FCRA Registration for NGOs Online
Get your NGO approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs to receive foreign donations and grants, through FCRA registration or prior permission. We check eligibility, choose the right purposes and States under the June 2026 rules, set up the SBI FCRA account, file the application and handle MHA queries, renewals and annual returns.
- Registration or prior permission
- Purposes & States chosen right
- SBI New Delhi FCRA account setup
- Renewal, FC-6F & FC-4 returns
What is FCRA registration?
Under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA), an NGO with a definite cultural, economic, educational, religious or social programme can accept foreign contribution only after registration or prior permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Receiving foreign money without it is an offence.
Foreign contribution includes donations, grants and articles from foreign sources, such as foreign foundations, foreign companies, international NGOs, and foreign citizens, including NRIs who hold foreign citizenship. Donations from Indian citizens living abroad (NRIs with Indian passports) aren't foreign contribution.
FCRA is one of the most closely monitored regimes for NGOs. Approval involves background checks on the NGO and its key functionaries, and approved NGOs must receive foreign money only in a designated State Bank of India account at New Delhi Main Branch, spend no more than 20% on administration, and file detailed annual returns.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026, in force from 22 June 2026, made registration purpose-specific and State-specific, added stricter checks on utilisation and donors, and require existing registered NGOs to file Form FC-6F by 21 June 2027.
FCRA registration vs prior permission
There are two ways to receive foreign contribution. Which one you can use depends mainly on your NGO's age and track record.
| Feature | Registration | Prior permission |
|---|---|---|
| Form | FC-3A | FC-3B |
| Who it suits | Established NGOs with at least 3 years of work and spending | Newer NGOs, or those not yet eligible for registration |
| Donors | Any eligible foreign donor | One specific donor |
| Amount and purpose | Any amount, for the approved purposes and States | A specific amount for a specific project |
| Key document | 3 years of audited accounts and activity reports | Commitment letter from the foreign donor |
| Validity | 5 years, then renewal (FC-3C) | For that contribution; later instalments need FC-3BB |
FCRA rule changes in 2026
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026 were notified on 22 June 2026. These are the changes that matter most.
Purpose & State-specific
Registration now names the purposes, chosen from a Schedule of 105 activities, and the States or UTs where you'll work. Each extra purpose or State costs ₹300.
FC-6F by 21 June 2027
Already registered NGOs must file Form FC-6F by 21 June 2027 to state the purposes and States they want to keep, or risk their registration.
₹10 lakh utilisation test
An NGO must have used at least ₹10 lakh of foreign contribution on its approved activities over the last two financial years, or face cancellation or non-renewal.
75% before next instalment
Under prior permission, each new instalment (Form FC-3BB) is released only after 75% of the previous one is used and a field inquiry is done.
Key functionaries
NGOs with foreign nationals (other than PIO or OCI holders) as key functionaries are ordinarily not eligible. "Key functionary" now covers trustees and governing body members.
More disclosure
Annual returns now include the ultimate donor behind intermediaries, website and social media, publications, activity-wise spending and the CA's UDIN.
Separately, the FCRA (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introduced in March 2026, was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee and was not law at the time of writing. We track it and will update this page.
Eligibility for FCRA registration
MHA looks at the NGO's history, its people and its work. These are the essentials for registration (FC-3A).
- 1A registered NGOA trust, society or Section 8 company with a definite cultural, economic, educational, religious or social programme.
- 2At least 3 years of existenceRegistered and actually working for at least three years before applying.
- 3Spending on core activitiesAt least ₹15 lakh spent on its core activities over the last three financial years, excluding administrative expenses, shown in audited accounts.
- 4Clean key functionariesKey functionaries identified by Aadhaar (or passport for foreigners), with no adverse record. NGOs with foreign key functionaries other than PIO/OCI are ordinarily not eligible.
- 5No political or proselytising linksNot a political party or organisation of a political nature, and no religious conversion activity. Religious work must fit the permitted purposes.
- 6NGO Darpan & PANThe NGO's PAN and NGO Darpan ID are needed in the application.
Not 3 years old yet? Use prior permission for a specific donor and project. Get your NGO Darpan ID and 12A & 80G in place first.
Which FCRA route fits your NGO?
Pick the option closest to your situation to see the route, form and plan.
Your result
An indicative guide based on the FCRA, 2010 and the FCRA Rules as amended in June 2026. MHA decides every application.
FCRA registration plans
Fixed professional fees. The MHA application fee is paid at actuals and depends on the form and the number of purposes and States.
Renewal & FC-6F
For NGOs that already have FCRA registration.
