
Who can apply for FCRA registration?+
Organisations registered as a Society, Trust or Section 8 Company, with a definite cultural, educational, religious, economic or social programme, can generally apply, subject to eligibility conditions.
What is the difference between Normal Registration and Prior Permission?+
Normal Registration generally suits established organisations with a 3-year track record and multiple donors. Prior Permission is generally for newer organisations tied to a specific donor and project.
Is a designated bank account mandatory?+
Yes. Following the FCRA Amendment Act, 2020, all foreign contributions are generally required to be received only through a designated account at the SBI, New Delhi Main Branch.
How long does FCRA registration take?+
Processing time depends on the registration type and MHA review, and is typically in the range of 60 to 120 days.
What compliance applies after registration?+
Registered organisations generally need to file Form FC-4 annually, maintain the designated account, respect the administrative expense cap, and report changes and renewals to the MHA.
Can foreign contributions be transferred to another organisation?+
Generally no. Following the 2020 amendment, sub-granting of foreign contributions between FCRA-registered organisations is restricted, subject to applicable law.
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