Getting foreign funding for your NGO or social venture can be a game-changer, but navigating the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) is often the most challenging hurdle. With the latest 2026 compliance standards in place, ensuring your registration is flawless is more critical than ever.
At Praman Advisors Private Limited, we specialize in simplifying these complex regulatory pathways. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for your FCRA registration journey.
1. Overview of FCRA Registration
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010, is a central government mandate that regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign funds by associations or NGOs in India. The primary objective is to ensure that foreign contributions do not adversely affect the internal security or sovereignty of the country.
FCRA Registration is valid for 5 years and is mandatory for any organization looking to receive donations from international sources for cultural, economic, educational, religious, or social programs.
Why Choose Praman Advisors?
Registering with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) involves rigorous scrutiny. Praman Advisors acts as your strategic partner, offering:
- Expert AI-Driven Compliance: We use advanced tools to pre-screen your application.
- End-to-End Support: From opening the mandatory SBI account to final certificate issuance.
Strategic Risk Assessment: We identify potential red flags in your governing body or financial history before submission
Benefits of FCRA Registration
Obtaining an FCRA certificate through a professional firm like Praman Advisors unlocks several strategic advantages:
- Access to Global Funding: Legally accept grants from international foundations, foreign governments, and individual donors.
- Enhanced Credibility: An FCRA registration acts as a "seal of trust," signaling to donors that your NGO is compliant with rigorous Indian laws.
- Tax Exemptions: It complements your 12A and 80G registrations, making your organization more attractive to high-value contributors.
- Government Trust: Registered organizations are often prioritized for collaborative social projects with the government.
Documents Required
Accuracy is paramount. Even a minor discrepancy can lead to rejection. Here is the checklist Praman Advisors will help you compile:
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Category
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Key Documents
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Organizational
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Registration Certificate (Trust Deed/Society MOA/Section 8 COI) & PAN Card of the NGO.
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Financials
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Audited Statement of Accounts for the last 3 years (Income & Expenditure, Receipts & Payments).
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Operational
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Detailed Activity Reports highlighting the work done in the last 3 years.
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Governing Body
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Aadhaar and PAN of all Executive Committee members.
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Banking
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Details of the designated FCRA Bank Account (mandatory SBI, New Delhi Main Branch).
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Miscellaneous
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NGO Darpan ID, Affidavit of each key functionary, and Chief Functionary’s signature/seal.
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Process to Apply via Praman Advisors
We have streamlined the application process into five clear stages to minimize your administrative burden:
- Eligibility Audit: We review your NGO’s history. You must have been in existence for 3 years and spent at least ₹15 Lakhs on your core objectives in the last 3 years.
- Account Setup: We assist in opening the mandatory FCRA bank account at the State Bank of India, Sansad Marg Branch, New Delhi.
- Online Filing (Form FC-3A): Our experts fill out the Form FC-3A on the official MHA portal, ensuring every detail matches your audited records.
- Verification & Inspection: The MHA may conduct a field inquiry. Praman Advisors provides guidance on how to represent your organization during this visit.
- Certificate Issuance: Once the Ministry is satisfied, the FCRA Registration Certificate is issued digitally.
Fees and Timelines
Understanding the cost and time commitment is vital for your planning.
- Official Government Fee: ₹10,000 for new registration (payable via the online portal).
- Praman Advisors Professional Fee: Varies based on the complexity and volume of documents; contact us for a personalized quote.
- Timeline: The standard processing time by the Ministry is 3 to 6 months. However, with Praman’s proactive filing, we ensure the "Query Period" is minimized, keeping the process as swift as possible.
