Foreign donations without FCRA approval are illegal, full stop. Whether it is a foreign foundation’s grant or a diaspora donor’s transfer, your NGO needs FCRA registration, or prior permission for a specific project, before a single foreign rupee arrives.
Krishna TaxNova assesses your eligibility honestly, sets up the mandatory SBI New Delhi account, files the application with the supporting record MHA expects and then runs the strict annual compliance that keeps the license alive.
What is FCRA Registration?
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act requires NGOs to hold FCRA registration (generally available after three years of activity and a threshold of spending on objects) or prior permission for a specific donation and donor. Foreign funds flow only into the designated FCRA account at SBI New Delhi Main Branch, with utilisation accounts allowed. Registration lasts five years, with annual FC-4 returns and tight restrictions on transfers and administrative expenses.
Who Should Apply for FCRA Registration?
- NGOs with foreign foundations or donors ready to fund them
- Organisations three plus years old scaling to international funding
- New NGOs with a specific foreign grant (prior permission route)
- FCRA holders needing renewal or compliance rescue
Benefits of FCRA Registration
Lawful Foreign Funding
Grants and donations from abroad flow legally and auditable.
Institutional Doors Open
International funders engage only FCRA compliant organisations.
Prior Permission Route
Younger NGOs access specific foreign grants without waiting three years.
Compliance Architecture
Accounts, registers and returns structured to survive MHA scrutiny.
Renewal Continuity
Five year renewals filed early so funding never freezes.
Documents Required for FCRA Registration
Keep these documents ready. You can upload them using the form on this page or send them to us on WhatsApp.
- Registration certificate and deed/MOA of the NGO
- 12A registration and PAN
- Activity reports and audited financials for three years
- Details of office bearers with Aadhaar and passport where applicable
- Darpan ID
- For prior permission: donor commitment letter and project details
- SBI FCRA account details
Step by Step Process for FCRA Registration
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Step 1: Eligibility Assessment
Track record, spending thresholds and office bearer checks are verified upfront.
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Step 2: SBI Account Setup
The designated FCRA account at SBI New Delhi Main Branch is opened.
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Step 3: Application Filing
FC-3A (registration) or FC-3B (prior permission) is filed with complete annexures.
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Step 4: MHA Follow Up
Queries and verifications from the ministry are responded to promptly.
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Step 5: Compliance Regime
FC-4 annual returns, utilisation discipline and renewal tracking are established.
FCRA Registration at a Glance
Estimated Timeline
MHA processing commonly takes several months
Governing Authority
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), FCRA Wing
Validity
5 years, renewable
Government Fees
Government fee applies; administrative expense cap is 20 percent of foreign funds
Why Choose Krishna TaxNova for FCRA Registration?
FCRA is unforgiving: transfers, expense caps and return deadlines are policed strictly and cancellations are common. We build the compliance system with the registration, not after the first violation.
CA Led Team in Delhi
Your work is handled by a qualified Chartered Accountant team, not a call center. You get correct advice the first time.
Upload Documents Online
Share everything from your phone or laptop. Use the secure upload form on this page or simply WhatsApp us your documents.
Transparent Pricing
You approve a clear quote before we start. No hidden charges at any stage.
End to End Support
From document collection to final approval and post registration compliance, one team stays with you throughout.
FCRA Registration: Frequently Asked Questions
Can a new NGO receive a foreign grant?
Through prior permission, yes: a specific amount from a specific donor for a specific project can be approved even without the three year track record. We prepare these applications with the donor's commitment letter.
Why must the account be at SBI New Delhi?
The law mandates the designated FCRA account at SBI New Delhi Main Branch as the single entry point for foreign funds, with utilisation accounts allowed elsewhere. We handle the opening remotely; no Delhi visit is needed.
Can FCRA funds be transferred to other NGOs?
Transfers of foreign contribution to other organisations are now essentially prohibited. Programs must be executed directly, a structural point we plan into grant agreements.
What breaks FCRA registrations most often?
Missed FC-4 returns, exceeding the administrative expense cap and unreported changes in office bearers. Each is preventable with the discipline our compliance calendar enforces.
How long does FCRA Registration take?
In most cases the work is completed in MHA processing commonly takes several months. The exact time depends on how quickly documents are shared and on processing time at the department. We keep you updated at every stage.
What documents are needed for FCRA Registration?
The key documents include registration certificate and deed/moa of the ngo, 12a registration and pan, activity reports and audited financials for three years, details of office bearers with aadhaar and passport where applicable. Our team shares a simple checklist after the first call so nothing is missed.
Can I complete FCRA Registration fully online?
Yes. The entire process is online. Fill the form on this page, upload your documents or WhatsApp them to us, and our experts handle the filings. You do not need to visit any office.
Which authority handles FCRA Registration?
FCRA Registration falls under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), FCRA Wing. Krishna TaxNova prepares and files your application in the required format and responds to any queries raised by the department.
What is the validity of FCRA Registration?
The validity is 5 years, renewable. We send renewal and compliance reminders in advance so you never miss a due date.
Do you provide FCRA Registration outside Delhi?
Yes. We are based in Delhi and serve clients across India. Since the process is fully online, your location does not matter. Documents can be shared through the website or WhatsApp.
Get FCRA Registration Done by Experts
Fill in your details, upload your documents online or send them on WhatsApp. A qualified CA will review your case and call you back with the exact steps and a fixed quote.