Section 8 Company Registration

in just ₹7,499 /- (Inclusive Govt Fee)

1000+

Section 8 Company Registration

10+

Years of Experience

What’s Included?

Company Name Approval Company PAN & TAN Company Master Data DSC with Token Post Incorporation Documents & DSC Dispatch Support Incorporation Certificate PF & ESIC Registration Section 8 License, AOA & MOA Bank Account Opening Support Dedicated Incorporation Manager

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Section 8 Company Registration in India - Document, Process & Fees

A Section 8 Company is a non-profit organisation registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, formed to promote charitable objectives such as education, art, science, research, sports, social welfare, religion, environmental protection, or any other object of public benefit. Unlike a private limited company, a Section 8 company cannot distribute profits to its members — all income must be reinvested to further its stated charitable purposes.

For Section 8 company registration in India, you submit your documents through the MCA portal, obtain a licence from the Central Government (via the Regional Director), and receive your Certificate of Incorporation from the Registrar of Companies. The process typically takes 20–25 working days and the cost starts at ₹7,499 (inclusive of government fees and our professional fees) for a company with authorised capital up to ₹1 lakh.

Section 8 Company Sample Documents

Incorporation Certificate

Section 8 License

Section 8 Company registration Certificate Sample

Section 8 Company Registration Process

The entire process for Section 8 Company registration is online through the MCA portal (mca.gov.in). Here are the steps and the whole process: 20-25 working days.

STEP 1 • Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Every director and subscriber must obtain a Class-III DSC to digitally sign all MCA forms. DSCs are issued by authorised certifying agencies (eMudhra, Sify, Capricorn). You will need a self-attested PAN, address proof, and a brief video verification. It takes 1-2 working days.
STEP 2 • Apply for Name Approval via SPICe+ Part A
File SPICe+ Part A on the MCA portal with two proposed names and the main object. The Central Registration Centre (CRC), Manesar reviews the names for uniqueness and guideline compliance. Once approved, the name is reserved for 20 days (extendable). DIN for new directors is applied at this stage. It takes 2-5 working days.
STEP 3 • Apply for Section 8 Licence via Form INC-12
This is the step unique to Section 8 companies. File Form INC-12 with the Regional Director. Attach draft MOA (INC-13), draft AOA, declaration from a CA/CS/CMA/Advocate (INC-14), declaration from subscribers (INC-15), 3-year financial projection, and grounds on which licence is applied. Once approved, a 6-digit Section 8 licence number is issued. It takes 10-15 working days.
STEP 4 • File SPICe+ Part B (Form INC-32)
This is your incorporation form. It is a single integrated form that covers: company details, director details (DIN application if needed), registered office address proof, PAN + TAN application, EPFO + ESIC registration, profession tax (where applicable), and GSTIN (optional). It takes 3-5 working days.
STEP 5 • File e-MOA (INC-33) and e-AOA (INC-34)
The Memorandum of Association (MOA) defines the object, powers and scope of the company. The Articles of Association (AOA) set the internal governance rules.
STEP 6 • Receive Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
Once all filings are approved, CRC Manesar issues the Certificate of Incorporation with your CIN (Corporate Identification Number), PAN, and TAN. Your company is now legally born. Open the company bank account within 60 days and deposit the subscribed capital. It takes up to 3 days.

Documents Required for Section 8 Company Registration

Collect all of these before you start registering your Section 8 company. Missing documents cause the majority of rejections.

From Each Director & Subscriber

PAN Card (Indians) / Apostilled Passport (NRIs & foreign nationals)
Aadhaar Card
Address proof — bank statement or utility bill (≤ 2 months old)
Passport-size photograph

For the Registered Office

Latest utility bill (≤ 2 months old)
Rent agreement + NOC from owner (if rented)
Sale deed or property tax receipt (if owned)

Section 8 Specific

Draft MOA (INC-13) and AOA
3-year financial projection (mandatory)
INC-14 (declaration by CA/CS/CMA/Advocate)
INC-15 (subscriber declaration)

Documents Required for registration of Section 8 Company

Documents You Receive After Section 8 Company Registration

Once your Section 8 company registration is successfully, you will receive:

Certificate of Incorporation (COI) with CIN
Section 8 Licence (6-digit licence number from Regional Director)
Memorandum of Association (MOA) — signed & approved
Articles of Association (AOA) — signed & approved
Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the company
Tax Deduction & Collection Account Number (TAN)
Director Identification Number (DIN) for each director
Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) for all directors
EPFO Registration Certificate
ESIC Registration Certificate
Company Master Data extract

Registration Fees for Section 8 Company

section 8 company registration fees as NGO

Total Section 8 company registration cost depends on the state where you register, because stamp duty varies. The professional fee and DSC cost remain uniform across India.

