Overview
FCRA registration is given by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. Any Indian NGO that wants to receive donations from foreign sources — foreign individuals, companies, governments, or even overseas friends and family — must have FCRA. Without FCRA, accepting foreign money is a criminal offence. FCRA is the strictest regulation for NGOs in India — it has rules on banking (you must have a specific SBI New Delhi branch account), accounting, quarterly filings, and annual returns. The application is detailed and takes time, but once you have FCRA, your NGO can receive international funding from across the world.
Ideal for
Established NGOs with 3+ years of real activity, audited financials, and genuine contacts with foreign donors or agencies.
Eligibility
NGO must be at least 3 years old with real charity work
Average income of at least ₹15 lakh per year for the last 3 years (first-year grants not counted)
12A and 80G must be active
No office bearer should have been convicted of any criminal offence
No office bearer should belong to any banned category (like active politicians or legislators)
Documents required
8 documents in total. Checklist shared after your consultation.
3 years of audited financial statements (income must be ₹15 lakh or more in each of the last 3 years)
3 years of activity report with photos and beneficiary details
NGO registration certificate and active 12A/80G certificates
PAN of the NGO and all office bearers
Darpan ID on NGO Darpan portal (must-have first)
Dedicated FCRA bank account at SBI Main Branch, Sansad Marg, New Delhi
Affidavit from each office bearer declaring no criminal record
Aadhaar of all office bearers
Step-by-step process
Get Darpan ID
Register your NGO on the NGO Darpan portal and get your unique Darpan ID. Must-have before FCRA.
Open FCRA bank account
Open a dedicated 'FCRA account' at SBI Main Branch, Sansad Marg, New Delhi. This specific branch is mandatory by law.
File Form FC-3A online
We file Form FC-3A on the FCRA portal with all documents, affidavits, and the ₹10,000 government fee.
MHA scrutiny and verification
MHA reviews your application, may send officers to your office for physical verification, and runs background checks through intelligence agencies.
Get FCRA registration
If approved, MHA grants FCRA registration valid for 5 years. Quarterly and annual filings become mandatory from day one.
Common pitfalls
Not opening the FCRA bank account at the exact SBI Sansad Marg branch — instant rejection.
Missing even one quarterly return after registration — leads to suspension.
Using FCRA money for anything other than approved activities — criminal liability.
Mixing foreign funds with domestic funds in the same account — violation.
Not informing MHA within 15 days of any office-bearer change — non-compliance.
Missing renewal — registration lapses and fresh application takes another 6+ months.
Frequently asked
What is FCRA registration?+
FCRA stands for Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. It is the registration every Indian NGO needs from the Ministry of Home Affairs to legally accept money from foreign sources. Without FCRA, accepting foreign donations is a crime.
How much does FCRA registration cost in India?+
Our professional fee is ₹25,000. The MHA government fee is ₹10,000 (paid directly by you). Total cost is around ₹35,000. FCRA is the most expensive NGO registration because it is the most detailed.
How long does FCRA registration take?+
3 to 6 months — sometimes longer. MHA checks the application carefully, verifies the office physically, and runs background checks. Patience is key.
How long is FCRA registration valid?+
5 years from the date of grant. You must apply for renewal at least 6 months before expiry — otherwise it lapses and you have to apply fresh.
Can a new NGO apply for FCRA?+
Not directly. Regular FCRA registration needs 3 years of real activity. Newer NGOs can apply for 'prior permission' under FCRA to receive one specific foreign donation — a separate, faster process with its own rules.
What are the quarterly reporting rules?+
Every quarter, you must file a statement on the FCRA portal showing foreign funds received and how they were used. Sevastack's FCRA module automates this end-to-end.
What happens if foreign money comes to a non-FCRA account?+
It is a serious violation. The money may be frozen, your NGO gets penalised, and FCRA registration can be cancelled. Always make sure foreign donors send money only to your FCRA SBI account.
Is FCRA needed if my NGO gets donations only from Indian donors?+
No. FCRA is needed only for foreign donations. If all your donors are Indian citizens or Indian companies, you don't need FCRA — just 12A and 80G are enough.