NGO Registration

Overview

NGO Registration

An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) is a non-profit organization formed to work for social welfare, charitable activities, education, healthcare, environmental protection, women empowerment, child welfare, rural development, and other public benefit causes. NGOs operate independently from the government and focus on creating positive social impact rather than earning profits.

In India, NGOs can be registered in different legal forms such as:

  • Trust
  • Society
  • Section 8 Company

A registered NGO can legally receive donations, apply for government grants, conduct charitable programs, and build public trust and credibility. At Registration Partner, we simplify the complete NGO registration process with expert guidance, documentation support, and fast online filing assistance. Whether you want to register a Public Charitable Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company, our team ensures a smooth, affordable, and legally compliant registration process across India.

What are the Benefits of NGO Registration in India?

01

Legal Recognition for Charitable Activities

NGO registration gives your organization legal identity and allows you to operate charitable and social welfare activities officially across India.

02

Eligibility for Government Grants and CSR Funding

Registered NGOs can apply for government schemes, grants, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding from companies and institutions.

03

Increased Trust and Credibility Among Donors

A legally registered NGO builds confidence among donors, volunteers, and supporters, helping your organization gain public trust.

04

Tax Exemption Benefits Under The Income Tax Act12A & 80G

Registered NGOs can apply for 12A and 80G certifications to enjoy tax exemptions and offer tax benefits to donors.

05

Ability to Open a Bank Account in the NGO’s Name

NGO registration allows you to open an official bank account for transparent financial transactions and donation management.

06

Easy Fundraising and Donation Collection

A registered NGO can legally collect donations, organize fundraising campaigns, and receive support from individuals and organizations.

07

Long-Term Social Impact and Organizational Growth

Registration helps build a strong foundation for sustainable growth, long-term projects, and greater social impact in communities.

Eligibility Criteria to Obtain NGO Darpan Certificate

Any registered non-government entity is required to possess the following eligibility criteria to obtain the NGO Darpan certificate in India-

Checklist to Register NGO Darpan:

Charitable Trusts
Registered Societies
Non-profit companies under section 8 of the Indian Companies Act, 2013
Charitable Associations
Voluntary Organizations (VOs)
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
Not for Profit Organizations (NPOs)
Any other Non-government Organizations (NGOs)

NGO Registration Requirements

The requirements for NGO registration entail processes and documents required for different types of NGO registration.

1. Trust Registration

Process
  • Choose the type of trust - Decide whether you want to register a public, private, charitable or religious trust.
  • Draft the trust deed - Prepare the trust deed with all required details on appropriate stamp paper.
  • Select the trustees - Appoint a minimum of 2 trustees and ensure they meet eligibility criteria.
  • Visit the Sub-Registrar Office - The sub-registrar verifies the documents and registers the trust deed.
  • Obtain Trust Registration Certificate - After successful registration, a trust registration certificate is issued.
  • Apply for PAN Card - Apply for a PAN card in the trust's name for financial and tax purposes.
  • Open a Bank Account - Open a dedicated bank account in the trust's name.
Documents Required
  • Trust deed executed on a stamp paper.
  • PAN card of the settlor and all the trustees.
  • Aadhar card or passport (identity proof) of all the parties.
  • Address proof of the registered office.
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner
  • Property documents (if property is being transferred)
  • Witnesses signature and identity proof.

2. Society Registration

Key aspects

1. Minimum Members- At least 7 individuals are needed to form a society, including foreign nationals and companies.

Essential Documents:
  • Memorandum of Association (MOA): Outlines the name, objects, and names of the governing body.
  • Rules & Regulations:Defines the management and operation of the society.
  • Address Proof:Proof of registered office address.
  • ID Proof:PAN and ID proof for all executive members.
Process
  • Name approval:Select a unique name that does not conflict with existing societies.
  • Drafting Documents:Prepare the MOA and Rules & Regulations.
  • Submission: Submit all documents to the state-level Registrar of Societies/Firms.
  • Verification & Certificate:The registrar reviews the application and issues a certificate of registration upon satisfaction.
  • Validity:Registrations are often valid for specific periods depending on the state, with renewal options, such as within 5 years for specific registrations.
Documents Required
  • Address proof – Bank Statement, Utility Bill (Water or Electricity)
  • No Objection Certificate from the property owner
  • Passport-size photos of members
  • Identity proof of all nine members – Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License