₹14,999₹21,999+ GST · MHA fee extra
- Review of FC use, returns and the ₹10 lakh test
- Form FC-6F: purposes and States to retain
- Form FC-3C renewal application
- Replies to MHA queries
- Compliance check of SBI and utilisation accounts
- New registration
- Yearly FC-4 return
Prior Permission
For newer NGOs with a committed foreign donor.
₹19,999₹29,999+ GST · MHA fee extra
- Eligibility and donor check
- Project proposal and utilisation plan
- Form FC-3B with donor commitment letter
- SBI New Delhi FCRA account opening support
- Replies to MHA queries until decision
- Guidance on FC-3BB for later instalments
FCRA Registration
For NGOs with 3+ years of work, to receive funds from any eligible donor.
₹29,999₹39,999+ GST · MHA fee extra
- Eligibility review: age, ₹15 lakh spend, key functionaries
- Purposes and States mapped to the 2026 Schedule
- SBI New Delhi FCRA account opening support
- Form FC-3A with all declarations and affidavits
- Replies to MHA queries and field inquiry preparation
- First-year FC-4 annual return
- Dedicated expert on WhatsApp
GST at 18% applies to the professional fee. The government fee covers one purpose and one State, plus ₹300 for each extra purpose or State/UT. Audit fees, if your accounts aren't audited yet, are extra. MHA's decision is independent; our fee covers the work, not the outcome.
Documents required for FCRA registration
Share scanned copies. We review them for consistency, since MHA cross-checks everything.
NGO documents
- Registration certificate and trust deed, society Memorandum and Rules, or Section 8 MOA and AOA
- PAN and NGO Darpan ID
- 12A/80G (Section 332/354) orders, if any
- Governing body resolution approving the application
- Website and social media details
Key functionaries
- Aadhaar (or passport for foreign nationals) of every key functionary
- PAN, address and contact details
- Affidavits and declarations in the prescribed format
- Details of their other associations and directorships
Work and accounts
- Audited financial statements for the last 3 years
- Activity reports for the last 3 years, with photos
- Proposed purposes and States from the Schedule
- For prior permission: donor's commitment letter, project proposal and donor profile
- For renewal: year-wise reports and foreign contribution use
How to get FCRA registration: step by step
Applications are filed online on the FCRA portal. MHA's review includes field and background verification.
Eligibility & routeWeek 1
We check age, spending, key functionaries and objects, and decide between registration and prior permission.
Purposes & StatesWeek 1
We map your work to the right activities in the Schedule and choose the States or UTs, balancing scope against fees and scrutiny.
SBI FCRA accountWeek 1–3
We help open the designated FCRA account at SBI, New Delhi Main Branch, where all foreign contribution must first arrive.
Documents & applicationWeek 2–4
We prepare the activity summary, financials, declarations and affidavits, and file FC-3A or FC-3B with the fee.
MHA review & verificationSeveral months
MHA verifies the NGO and its key functionaries, which may include a field inquiry. We reply to every query on the portal.
ApprovalOn decision
You receive the registration certificate with its purposes and States, or the prior permission for the project. Foreign funds can then be received in the SBI account.
Timelines depend on MHA and verification agencies; several months is typical. Never accept foreign money before approval, even into a regular bank account.
FCRA compliance after registration
FCRA violations can lead to suspension, cancellation and loss of assets bought with foreign funds. These are the key rules.
- AlwaysReceive only in the SBI accountAll foreign contribution must first come into the designated FCRA account at SBI, New Delhi Main Branch. You can open utilisation accounts at other banks for spending.
- Always20% administrative capNo more than 20% of foreign contribution received in a year can be spent on administrative expenses.
- AlwaysNo transfer to othersForeign contribution can't be transferred or sub-granted to any other person or organisation, including other FCRA-registered NGOs.
- AlwaysOnly approved purposes & StatesSpend foreign funds only on the purposes and in the States in your certificate. Keep separate books for foreign contribution.
- Yearly · by 31 DecAnnual return FC-4File the annual return with audited accounts, donor details, activity-wise use and the new 2026 disclosures. File a nil return if nothing was received.
- By 21 June 2027Form FC-6FExisting registered NGOs must confirm the purposes and States they want to keep.
- On any changeFC-6 intimationsReport changes in key functionaries, name, address, objects, bank accounts or purposes within the time allowed.
- 6 months before expiryRenewal (FC-3C)Apply for renewal well before the 5-year validity ends, showing at least ₹10 lakh of foreign contribution used in the last two years. Late applications can lead to the registration ceasing.
More than registration: Start, Build and Grow with one team
We help your NGO get approvals, stay compliant and raise more support.
Register & stay compliant
NGO registration, 12A and 80G, Darpan, CSR-1, FCRA and yearly filings, all at fixed prices.
