Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration allows NGOs to legally accept foreign funds. This guide outlines all essential documents required for successful FCRA registration in India.
Introduction
To complete the procedure for FCRA registration, submitting the right documents is critical. Incomplete or mismatched documents can delay or reject your FCRA registration application. This article details every required document, their format, and why they matter in the FCRA registration procedure.
Understanding FCRA Registration and Its Importance
FCRA registration is mandatory for non-profit organizations in India receiving foreign donations. It ensures legal compliance, transparency, and accountability. The FCRA registration procedure is regulated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Every organization must provide authentic documents during the application. These documents prove identity, legitimacy, financial activity, and the organization’s commitment to social welfare.
Why Documents Matter in FCRA Registration
Proper documentation is the backbone of a valid FCRA application. It shows:
- Legal status of your NGO
- Past financial activity
- Purpose of foreign funds
- Transparent governance structure
- Clean audit history
If any document is missing or inconsistent, the application may be rejected. That’s why knowing the procedure for FCRA registration and preparing all documents is essential.
List of Documents Required for FCRA Registration
Below is a detailed list of documents required for both fresh FCRA registration and prior permission applications:
| Document Type | Required For | Format Needed | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| NGO Registration Certificate | All types | PDF / Scanned Copy | Validates legal identity |
| PAN Card of Organization | All types | PDF / JPEG | Establishes financial identification |
| Memorandum of Association (MOA) | Societies / Section 8 Companies | Shows objectives of the NGO | |
| Trust Deed | Trusts | Defines structure and powers of trustees | |
| Activity Report (3 years) | Full Registration | Proves work done in past years | |
| Audited Financial Statements | Full Registration | Shows financial credibility | |
| Bank Account Details | All types | FCRA-designated account required | |
| Governing Body Resolution | All types | Approves FCRA application | |
| Aadhaar & ID of Key Members | All types | PDF / JPEG | Verifies identity of office bearers |
| Commitment Letter from Donor | Prior Permission Only | Confirms intent to donate |
1. NGO Registration Certificate
This is the base document for any FCRA registration. It proves that your organization is legally registered under:
- Societies Registration Act
- Indian Trusts Act
- Section 8 of Companies Act
Without this certificate, your application won’t move forward.
2. PAN Card of the Organization
Every NGO must submit its PAN card. It links your organization with the Income Tax department. It’s essential for financial verification during the FCRA registration procedure.
3. Memorandum of Association / Trust Deed
- MOA for societies and companies shows your organization’s vision, mission, and objective.
- Trust deed applies to registered trusts.
Ensure it’s signed by all founding members and matches your registration details.
4. Activity Report of Last Three Years
This is crucial for full FCRA registration. It should include:
- List of major projects
- Beneficiary details
- Location of activities
- Impact and outcomes
This shows that your organization has a proven record in public welfare.
5. Audited Financial Statements
Submit financial reports for the past three years. Include:
- Balance sheet
- Income and expenditure statement
- Auditor’s report
This proves that the organization has spent at least ₹15,00,000 on welfare projects — a mandatory condition for FCRA.
6. Governing Body Resolution
The decision to apply for FCRA registration must be approved by your board. This resolution must:
- Clearly mention FCRA application approval
- Be signed by the Chairperson or Secretary
- Include date and place of meeting
It formalizes the intent to seek foreign funding legally.
7. Bank Account in Scheduled Bank
Open an FCRA account in any designated bank (preferably SBI, New Delhi Branch as per recent norms). This account will be used only to receive foreign contributions. No local deposits are allowed in this account.
Refer to MHA guidelines for approved bank details.
8. Aadhaar and ID Proofs of Board Members
Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport of key functionaries must be submitted. These documents are needed for identity verification and background checks by authorities. Make sure details match registration data.
9. Donor’s Commitment Letter (For Prior Permission)
If applying for prior permission, attach a donation commitment letter. This letter must mention:
- Purpose of donation
- Amount to be transferred
- Donor’s identity and source of funds
It helps authorities understand the reason for the foreign contribution.
Additional Documents That May Be Required
Sometimes, depending on the application, the Ministry may ask for:
- Project proposal
- Consent letters from project partners
- Office address proof
- Photographs of activities
Keep these documents ready, even if not listed as mandatory during initial application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Document Submission
- Submitting blurred or incomplete scans
- Uploading expired ID proofs
- Mismatch in bank account name and NGO name
- MOA not updated or missing signatures
- Missing activity proofs or photographs
These errors can lead to rejection. Ensure all documents are in proper format and clearly scanned.
Tips for Preparing Documents for FCRA Registration
- Use clear, high-resolution scanned copies.
- Name the files properly (e.g., PAN_CARD.pdf, ACTIVITY_REPORT_2022.pdf).
- Double-check spelling and date formats.
- Cross-verify uploaded documents before final submission.
- Keep both hard and soft copies safely stored.
Timeframe After Document Submission
Once documents are uploaded and fees are paid, verification begins. The IB and MHA may take 90 to 180 days for the approval process.
Keep tracking status on the FCRA Online Portal. Respond to any queries promptly.
FCRA Registration Fees at a Glance
| Application Type | Form | Fee (INR) | Renewal Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Registration | FC-3A | ₹10,000 | Every 5 Years |
| Prior Permission | FC-3B | ₹5,000 | Project Specific |
| Renewal | FC-3C | ₹5,000 | After 5 Years |
Always pay your FCRA registration fees online through the portal. Keep the receipt for record purposes.
Conclusion
Submitting the correct documents for FCRA registration is just as important as understanding the procedure for FCRA registration. Each document plays a specific role in verifying the authenticity and capability of your NGO.
Prepare and verify every document before submission. Stay compliant with FCRA norms and ensure that your data is accurate and consistent. Avoid shortcuts and follow the official FCRA registration procedure as outlined by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Need help organizing your FCRA registration documents or understanding the process? Contact an expert and ensure your application gets approved without delay.