3. Section 8 Company Registration

Process
  • STEP 1-OBTAIN DSC AND DIN FOR DIRECTORSvery proposed director must first obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and a Director Identification Number (DIN). The DSC is used to digitally sign all MCA forms, while the DIN is the unique identification number for each director. DIN can be applied via the MCA portal through Form DIR-3.
  • STEP 2- MCA NAME APPROVAL VIA RUNApply for MCA Name Approval through the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service on the MCA portal. The proposed name must reflect the charitable or non-profit nature of the organization. The name must not be identical to any existing company or trademark. This is a critical step before proceeding with Section 8 company MCA registration.
  • STEP 3- MOA & AOA Drafting and Section 8 License (Form INC-12) MOA & AOA Drafting is a crucial step that defines the objectives, governance, and operational framework of the non-profit company. File Form INC-12 on the MCA portal along with the draft MOA, AOA, declaration by directors, and estimated income-expenditure statement. Upon review, the MCA issues a Section 8 License in Form INC-16.
  • STEP 4 – COMPANY INCORPORATION VIA SPICE+ FORMAfter receiving the Section 8 License, complete Company Incorporation by filing the SPICe+ form (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) on the MCA portal. This form integrates DIN allotment, name reservation, PAN & TAN Registration, and incorporation application into a single seamless process.
  • STEP 5 – RECEIVE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION Upon successful verification of all documents and forms, the MCA issues the Certificate of Incorporation along with the Company Identification Number (CIN). This officially marks the completion of your Section 8 company registration online India.
Documents Required
  • Name of the company for approval
  • PAN card of all directors and members.
  • E-mail ids of all directors and members.
  • Address proof – Bank Statement, Utility Bill (Water or Electricity)
  • No Objection Certificate from the property owner, if Premises are rented.
  • Passport-size photos of directors

Process of NGO Registration

01

Choose the Type of NGO

The first step is selecting the suitable legal structure for your organization:

  • Trust Registration
  • Society Registration
  • Section 8 Company Registration

The choice depends on the objectives, management structure, and operational requirements of the NGO.

02

Select the NGO Name

Choose a unique and meaningful name for the NGO that reflects its mission and social objectives. The name should not match any existing registered organization or trademark.

03

Prepare Required Documents

Draft and collect all necessary documents such as:

  • Identity and address proof of members/trustees
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Registered office address proof
  • Trust Deed / MOA & AOA / Society Bylaws
  • NOC from property owner
04

Draft Legal Documents

Prepare the legal documents required for registration, including:

  • Trust Deed for Trust Registration
  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)
  • Articles of Association (AOA)
  • Rules & Regulations for Society Registration
05

Filing of Registration Application

The application along with all required documents is submitted to the concerned Registrar or Government Authority for approval and verification.

06

Verification and Approval

The Registrar verifies the submitted documents and details. Once approved, the NGO receives its Registration Certificate.

07

Apply for PAN, TAN & Bank Account

After registration, the NGO can apply for:

  • PAN Card
  • TAN Registration
  • NGO Bank Account in the organization’s name
08

Apply for 12A & 80G Registration

To avail tax exemption benefits and attract donors, the NGO can apply for:

  • 12A Registration
  • 80G Certification
09

Start NGO Operations

After completing registration and compliance, the NGO can officially start charitable activities, fundraising, and social welfare programs across India.

Register your NGO easily with expert assistance from Registration Partner.

How to Apply for NGO Registration in India?

The NGO registration process is free from complexities and easy to comprehend. The procedure to apply for NGO registration and register NGO in India is explained below-

01

Identify the Type

Based on its goals and objectives, identify the NGO type and choose one of the following: trust, society, or section 8 company.

02

Pick an Exclusive Name

Pick an exclusive name (not similar to any existing NGO) for your NGO reflecting its mission, goals and existence.

03

Draft the Memorandum of Association (MoA) & Articles of Association (AoA)

Draft the MoA and AoA outlining its goals, guidelines, regulations and policies to govern its operations and management. File form DIR-3 with ROC to obtain DIN.

04

Form the Governing Body

Form a governing body or managing committee consisting of people responsible for the organization's operations and decision-making processes.