Section-8 Company Registration	Registration Fees
✅ Digital Signature Certificate Fee	₹1,000
✅ Government Fees(Stamp Duty)	₹2,500
✅ Professional Fees	₹3,999
✅ Total Cost	₹7,499

Charges applicable for DSC certificate would be paid directly to certifying agencies.

Note:All fees are exclusive of 18% GST. Fees above are for a Section 8 company with 2 subscribers and authorised capital up to ₹1 lakh. Capital above ₹1 lakh attracts additional MCA fees and higher stamp duty.

What is a Section 8 Company?

A Section 8 Company is a company registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 with the exclusive object of promoting commerce, art, science, sports, education, research, social welfare, religion, charity, protection of the environment, or any other such object of public benefit.

The key features that distinguish a Section 8 company from a regular company or NGO structure are:

It is licensed by the Central Government (via the Regional Director) before incorporation.
It does not use the suffix “Private Limited” or “Limited” in its name.
It cannot distribute profits or dividends to its members — all surplus is reinvested.
It has perpetual succession and limited liability for members.
It enjoys higher credibility than a Trust or Society because of strict ROC scrutiny.

Eligibility Criteria for Section 8 Company Registration

Confirm you meet these criteria before starting registration of Section 8 company.

Directors & Members

There should be minimum 2 directors (private) or 3 directors (public)
At least one resident Indian director (182+ days in India in the previous year)
All directors must be aged 18+
Members can be: individuals, HUFs, NRIs, foreign nationals, firms, trusts, or other companies

Who Cannot Register

A One Person Company (OPC) — explicitly prohibited
Persons disqualified under Section 164 of the Companies Act
Entities formed purely for profit

Object & Capital

Object must promote charity, education, science, art, sports, social welfare, religion, or environment
3-year financial projection is mandatory in INC-15 (most rejections happen here)
No minimum capital required, but subscribed capital must be deposited within 60 days of incorporation
Profits cannot be distributed to members

Key Differences between Section 8 Company vs Trust vs Society

Before you pick Section 8, make sure it is the best fit. NGOs in India can be registered under three different legal structures, each governed by a different law. Here is how they compare:

Parameter	Section 8 Company	Trust	Society
Governing Act	Companies Act, 2013	Indian Trusts Act, 1882	Societies Registration Act, 1860
Registration Authority	MCA (Central Govt)	Sub-Registrar (State)	Registrar of Societies (State)
Minimum Members	2 (Private) / 3 (Public)	2 Trustees	7 Members
Governing Document	MOA + AOA	Trust Deed	MOA + Rules & Regulations
Legal Personality	Separate legal entity	Not a separate entity	Separate legal entity
Credibility / Donor Trust	Highest	Moderate	Moderate
Foreign Funding (FCRA)	Easier to obtain	Harder	Harder
CSR Funding Eligibility	Yes (preferred)	Yes (with 12AB + 80G)	Yes (with 12AB + 80G)
Compliance Load	High (ROC + IT)	Low	Medium
Best For	CSR-funded NGOs, foundations, social enterprises seeking credibility & scale	Family trusts, religious endowments, small charities	Cultural, literary, scientific membership-based organisations

We offer three packages depending on what you need on Day 1 after incorporation. Prices below are Professional Utilities' all-inclusive fees (government + professional) and are GST-exclusive.

BASIC

~~₹11499~~
₹9,499

Incorporation Certificate
DSC for Partners
DSC for 2 Directors
DIN for 2 Directors
Stamp Duty Charges
PAN & TAN
Company Master Data
MOA & AOA
EPF Certificate
ESIC Certificate

Standard

~~₹18499~~
₹16,499

Basic Plan+
GST Registration
Auditor Appointment
Commencement of business
Issuance of Share Certificate
MSME Registration

Premium

~~₹48499~~
₹46,499

Standard Plan+
Annual Compliances
Trademark Registration
CSR-1 Registration
12A & 80G Registration
Current Account Opening Support

What to Do After Section 8 Company Incorporation?

