FCRA Registration & Prior Permission Services
- From NITI Aayog Darpan ID integration through MoHA portal login, document compilation (society deed, audited accounts, donor letter), form FC‑3A/3B/3C completion, to final submission and fee payment, our team manages the entire process for you.
- We assess your NGO’s track record, financials and governance structure to confirm eligibility for “Normal” registration (3‑year history & ₹10 L spent) or advise on “Prior Permission” filing for new entities with project‑based funding commitments.
- We guide you in opening the mandatory dedicated FCRA bank account per RBI guidelines, ensuring it’s ready to receive foreign funds immediately upon certificate issuance and remains compliant with statutory usage requirements.
- Stay on track with your five‑year renewal and FC‑4 annual/quarterly return filings. We calendar key deadlines, prepare audited statements, and e‑file returns on your behalf to avoid penalties and ensure uninterrupted funding.
- Beyond registration, We monitors FCRA amendments, assists in donor‑verification queries, and handles any government audits or information requests,protecting your organization’s good standing so you can focus on impact.
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FCRA Registration: Mandatory for Foreign Funds
FCRA Registration is a legal mandate under India's Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (2010) for entities receiving foreign donations. Governed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, it ensures transparency in foreign fund usage. Operating without it risks:
- ₹5 lakh fines or imprisonment
- Fund seizure or blacklisting We secure your FCRA certificate in 60-90 days with end-to-end compliance.
Choose Your FCRA Pathway
| Type | Purpose | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Registration | Permanent license for established NGOs | 3+ years operation + ₹10L+ expenditure (non-admin) |
| Prior Permission | Temporary approval for new entities/projects | Donor commitment letter + project plan |
Note: Both require registration under Societies Act, Trust Act, or Section 8 Company.
Advantages of Compliance
- Legal Protection:
- Receive foreign funds without government interference
- Tax exemptions on donations
- Credibility Boost:
- Public trust through transparent fund usage
- Priority in international collaborations
- Operational Security:
- Prevention of fund freezes/penalties
- Eligibility for global grants
Who Qualifies?
All Applicants Must:
- Be registered under Indian law (Trust/Society/Section 8 Company)
- Have NGO Darpan ID
- Maintain dedicated FCRA bank account
Additional Requirements:
- Normal Registration:
- 3-year activity report + audited financials
- ₹10L+ documented expenditure
- Prior Permission:
- Donor commitment letter
- Detailed project report
- No common office-bearers with donor (75% separation)
What Counts as Foreign Funds?
Foreign contributions include:
- Currency (INR/foreign)
- Securities/stocks
- Expensive articles (gifts >₹25,000 value)
- Excluded: UN/World Bank/IMF funds
Foreign Sources:
- Overseas governments/agencies
- Foreign citizens/companies
- International trusts/associations
Pre-Application Essentials
Before applying, ensure: 🔸 Dedicated FCRA Bank Account (zero domestic transactions) 🔸 NGO Darpan ID from NITI Aayog portal 🔸 Aadhaar Verification of all office-bearers 🔸 Constitutional Documents:
- Trust Deed/MoA
- Registration certificate 🔸 Compliance Proof: No history of forced conversions or sedition
Application Checklist
Normal Registration:
- Audited financials (3 years)
- Activity reports (3 years)
- Aadhaar of office-bearers
- NGO Darpan ID
Prior Permission:
- Project report
- Donor commitment letter
- Association registration proof
All documents must be PDFs (<2MB)
Maintain Continuous Validity
- Validity: 5 years
- Renewal Timeline: Apply 6 months before expiry
- Requirements:
- Updated activity/financial reports
- Affidavit of compliance
- ₹5,000 government fee
- Late Penalties:
- ₹500/day after expiry
- License cancellation after 180 days
8-Step Legal Registration
- Portal Access: Create login on FCRA Homepage
- Form Selection: FC-3A (Normal) / FC-3B (Prior Permission)
- Details Entry:
- Association information
- Executive committee profiles
- Bank Linking: FCRA account details
- Document Upload: Activity reports/financials
- Payment: Online fee submission
- MHA Verification: 60-90 day processing
- Certificate Issuance: Download from portal
Our service includes form drafting, document prep, and application tracking.
Annual Compliance Duties
- Annual Return (FC-4):
- Due by Dec 31 (for April-Mar financial year)
- Requires CA-certified receipts/payments statement
- Quarterly Returns:
- Mandatory if receipts >₹1 crore/year
- Non-Filing Penalties:
- ₹10,000 fine + fund freezing
Financial Compliance Hub
- Purpose: Exclusive channel for foreign funds
- Setup Rules:
- Must be designated "FCRA Account"
- Zero domestic transactions allowed
- Requires MHA approval before use
- Post-Registration: Transfer existing foreign funds within 45 days
Your End-to-End FCRA Partner
We handle complexities: 🔹 Eligibility Audit: Gap analysis for approval success 🔹 Document Drafting: Activity reports + project proposals 🔹 Bank Liaison: FCRA account setup guidance 🔹 Application Management: Real-time tracking + query resolution 🔹 Post-Registration Support:
- Annual return filing
- Renewal reminders
- Amendment processing
Legal Clarifications
Q1: Can political NGOs get FCRA? No – Parties, politicians, and election-related entities are banned. Q2: Are foreign university grants covered? Yes – Requires prior permission for project-specific funds. Q3: What if our donor withdraws during prior permission? Reapply with new commitment letter within 30 days. Q4: Can FCRA funds buy property? Only with MHA’s case-specific approval.
Secure Foreign Funds Legally Today!
Don’t risk penalties or operational shutdowns. CA Vakeel guarantees compliant FCRA Registration: 📞 Helpline: +91 98765 43210 📧 Email: contact@yourlegalfirm.com "From Compliance to Global Impact: Legitimize Your Foreign Contributions!"