UrbanDox helps individuals and groups form legally compliant NGOs, ensuring eligibility for government aid, tax exemptions, and global recognition.
- Expert advice on choosing the right NGO type
- Complete document drafting and review
- Filing assistance under Trust Act, Society Act, or Companies Act
- PAN, TAN, and 12A/80G application support
- Transparent pricing and quick turnaround
- Guidance on compliance, accounting, and funding post-registration
Why Trust Us
Why Trust Us
What is NGO Registration?
NGO registration is the legal process of formally incorporating a not-for-profit organization under Indian law. The main purpose of an NGO is to work for the welfare of the public without profit motives. NGOs in India can be registered as:
-
Trust under Indian Trusts Act, 1882
-
Society under Societies Registration Act, 1860
-
Section 8 Company under Companies Act, 2013
The choice of structure depends on factors like the number of members, operations, objectives, and funding sources. Registration gives the NGO a legal identity, the ability to open a bank account, own property, and receive donations or grants.
Why Register an NGO?
Registering your NGO ensures that your organization is legally compliant and credible, allowing it to raise funds, enter into partnerships, and benefit from tax exemptions. It also protects your entity and gives it long-term continuity.
-
Gain legal status to operate across India
-
Become eligible for tax exemptions under 12A and 80G
-
Apply for grants, CSR funding, and FCRA registration
-
Improve transparency and donor confidence
-
Protect the organization’s assets and name
-
Open a dedicated bank account for activities
-
Develop a formal structure for governance and operations
-
Eligible for government schemes and CSR collaboration
Who Can Register an NGO?
Any Indian citizen or group of individuals above 18 years of age can register an NGO. For foreign nationals, permission from the government may be required depending on the activity and structure.
Each format has different requirements:
-
Trust: Minimum 2 trustees; ideal for family-driven philanthropy or long-term charitable work
-
Society: Minimum 7 members from different states; suitable for educational, cultural, and scientific promotion
-
Section 8 Company: At least 2 directors; most structured form, eligible for larger grants and FCRA
NGO can be established by individuals, companies, or other legal entities with philanthropic goals.
Documents Required for NGO Registration
Proper documentation is key to a successful registration. Our team assists in collecting, reviewing, and preparing all necessary paperwork.
For Trust Registration:
-
PAN and Aadhaar of all trustees
-
Registered office proof (utility bill, rent agreement/NOC)
-
Trust deed with objectives and governance rules
-
Passport-size photographs of trustees
-
Settlor declaration
For Society Registration:
-
PAN and Aadhaar of founding members (minimum 7)
-
Proof of office address and NOC from owner
-
Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Rules & Regulations
-
ID and address proof of all members
-
Cover letter requesting registration
For Section 8 Company:
-
PAN and Aadhaar of directors and shareholders
-
Registered office address proof
-
MOA and AOA drafted with charitable objectives
-
Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) of directors
-
Director Identification Number (DIN)
-
Declaration from professionals (CA/CS/Lawyer)
NGO Registration Process
UrbanDox ensures a smooth NGO registration experience, from selecting the format to post-registration support.
-
Consultation – Analyze your goals and suggest the right NGO structure
-
Document Preparation – Draft MOA, AOA, Trust Deed, or Society Rules
-
Digital Setup – Obtain DSC and DIN (for Section 8)
-
Application Filing – Submit application with authority (Registrar or MCA)
-
Government Review – Follow up and provide clarifications if needed
-
Certificate Issuance – Receive registration certificate
-
Post-Registration – Apply for PAN, TAN, 12A, 80G, and open bank account
-
Compliance Advisory – Assist in annual filings and audit
Important Things to Remember
Each NGO format has a different registration body, compliance process, and state-specific rules. Choosing the right type can affect operations and fundraising potential.
-
Trust is easier to set up and preferred for long-term charitable goals
-
Society requires 7+ members and is ideal for social awareness and advocacy
-
Section 8 Company is highly regulated and suitable for large-scale operations
-
Registration is state-specific for Trust and Society, but national for Section 8
-
Ensure clear objectives in bylaws or trust deed to avoid future conflict
-
PAN and TAN are mandatory post-registration
-
12A and 80G registration provides major tax relief
-
UrbanDox helps you apply for CSR and government grants
-
Annual compliance is required to retain legal status and credibility
Talk to Our Team Our Experts Are Ready
What is NGO Registration?
