Section 8 NGO Registration in India: Documents & Benefits (2025 Guide)
Do you intend to establish an NGO for social, educational, or charitable reasons? One of the most reliable and lawful ways to form a non-profit organisation in India is through a Section 8 Company.
In this article, we’ll go over the definition of a Section 8 NGO, the paperwork needed, its main advantages, and how Legal Darbar may assist you in completing the registration procedure efficiently.
What is a Section 8 Company?
A non-profit organisation registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act of 2013 is known as a Section 8 Company. It was established to encourage:
- Giving to charity
- Education
- Culture and the arts
- Research and science
- Social welfare or religion
- Protection of the environment
- Any additional non-profit goal
A Section 8 Company does not share its revenues with its members like other businesses do. Rather, all revenue is utilised to further its goals.
Benefits of Registering a Section 8 NGO
- Trust & Legal Recognition
- Qualification for Tax Exemption
- There is no minimum capital needed.
- A distinct legal entity
- Government Grant Access
Who Can Register a Section 8 NGO?
- Any Indian individual or group
- At least two directors and two stockholders, who may be the same people
- A minimum of one director needs to reside in India.
- The business needs to have a well-defined non-profit goal.
Documents Required for Section 8 Company Registration
For Directors/Shareholders
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card or Passport/Voter ID
- Passport-size photographs
- Address proof (bank statement, utility bill – not older than 2 months)
For Registered Office
- Electricity or utility bill
- Rent agreement (if rented)
- NOC from owner
Other Documents
- Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) for directors
- Director Identification Number (DIN)
- Objective statement of the NGO
- Draft MoA and AoA
- Declaration of compliance (INC-14, INC-15)
Registration Process (Through Legal Darbar)
Step 1: Evaluation and Consultation
We begin by determining the goal of your NGO and confirming that the documents are ready.
Website: https://legaldarbar.com/
Step 2: Using the RUN Form to approve the name
We assist MCA in filing the Reserve Unique Name (RUN) form. In addition to reflecting your objective, the name should conclude with “Foundation,” “Trust,” or “Association.”
Step 3: Submit DIN and DSC applications
We acquire each director’s Director Identification Number (DIN) and Digital Signature (DSC).
Step 4: Save the application for INC-12
To acquire the licence under Section 8, we draft and submit the INC-12 form to the Registrar of Companies (RoC).
Step 5: Send in the SPICe+ Incorporation Forms
We submit SPICe+ Parts A and B, the MoA (INC-13), the AoA (INC-31), and any other necessary attachments as soon as we have the license.
Step 6: Incorporation Certificate (COI)
Following approval, your NGO is prepared to legally operate as a Section 8 Company when the RoC issues your Certificate of Incorporation.
Conclusion:
The best way to legally run an NGO in India is to register a Section 8 Company. It provides legitimacy, organisation, and money and tax exemptions. Legal Darbar can help you launch a non-profit organisation (NGO) the right way, whether you’re establishing a school, assisting rural communities, or promoting environmental causes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Sure. A Section 8 Company can be registered with no minimum capital.
Sure. It has a superior compliance framework, more legal legitimacy, and is favoured by corporations and funders.
Yes, but at least one of the directors needs to live in India.
The procedure usually takes 20 to 30 working days, depending on RoC permission and documents.
No, although if you want your donations to earn significant gifts and tax breaks, it is strongly advised.
Both typically have a five-year expiration date and need to be renewed.
Yes, but all earnings have to be put back into the company to help achieve its objectives.
Indeed. Financials must be filed with RoC and audited annually.