Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration is mandatory for NGOs, societies, and trusts to legally receive foreign donations. The registration ensures that foreign funds are used for genuine and transparent purposes in India. 

Types of FCRA Registration 

Prior Permission (PP) Registration 
  • Suitable for newly registered NGOs or those seeking foreign contributions for a specific purpose or donor. 
  • Valid for a single donor and project. 
Regular FCRA Registration 
  • Applicable for NGOs operational for at least 3 years with a proven track record. 
  • Allows multiple foreign contributions. 
  • Valid for 5 years and renewable thereafter. 

Eligibility Criteria 

  • NGO must be registered under Trust Act, Society Registration Act, or Section 8 of Companies Act. 
  • Must have a track record of charitable activities for at least 3 years. 
  • The organization should not have any adverse legal or financial history. 
  • A minimum spending of ₹15 lakh in the last 3 years on core activities. 
  • Properly audited financial statements for the last 3 years. 

Documents Required 

Registration Certificate & Memorandum of Association (MOA) / Trust Deed

PAN Card of the NGO

Audited Financial Statements (Last 3 years)

Activity Report (Last 3 years)

Bank Account Details in an FCRA-designated bank

Details of Key Members (Aadhaar, PAN, Address Proof

Commitment Letter from the foreign donor (for Prior Permission application)

Step-by-Step FCRA Registration Process

  • Prepare Required Documents – Ensure all necessary financial and legal documents are in place. 

  • Open an FCRA Account – Create a dedicated FCRA-designated bank account in SBI, New Delhi, as per RBI guidelines. 

  • Online Application (FC-3 Form) – Submit the application on the FCRA portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

  • Submit Documents & Fees – Upload all required documents and pay the government fees online. 

  • Verification by Authorities – The Ministry of Home Affairs reviews the application and may seek additional details or conduct inquiries. 

  • Approval & Certification – If approved, the organization receives an FCRA certificate, valid for 5 years. 

  • Annual Compliance – NGOs must file annual returns (FC-4 form) and maintain proper records of foreign contributions.