NGO registration is the legal process of formally incorporating a not-for-profit organization under Indian law. The main purpose of an NGO is to work for the welfare of the public without profit motives. NGOs in India can be registered as:
-
Trust under Indian Trusts Act, 1882
-
Society under Societies Registration Act, 1860
-
Section 8 Company under Companies Act, 2013
The choice of structure depends on factors like the number of members, operations, objectives, and funding sources. Registration gives the NGO a legal identity, the ability to open a bank account, own property, and receive donations or grants.
Why Register an NGO?
Registering your NGO ensures that your organization is legally compliant and credible, allowing it to raise funds, enter into partnerships, and benefit from tax exemptions. It also protects your entity and gives it long-term continuity.
-
Gain legal status to operate across India
-
Become eligible for tax exemptions under 12A and 80G
-
Apply for grants, CSR funding, and FCRA registration
-
Improve transparency and donor confidence
-
Protect the organization’s assets and name
-
Open a dedicated bank account for activities
-
Develop a formal structure for governance and operations
-
Eligible for government schemes and CSR collaboration
Who Can Register an NGO?
Any Indian citizen or group of individuals above 18 years of age can register an NGO. For foreign nationals, permission from the government may be required depending on the activity and structure.
Each format has different requirements:
-
Trust: Minimum 2 trustees; ideal for family-driven philanthropy or long-term charitable work
-
Society: Minimum 7 members from different states; suitable for educational, cultural, and scientific promotion
-
Section 8 Company: At least 2 directors; most structured form, eligible for larger grants and FCRA
NGO can be established by individuals, companies, or other legal entities with philanthropic goals.
Documents Required for NGO Registration
Proper documentation is key to a successful registration. Our team assists in collecting, reviewing, and preparing all necessary paperwork.
For Trust Registration:
-
PAN and Aadhaar of all trustees
-
Registered office proof (utility bill, rent agreement/NOC)
-
Trust deed with objectives and governance rules
-
Passport-size photographs of trustees
-
Settlor declaration
For Society Registration:
-
PAN and Aadhaar of founding members (minimum 7)
-
Proof of office address and NOC from owner
-
Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Rules & Regulations
-
ID and address proof of all members
-
Cover letter requesting registration
For Section 8 Company:
-
PAN and Aadhaar of directors and shareholders
-
Registered office address proof
-
MOA and AOA drafted with charitable objectives
-
Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) of directors
-
Director Identification Number (DIN)
-
Declaration from professionals (CA/CS/Lawyer)
NGO Registration Process
UrbanDox ensures a smooth NGO registration experience, from selecting the format to post-registration support.
-
Consultation – Analyze your goals and suggest the right NGO structure
-
Document Preparation – Draft MOA, AOA, Trust Deed, or Society Rules
-
Digital Setup – Obtain DSC and DIN (for Section 8)
-
Application Filing – Submit application with authority (Registrar or MCA)
-
Government Review – Follow up and provide clarifications if needed
-
Certificate Issuance – Receive registration certificate
-
Post-Registration – Apply for PAN, TAN, 12A, 80G, and open bank account
-
Compliance Advisory – Assist in annual filings and audit
Important Things to Remember
Each NGO format has a different registration body, compliance process, and state-specific rules. Choosing the right type can affect operations and fundraising potential.
-
Trust is easier to set up and preferred for long-term charitable goals
-
Society requires 7+ members and is ideal for social awareness and advocacy
-
Section 8 Company is highly regulated and suitable for large-scale operations
-
Registration is state-specific for Trust and Society, but national for Section 8
-
Ensure clear objectives in bylaws or trust deed to avoid future conflict
-
PAN and TAN are mandatory post-registration
-
12A and 80G registration provides major tax relief
-
UrbanDox helps you apply for CSR and government grants
-
Annual compliance is required to retain legal status and credibility
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the best format for starting an NGO?
A: Section 8 Company is the most structured, while Trusts and Societies are simpler and state-governed.
Q: Can a single person register an NGO?
A: Trusts can be started by two people; Section 8 requires a minimum of two directors.
Q: Is NGO registration valid nationwide?
A: Section 8 is valid nationwide; Trusts and Societies are state-bound unless registered at the national level.
Q: What is 80G and 12A registration?
A: 12A gives tax exemption to NGOs, and 80G allows donors to claim tax deductions.
Q: How long does the registration process take?
A: Trusts/Societies: 10–30 working days. Section 8 Companies: up to 45 days depending on processing.
Q: Can foreign funds be received by NGOs?
A: Yes, with FCRA registration from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Q: Do NGOs need to file returns?
A: Yes, they must file annual income tax returns and maintain audited accounts.
