What is FCRA Registration?

FCRA Registration (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act Registration) is a statutory requirement for any NGO, trust, society, or Section 8 company in India that wishes to receive foreign donations or grants. Governed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), this regulation ensures that foreign contributions are utilized transparently and for legitimate charitable purposes.

Entities can either apply for Permanent FCRA Registration (after 3 years of operations) or opt for Prior Permission (PP) for receiving specific contributions. This process helps build donor confidence, maintain compliance with Indian law, and ensure that foreign funds are not misused.

📑 Documents Required for FCRA Registration
📂 Checklist of essential documents:

1️⃣ 🏢 Registration Certificate – Trust deed / Society registration / Certificate of Incorporation
2️⃣ 🆔 PAN Card of NGO – For identity and tax compliance
3️⃣ 👤 Details of Board Members – PAN, Aadhaar, and contact details
4️⃣ ✍️ Self-declaration – From directors and key functionaries
5️⃣ 🧾 Audited Financials – For the past 3 years (mandatory for permanent registration)
6️⃣ 🏦 Bank Account Details – A dedicated FCRA Bank account in SBI, New Delhi branch
7️⃣ 📄 Activity Report – Highlighting major projects and donor contributions

👤 Eligibility for FCRA Registration
🧾 Who can apply?

An NGO is eligible for Permanent FCRA Registration if:

• It has been in existence for at least 3 years

• Has a proven track record of genuine social, educational, religious, or charitable work

• Has spent a minimum of ₹10 lakhs in the last 3 years for its objectives (excluding admin costs)

If newly established or receiving one-time foreign contribution, the organization can apply under Prior Permission (PP).

Eligible entities include:

• Trusts registered under Indian Trusts Act

• Societies registered under Societies Registration Act

• Section 8 Companies under Companies Act, 2013

🔄 Process of Getting FCRA Registration
🔁 Step-by-step application process:

1️⃣ Open FCRA Bank Account – In SBI New Delhi (Mandated by MHA)
2️⃣ Gather Documents – Collect financials, board details, and registration proof
3️⃣ Online Application – Submit Form FC-3A (Permanent) or FC-3B (Prior Permission) on fcraonline.nic.in
4️⃣ Attach Supporting Documents – Upload necessary PDFs in prescribed format
5️⃣ Pay Government Fees – Pay ₹10,000 (Permanent) or ₹5,000 (PP)
6️⃣ MHA Review & Approval – MHA conducts background checks and issues the FCRA certificate

⏱️ Timeline for FCRA Registration
⏳ Estimated duration to complete the process:

• Permanent Registration – Takes about 90 to 120 days, depending on document completeness and MHA processing

• Prior Permission – May be processed within 30 to 60 days, if documentation is in order

• Delays may occur due to verification, site inspection, or incomplete applications

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FCRA Registration

1️⃣ Is FCRA registration mandatory for foreign donations?
Yes, it is legally mandatory for any NGO receiving foreign contributions.

2️⃣ What is the difference between Prior Permission and Permanent Registration?
Prior Permission is for specific donations; Permanent is for continuous foreign funding.

3️⃣ Which bank is required for FCRA funds?
Only SBI, New Delhi Main Branch is authorized to receive FCRA funds.

4️⃣ Can newly formed NGOs apply for FCRA?
Yes, but only under Prior Permission, not permanent registration.

5️⃣ Can I use my regular bank account for FCRA donations?
No, a separate designated FCRA account is mandatory.

6️⃣ Is there an annual compliance under FCRA?
Yes, NGOs must file Form FC-4 annually and maintain records.

7️⃣ Is physical verification conducted?
In many cases, the MHA may conduct a field verification before approval.

8️⃣ Can we accept donations from any foreign country?
Yes, unless the donor or country is restricted under Indian law.

9️⃣ What happens if we receive foreign funds without FCRA?
It can lead to penalties, cancellation, and even legal prosecution.

🔟 How long is FCRA valid?
FCRA registration is valid for 5 years and must be renewed before expiry.