Overview
A Section 8 Company is an NGO that is registered as a company — but not for profit. It is formed under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). This is the most professional NGO form in India. It looks and runs like a normal Private Limited company, but all its profits must go back into charity work. Big companies, CSR teams, and foreign donors trust Section 8 Companies the most because they follow strict rules and their finances are public. If you want to work across India or raise CSR money, this is the best form to pick.
Ideal for
Founders who plan to work across India, raise CSR funds from big companies, or want the most professional NGO form. Also a strong choice for teams with a clear board structure.
Eligibility
Minimum 2 directors (for Private Limited) or 3 directors (for Public Limited)
At least one director must be a resident of India (stayed in India 182+ days in the last year)
NGO goal must be charity, education, science, sports, religion, art, social welfare, or environment
Any profit the NGO earns must go back into the mission — it cannot be shared with members
Documents required
7 documents in total. Checklist shared after your consultation.
PAN and Aadhaar of all proposed directors
Latest electricity bill or rent agreement of the registered office
NOC from the owner of the registered office (if rented)
Passport-size photos of all directors
Draft of MOA and AOA with NGO objectives
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN) — we help you get these
Director declaration (Form INC-14 and INC-15)
Step-by-step process
Get DSC and DIN
We apply for Digital Signature and Director Identification Number for each director. Takes 2 to 3 days.
Name approval from MCA
We file Form RUN with 2 proposed NGO names. MCA approves one name in 2 to 3 working days.
File SPICe+ form
We file the main incorporation form (SPICe+) with MOA, AOA, and all documents online.
Reply to RoC queries
If the Registrar of Companies (RoC) has any questions, our CA handles the reply — you don't have to do anything.
Get Certificate of Incorporation
MCA issues your Certificate of Incorporation with the NGO's PAN and TAN. Your Section 8 Company is now officially registered.
Common pitfalls
Using company-sounding names like 'LLP', 'Solutions', 'Corp' — these always get rejected.
Submitting old or unclear electricity bills for the office address.
Writing NGO objectives too narrowly — limits what the NGO can do later.
Forgetting to file follow-up forms within 60 days of name approval — name lapses.
Frequently asked
How much does it cost to register a Section 8 Company in India?+
Our professional fee is ₹12,000. Government fees are roughly ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 (depending on your state and authorised capital) and are paid directly by you. So total cost usually stays between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000 — all-inclusive, no hidden charges.
Can a Section 8 Company be changed to a regular Private Limited company later?+
Technically yes, but it is very difficult. It needs approval from the Central Government and is rarely granted. Choose this form only if you are sure about the not-for-profit path.
Does a Section 8 Company pay income tax?+
Yes, by default. To make your NGO's income tax-free, you must apply for 12A registration after incorporation. We usually do this together.
What is the minimum capital needed?+
There is no minimum paid-up capital rule. You can start a Section 8 Company with authorised capital as low as ₹1 lakh. Most NGOs start with ₹1 lakh or ₹10 lakh.
Can a Section 8 Company accept foreign donations?+
Yes, but only after getting FCRA registration from the Ministry of Home Affairs. FCRA needs 3 years of activity first — so most Section 8 Companies apply for FCRA from their 4th year.
Can only 2 family members start a Section 8 Company?+
Yes, 2 family members can be the founding directors. But for 12A and 80G approval, it is better to add at least one non-family director — it shows good governance.