For non-profits & NGOs

Section 8 Company Registration in India

Register a Section 8 Company online — the most credible structure for NGOs, charitable trusts and social enterprises. Limited liability with full non-profit standing, registered with the MCA.

Filed by qualified practitioners
Transparent, itemised fees
Trusted by 30,000+ Indian businesses

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State-wise pricing

Section 8 registration fees by state

Pricing is transparent and all-inclusive. Pick your state for the exact figure.

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What is a Section 8 Company (NGO)?

A Section 8 Company is a non-profit organisation registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, for charitable objects such as education, art, science, sports, social welfare, environment protection or relief of the poor. It is licensed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and registered with the Registrar of Companies (ROC).

Its profits and income must be applied only towards promoting its objects — no dividends are paid to members. It enjoys the limited liability and separate legal identity of a company while being the most trusted NGO structure for donors, grants and CSR funding. There is no minimum capital requirement, and it can apply for 12A and 80G tax benefits.

Why choose it

Benefits of a Section 8 Company (NGO)

Limited liability & separate entity

Members enjoy limited liability and the organisation is a separate legal entity that can own assets and sign contracts in its own name.

Tax exemptions (12A & 80G)

A Section 8 Company can register for 12A (income-tax exemption) and 80G (deduction for donors), making fundraising far easier.

High credibility for funding

It is the most trusted NGO structure for donors, government grants and CSR funding from companies.

No minimum capital

There is no minimum capital requirement — you can start with any amount, and profits are reinvested for the cause.

Name without “Ltd” suffix

Section 8 Companies are exempt from using “Limited” or “Private Limited” in their name, reflecting their non-profit nature.

Compare

Private Limited vs LLP vs OPC vs Partnership vs Proprietorship

Not sure which structure fits? Here’s how the five compare at a glance — Section 8 Company (NGO) highlighted.

Criteria	Private Limited	LLP	OPC	Partnership	Section 8	Proprietorship
Best for	Startups raising funds	Professional firms & SMEs	Solo founders	Two+ partners, low cost	NGOs & non-profits	Individuals & freelancers
Owners required	2 – 200	2 or more	1 + nominee	2 – 50	2 or more	1
Liability	Limited	Limited	Limited	Unlimited	Limited	Unlimited
Separate legal entity	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No
Raise equity / VC funding	Yes (best)	Limited	After converting	No	No	No
Registered with	MCA / ROC	MCA	MCA / ROC	Registrar of Firms	MCA / ROC	GST / Udyam
Compliance level	High	Medium	Medium	Low	Medium	Lowest
Taxation	~22–25% corporate	30% flat	~22–25% corporate	30% flat	Exempt (12A/80G)	Individual slab

Tax rates are indicative; corporate rate depends on the regime opted. Talk to our advisor for guidance specific to your case.

Documents required

PAN card of all directors
Aadhaar card + address proof (bank statement / utility bill)
Passport-size photographs
Registered office proof — rent agreement + NOC / utility bill
MOA & AOA stating the charitable objects
Projected statement of income and expenditure for three years

How registration works

1

DSC & DIN

We obtain a Digital Signature (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN) for each director.
2

Name approval

We reserve your company name with the MCA (RUN / SPICe+ Part A).
3

Section 8 licence

We apply for the Section 8 licence (Form INC-12) along with the MOA & AOA setting out your charitable objects.
4

Get your COI

Once licensed, the MCA issues your Certificate of Incorporation with CIN, PAN & TAN.

Transparent pricing

No hidden fees, ever

Government fees are charged at actuals and shown upfront. Our professional fee for the Section 8 licence and incorporation is kept low and itemised — get a clear quote on your free call.

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Section 8 Company (NGO) — FAQs

How many directors are needed for a Section 8 Company?

A minimum of two directors and two shareholders are required (the same people can be both). At least one director must be a resident of India.

How long does Section 8 Company registration take?

Usually 15–25 working days, as it involves obtaining the Section 8 licence (Form INC-12) in addition to incorporation.

Can a Section 8 Company pay salaries to its members?

Yes — it can pay reasonable salaries to staff and directors for services rendered, but it cannot distribute profits or dividends to members. All income must go towards its objects.

Can a Section 8 Company get 12A and 80G registration?

Yes. After incorporation it can apply for 12A (income-tax exemption) and 80G (tax deduction for donors) registration with the Income Tax Department.

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