05

Furnish a Registered Office Address

Furnish a registered office address for official communication and delivery of legal documents and paperwork.

06

Compile Necessary Documentation

Compile important documents, including identity proofs, address proofs, and photographs of all members of the governing council.

07

Submit the Registration Application

Submit the registration application with attached documents, to the relevant authority depending on the type of the NGO - Registrar of Societies, Registrar of Trusts, or Registrar of Companies.

08

Review and Approval

The registration authority will assess the application and all supporting documents. You may be asked to provide additional information or clarification, depending on the review.

09

Acquire the Registration Certificate

After successfully reviewing the application and supporting documents, the registration authority will issue a certificate validating the NGO's legal status.

10

Request for Tax Exemptions

Once the registration certificate is acquired, the NGO is eligible to apply for tax exemptions under the Income Tax Act. However, it must have obtained certifications such as 12A and 80G prior to the steps mentioned above.

11

Adhere to Compliance and Reporting

Compliance with legal requirements is a must, and it includes filing yearly returns, maintaining accounts, and presenting audited financial statements.

What is the NGO Registration Fees?

The registration fees for NGOs depends on the following factors:

  • Type of the NGO registered – Trust, Society or Section 8 Company.
  • Country in, which the NGO is being registered
  • Requirements of the governing body
  • Additional expenses incurred due to – documentation, legal compliance, administrative charges and regulatory requirements

The break-up of the total amount is as follows:

Service Fees
Digital Signature Certificate Fees INR 2,000
Government Fees (Stamp Duty) INR 1,500
Professional Fees INR 3,799
Total Cost INR 7,299

Why is Registration Partner the Best Choice for NGO Registration?

01

Choosing Registration Partner for NGO or Trust Registration ensures a seamless, reliable, and legally compliant registration experience. Our team of experienced professionals offers complete assistance for Trust, Society, and Section 8 Company registration with affordable pricing, fast online processing, and comprehensive documentation support. From drafting legal documents and filing applications to obtaining Registration Certificates, PAN, TAN, and 12A & 80G certifications, we manage the entire process with accuracy and professionalism.

02

We are committed to delivering transparent services, timely updates, and dedicated customer support to help social entrepreneurs, charitable organizations, and non-profit institutions establish their NGO with confidence. With our expert guidance and nationwide service network, Registration Partner stands as a trusted partner for building and growing impactful non-profit organizations across India.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What is an NGO?
    An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) is a non-profit organization formed to work for social welfare, charitable, educational, religious, or environmental purposes.
  • Q: What are the types of NGO registration in India?
    NGOs in India can be registered as:
    • Trust
    • Society
    • Section 8 Company
  • Q: How many members are required for NGO registration?
    • Trust: Minimum 2 trustees
    • Society: Minimum 7 members
    • Section 8 Company: Minimum 2 directors and shareholders
  • Q: How long does NGO registration take?
    The registration process usually takes 7 to 20 working days, depending on the type of NGO and government approval process.
  • Q: Can an NGO earn profit?
    No, an NGO cannot distribute profits among members. Any income earned must be used only for charitable or social welfare activities.
  • Q: Is NGO registration mandatory?
    Yes, registration is important to obtain legal recognition, receive donations, apply for grants, and operate officially.
  • Q: What documents are required for NGO registration?
    Common documents include:
    • PAN Card & Aadhaar Card of members
    • Address proof
    • Passport-size photographs
    • Registered office proof
    • Trust Deed / MOA / Rules & Regulations
  • Q: Can a registered NGO receive donations?
    Yes, a registered NGO can legally receive donations from individuals, companies, and organizations.
  • Q: What are 12A and 80G registrations?
    12A registration provides tax exemption to the NGO, while 80G allows donors to claim tax benefits on donations.
  • Q: Can NGO registration be done online?
    Yes, NGO registration can be completed online with proper documentation and expert assistance.
  • Q: What is the benefit of NGO registration?
    NGO registration provides legal identity, credibility, tax benefits, fundraising opportunities, and access to CSR funding.
  • Q: Why choose Registration Partner for NGO registration?
    We provide expert guidance, fast online registration, affordable pricing, documentation support, and end-to-end assistance for NGO and Trust registration across India.