Section 8 Company Registration

The most credible NGO structure in India — register a Section 8 Company for charitable, educational, or social objectives with MCA regulation and significant tax benefits.

Non-Profit Structure
CSR Funding Eligible
20–30 Days Process
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What is a Section 8 Company?

A Section 8 Company is incorporated under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 for promoting charitable, educational, religious, social welfare, or environmental objectives. Unlike a Trust or Society, it is regulated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), giving it the highest credibility among NGO structures. Profits must be applied only towards the company's objectives — no dividend distribution is allowed. It is the preferred structure for organizations seeking CSR funding and foreign donations.

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Why Register as a Section 8 Company?

Highest Credibility

MCA-regulated structure preferred by donors, CSR teams, and government bodies.

No Minimum Capital

No minimum paid-up capital requirement — start with any amount.

Tax Exemption Eligible

Can apply for 12A (income tax exemption) and 80G (donor tax deduction).

FCRA Eligible

Eligible to receive foreign contributions after obtaining FCRA registration.

Eligibility & Requirements

Minimum 2 Directors and 2 Shareholders
At least 1 Indian Resident Director
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Director Identification Number (DIN)
Proposed company name ending with "Foundation / Association / Organisation / Society / Council / Club / Institute / Federation / Chamber / Confederation / Federation"
Statement of objectives of the company
Registered Office Address
Declaration that no profit distribution to members

How to Register a Section 8 Company

Section 8 registration requires a special Central Government license in addition to normal company incorporation.

1Step 1: Obtain DSC and DIN

All proposed directors must obtain DSC and DIN before proceeding.

2Step 2: Apply for Name Approval

Reserve the company name via SPICe+ Part A. Name must reflect charitable purpose.

3Step 3: File INC-12 for License

Apply for Section 8 license from the Central Government through Form INC-12 with MOA, AOA, and estimated future income/expenditure.

4Step 4: Receive INC-16 License

Central Government issues INC-16 license if satisfied with the objectives and capability.

5Step 5: File SPICe+ for Incorporation

Submit SPICe+ Part B form with the INC-16 license for final incorporation.

6Step 6: Certificate of Incorporation

RoC issues the COI. Section 8 Company is now legally incorporated.

Section 8 Company registration takes 20–30 working days, primarily due to the Central Government license processing time.

Documents Required

Director Identity

  • PAN Card of all Directors
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Photograph
  • Address proof

Company Documents

  • Draft MOA with charitable objectives
  • Draft AOA
  • Estimated income & expenditure statement

Registered Office

  • Rental Agreement or ownership proof
  • Latest utility bill
  • NOC from landlord

Post-Registration Compliance

MCA Annual Filings

File AOC-4 and MGT-7 annually with RoC. Non-compliance attracts heavy penalties.

Income Tax Return

File ITR annually. Apply for 12A to get income tax exemption on surplus.

Audit Requirement

Statutory audit is mandatory for Section 8 Companies regardless of turnover.

No Profit Distribution

Profits cannot be distributed as dividends. All income must be used for stated objectives.

Common Questions

Everything you need to know

Yes, a Section 8 Company can earn revenue through membership fees, grants, donations, and even commercial activities — but all profits must be reinvested in the charitable objectives.

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