FCRA Registration

What is FCRA Registration:

The FCRA stands for the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. It's an Indian law enacted in 2010 to regulate the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions or donations by individuals, associations, and companies in India. The primary purpose of the FCRA is to ensure that such foreign contributions are not detrimental to the national interest, security, or sovereignty of India.

Entities intending to receive foreign contributions need to register with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under the FCRA to legally accept foreign donations or aid. This registration allows them to receive funds from outside India for specific purposes outlined in their objectives.

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Eligibility for FCRA Registration:

Entities aiming to procure foreign support for specific cultural, social, economic, educational, or religious initiatives can seek FCRA registration or receive foreign contributions using the "prior permission" approach. It's preferable for an FCRA applicant to be a Trust, Society, or a Section 8 Company. The nonprofit organization should have a minimum three-year history at the time of FCRA application and should not have previously received foreign contributions without government consent. Furthermore, the applying entity must have expended at least Rs.10,00,000/- over the past three years toward its goals, excluding administrative costs. Audited statements of income and expenditure for the previous three years, verified by a Chartered Accountant, are necessary to confirm compliance with the financial requirement.

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Documents required for FCCA Registration:

• Registration Certificate of Association (self-certified by the chief functionary) - Maximum size: 1 MB (PDF)
• Memorandum of Association/Trust Deed (self-certified by the chief functionary) - Maximum size: 5 MB (PDF)
• Activity Report for the Last 3 Years - Maximum size: 3 MB (PDF)
• Audited Statement of Accounts for the Last Three Years - Maximum size: 5 MB (PDF)

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Procedure for FCCA Registration:

Accessing the FCRA Online Portal:

1. Visit the Ministry of Home Affairs website: https://fcraonline.nic.in/.
2. Click on "Apply for any FCRA services."
3. Select "FC3 (Registration)" to initiate the registration process.

Creating an Account:

1. If you don't have an account, click "Signup for new account."
2. Provide accurate details for signup.
3. Note down your generated user ID and password.

Logging In and Starting the Application:

1. Use your new credentials to log in.
2. Choose "FCRA Registration" and click "Apply Online."
3. Read the instructions carefully.

Completing the Registration Form:

1. Proceed step-by-step through the various sections:
   • Association Details
   • Executive Committee (including details of foreign members, if applicable)
   • EC Details & Others
   • Bank Details
   • Other Details
   • Upload Documents (mandatory supporting documents)

Final Submission and Payment:

1. Preview the application in PDF format.
2. Click "Final Submit" (modifications are not possible after this step).
3. Make the online payment.
4. Print the completed application for your records.

Logout:

• Click "Logout" to securely end your session.

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FCRA Renewal:

The validity of FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration is typically granted for a specific duration, usually five years from the date of approval. Once approved, entities can legally receive foreign contributions for social, cultural, religious, educational, or economic purposes within the framework of FCRA guidelines.

Renewing FCRA registration is essential for entities aiming to continue receiving foreign contributions. The renewal process involves submitting an application for FCRA renewal to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) within the stipulated time frame before the expiration of the current FCRA registration.

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Why choose Ecfile:

Document Management: We provide guidance for required FCRA documents, ensuring proper submission in the required format, eliminating guesswork, and saving time.

Faster Application Submission: Our knowledge of the process and potential pitfalls could help you submit your application more efficiently, potentially reducing turnaround time.

Expert Guidance: Ecfile employs professionals with expertise in FCRA regulations, who can provide advice and support throughout the process.