get FCRA registered before the funds land.

Who needs FCRA registration?

Any Section 8 company, Trust, or Society in India that wants to legally receive foreign contributions — donations, grants, or CSR-style funding from a foreign source — needs FCRA registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. It is a legal precondition: accepting foreign contributions without it is a violation of the Act. FCRA is a follow-on registration for an organisation that already exists — it does not replace incorporation as a Section 8 company, Trust, or Society.

What are the eligibility requirements for Normal FCRA registration?

For Normal registration, the organisation must generally have existed for at least 3 years, and must have spent at least ₹15 lakh on its core charitable activities in the preceding 3 years — this figure excludes administrative expenses. If your organisation doesn't yet meet this bar, the Prior Permission route may apply instead.

What is Prior Permission and when does it apply?

Prior Permission (filed via Form FC-3B) is for newer organisations that don't yet meet the 3-year / ₹15-lakh eligibility for Normal registration, but already have a specific foreign donor committed to a specific project. It lets the organisation receive foreign funds for that one project while it builds up eligibility for Normal registration over time.

Why does the FCRA account have to be at SBI, New Delhi Main Branch?

Since the 2020 FCRA amendment, every registered NGO is required to open a dedicated FCRA account at State Bank of India, New Delhi Main Branch. This is legally where all foreign contributions must first land, before being transferred onward to "utilisation accounts" the NGO can hold at other banks. This requirement is still current.

How long is FCRA registration valid, and what if my renewal is pending?

FCRA registration is valid for 5 years, and renewal is due at least 6 months before expiry. The Ministry of Home Affairs has periodically issued blanket validity extensions for NGOs whose renewal is pending, so the standard 5-year clock doesn't always apply strictly if a renewal is already in process. A CA will confirm your organisation's specific renewal deadline rather than assuming the standard timeline. Registered NGOs also need to file an FC-4 annual return as an ongoing compliance requirement.

How much does FCRA registration cost and how long does it take?

Shunya's professional fee is ₹1,999. Government fees, which vary by route (Normal or Prior Permission), and any third-party costs are billed separately. Share your organisation's details with us and a CA will walk you through the full cost on your first call, along with a realistic timeline once your documents and route are reviewed.