12A & 80GWebsite & disclosures
A professional website with your work, impact and the disclosures funders and MHA expect.
Website plansReach donors & volunteers
WhatsApp Business API, bulk SMS and cloud telephony for campaigns, donor updates and volunteer drives.
WhatsApp APIFCRA registration: frequently asked questions
What is FCRA registration?+
It is approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 that allows an NGO with a definite cultural, economic, educational, religious or social programme to accept foreign contribution. Without registration or prior permission, receiving foreign money is an offence.
What counts as foreign contribution?+
Donations, grants, currency, securities or articles received from a foreign source, such as a foreign government, foreign company, international NGO, foundation or foreign citizen. Donations from Indian citizens living abroad aren't foreign contribution.
Who is eligible for FCRA registration?+
A registered trust, society or Section 8 company that has existed for at least 3 years and spent at least ₹15 lakh on its core activities (excluding administration) over the last three financial years, with key functionaries who meet MHA's conditions.
What is FCRA prior permission?+
Prior permission (Form FC-3B) lets an NGO that isn't eligible for registration, such as a new NGO, receive a specific amount from a specific foreign donor for a specific project. It needs a commitment letter from the donor.
What changed in the FCRA rules in June 2026?+
The FCRA Amendment Rules, 2026, in force from 22 June 2026, made registration specific to purposes (from a Schedule of 105 activities) and States/UTs, required existing NGOs to file Form FC-6F by 21 June 2027, added a ₹10 lakh utilisation test over two years, tied prior permission instalments to 75% utilisation, restricted foreign key functionaries and expanded disclosures in annual returns.
What is Form FC-6F?+
Form FC-6F is used to state or change the purposes and States/UTs an FCRA-registered NGO operates in. Existing registered NGOs must file it by 21 June 2027 to specify what they want to retain.
What is the fee for FCRA registration?+
MHA charges an application fee for registration, prior permission and renewal, covering one purpose and one State or UT, plus ₹300 for each additional purpose or State/UT. Our professional fee is separate, from ₹14,999 + GST.
How long does FCRA registration take?+
Several months is typical, as MHA verifies the NGO and its key functionaries, sometimes with a field inquiry. Complete, consistent documents and quick replies to queries help.
Where must foreign contribution be received?+
Only in the designated FCRA account at the State Bank of India, New Delhi Main Branch, 11 Sansad Marg. From there, funds can be moved to utilisation accounts at other banks for spending.
How much foreign contribution can be spent on administration?+
No more than 20% of the foreign contribution received in a financial year can be used for administrative expenses. The rest must go to the NGO's programmes.
Can an FCRA-registered NGO transfer funds to another NGO?+
No. Since the 2020 amendment, foreign contribution can't be transferred or sub-granted to any other person or organisation, including other FCRA-registered NGOs.
Can a foreign national be a trustee or director of an FCRA NGO?+
Under the 2026 rules, NGOs with foreign nationals, other than Persons of Indian Origin or OCI cardholders, as key functionaries are ordinarily not considered for registration or prior permission, unless the government allows an exception.
Can donations from NRIs be accepted without FCRA?+
Donations from Indian citizens living abroad, using their own personal savings through normal banking channels, aren't foreign contribution. Donations from foreign citizens, including people of Indian origin who hold foreign passports, are foreign contribution.
How long is FCRA registration valid?+
Five years. The NGO must apply for renewal in Form FC-3C, ideally at least 6 months before expiry, and must show that it used at least ₹10 lakh of foreign contribution on its approved activities in the last two financial years.
What is the due date for the FCRA annual return?+
Form FC-4 is due by 31 December for the previous financial year, with audited statements of foreign contribution. A nil return is needed even if no foreign contribution was received.
Is NGO Darpan or 12A/80G needed for FCRA?+
The NGO Darpan ID and PAN are needed in the application. 12A and 80G aren't strictly required, but they show compliance and are usually in place for established NGOs.
What happens if FCRA rules are violated?+
MHA can suspend or cancel registration, freeze FCRA accounts and impose penalties. Assets created with foreign contribution can be affected if registration is cancelled or lapses.
What is the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026?+
A bill introduced in Parliament in March 2026 dealing mainly with the custody of foreign-funded assets when registration lapses or is cancelled, and with penalties and appeals. It was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee and wasn't law at the time of writing.
Planning to receive foreign funds?
Talk to us before you accept any foreign donation. We'll check eligibility and the right route, with no obligation.
Disclaimer: IBACT Digital (IBACT Innovations Pvt Ltd) is a private consultancy, not a government body. FCRA registration and prior permission are granted solely by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Information on this page is for general guidance and is based on the FCRA, 2010 and the FCRA Rules, 2011 as amended up to June 2026.