THere is the 7-step action list every new Section 8 company should complete in the first 90 days:

Open a current bank account - Use your COI, PAN, MOA & AOA. Deposit the subscribed capital within 60 days of incorporation it is mandatory under the Companies Act.
File INC-20A (Commencement of Business) - Within 180 days of incorporation, confirming capital has been deposited. Missing this costs ₹50,000 penalty.
Apply for NGO Darpan registration - Free registration with NITI Aayog and it is mandatory for applying to any Central / State Government grant or scheme.
Apply for 12AB Registration - Exempts the Section 8 company's income from income tax. Apply through the new Income Tax portal; valid 5 years, renewable.
Apply for 80G Registration - Allows your donors to claim 50% deduction on their contributions. Major fundraising enabler.
Apply for CSR-1 Registration - CSR-1 registration is necessary to receive CSR funds from Indian corporates. File on MCA portal, prerequisite: 12AB + 80G.
Apply for FCRA Registration (if receiving foreign funds) - Required under FCRA 2010 to accept foreign contributions. Minimum 3 years of operation required for normal FCRA; prior-permission route available earlier.

Advantages of Section 8 Company Registration

A Section 8 company isn't just the most credible NGO structure in India; it's the only one that gives you limited liability, tax exemptions, CSR eligibility, and foreign funding access all under one roof.

Highest credibility among NGO structures - Strict ROC oversight, mandatory audit, and MCA regulation make Section 8 companies the most trusted NGO structure for CSR givers, foreign donors, and government grants.
Tax exemption under 12AB - The company's income is exempt from income tax (if used for charitable purposes). Donors claim deduction under 80G.
No minimum capital requirement - You can start a Section 8 company with as little as ₹100 of subscribed capital.
No stamp duty in several states - Delhi, Karnataka, and West Bengal fully exempt stamp duty on Section 8 MOA/AOA thus saving ₹2,500–₹5,000 at incorporation.
Limited liability - Members are only liable to the extent of their share contribution and personal assets are protected.
Perpetual succession - The company continues even if members, directors, or founders change or in case of death.
Eligible for CSR & foreign funding -After 12AB + 80G + CSR-1 + FCRA registration a Section 8 company can receive domestic CSR, Indian donations, and foreign contributions.
No 'Limited' / 'Pvt Ltd' suffix needed - It keeps branding clean and charity-oriented.

Limitations of Section 8 Company Registration

Section 8 companies are not the right choice for everyone. Here are the some limitations:

Stricter compliance than Trust or Society - Mandatory annual audit, AOC-4, MGT-7, DIR-3 KYC, and ITR-7 filings. The compliance cost is ₹12,000–₹25,000 per year.
No profit distribution to members - If your objective is to build equity value or distribute dividends, a Section 8 company is not for you thus you can consider a private limited company registration or LLP.
Penalty up to ₹1 lakh per year for non-compliance - Plus possible licence revocation under Section 8(6) if the company acts contrary to its charitable object.
RD approval required for any alteration of MOA - Changing the object clause or converting to another company type requires prior RD approval that is a 3–4 week process.
12AB and 80G are not automatic - These must be applied for separately on the Income Tax portal after incorporation. Without them, the tax exemption advantage does not apply.

Annual Compliance Calendar of Section 8 Company

A Section 8 company has the highest compliance load among NGO structures. Missing deadlines attracts penalties up to ₹1 lakh per year and can lead to DIN deactivation or licence revocation. Here is the annual calendar you must follow:

Form	Purpose	Due Date	Penalty if Missed
INC-20A	Commencement of business declaration	Within 180 days of incorporation	₹50,000 on company + ₹1,000/day on directors
ADT-1	Auditor appointment filing	Within 15 days of AGM / within 30 days of incorporation (first auditor)	₹300 per day
AOC-4	Financial statements filing	Within 30 days of AGM	₹100 per day (no cap)
MGT-7	Annual return filing	Within 60 days of AGM	₹100 per day (no cap)
DIR-3 KYC	Annual KYC of each director	On or before 30 September	₹5,000 per director + DIN deactivation
ITR-7	Income Tax Return for the NGO	31 October (or as extended)	₹5,000 – ₹10,000 + loss of exemption
12AB Renewal	Renewal of tax exemption registration	Every 5 years	Loss of tax-exempt status
80G Renewal	Renewal of donor-deduction certificate	Every 5 years	Donors lose deduction benefit
Form 10BD	Statement of donations received	31 May each year	₹200 per day delay
CSR-2	CSR funding report (if applicable)	31 March each year	Disqualification from CSR pool

Registration you should get after Company Incorporation

12A & 80G Registration

NGO Darpan Registration

Trademark Registration

Penalty for Non-Compliance under Section 8 Company

A Section 8 Company must comply with the Companies Act, 2013. Failure to follow the law or act within its objectives can put a Section 8 Company’s license at risk. 

Non-compliance attracts financial penalties: the company may be fined ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore, while directors or officers responsible may face ₹25,000 to ₹25 lakh, or both fines and imprisonment for up to three years. 

Strict compliance not only protects the company’s license but also strengthens its credibility with donors, stakeholders, and regulatory authorities. 

Therefore, maintaining full legal compliance guarantees the company’s continued goodwill, functioning stability, and long-term success. 

Starting a Section 8 company is a great way to build a non-profit that people actually trust, but the process isn't easy. There's a lot of paperwork, the rules change slightly from state to state, and even small mistakes can cost you weeks. A poorly written 3-year projection or a small error in your object clause can delay your registration by 3–4 weeks and cost extra money on resubmissions.

That's where we come in. Professional Utilities has incorporated 1,000+ Section 8 companies across every state in India, with a dedicated team of Company Secretaries, Chartered Accountants, and legal experts handling each case end-to-end.

Step 1:
Get in touch via call or contact form

Step 2:
Provide necessary documents

Step 3:
Get your incorporation registered in 10-14 days

FAQs on Section 8 Company Registration

What is the minimum cost to register a Section 8 company in India?

The minimum cost is ₹5,499 in stamp-duty-exempt states like Delhi, Karnataka, and West Bengal. In most other states, the total cost falls between ₹7,499 and ₹9,999 (inclusive of DSC, government fee, state stamp duty, and our professional fees). All figures are exclusive of 18% GST.

How long does Section 8 company registration take in India?

The complete process takes 20–25 working days from the date all documents are received. DSC takes 1–2 days, name approval takes 2–5 days, Section 8 licence (INC-12) at the Regional Director 10–15 days, and SPICe+ incorporation 3–5 days.

What is the minimum number of directors needed for a Section 8 company?

Minimum 2 directors for a private Section 8 company and minimum 3 directors for a public Section 8 company. At least one director must be a resident of India (physically present in India for 182+ days in the previous calendar year).

Is there a minimum capital requirement for Section 8 companies?

No, Section 8 companies have no minimum paid-up capital requirement. You can start with as little as ₹100 of subscribed capital. Whatever capital you subscribe to in the MOA must be deposited into the company bank account within 60 days of incorporation.

Can a One Person Company (OPC) be registered as a Section 8 company?

No, according to rule 3 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014, explicitly prohibits a One Person Company (OPC) from being incorporated as, or converted into, a Section 8 company. As you need a minimum of 2 subscribers.

Can NRIs or foreign nationals be directors of a Section 8 company?

Yes, NRIs and foreign nationals can be directors after obtaining a Director Identification Number (DIN). They must provide an apostilled passport as identity proof. However, at least one director on the board must be an Indian resident.

What is the role of the Regional Director (RD) in Section 8 registration?

The Regional Director grants the Section 8 Licence (Form INC-12) before the ROC can issue the Certificate of Incorporation. Without the RD licence, the Section 8 company cannot be incorporated. This is the stage that usually takes the longest (10–15 working days).

Is a partnership firm allowed to be a member of a Section 8 company?

Yes, a partnership firm (through its partners) can be a member of a Section 8 company. Trusts, co-operative societies and other registered companies are also eligible as members.