Introduction
A Section 8 Company is a special type of non-profit organization formed under the Companies Act, 2013, and many founders choose this structure through Section 8 Company Registration to promote charitable work such as education, healthcare, social welfare, environmental protection, art, sports, and community development. It is widely trusted for its strong legal credibility, transparent compliance, access to CSR funds, tax benefits, and global collaboration opportunities.
Today, as Section 8 companies in India continue to expand across different sectors, more social entrepreneurs are selecting this model for long-term, impactful development projects.
Whether you are an Indian citizen, NRI, or a foreign national, Taxlegit helps you with section 8 company registration online, managing end-to-end documentation, licences, foreign KYC, and post-incorporation compliances such as 12A, 80G, CSR filings, and FCRA support.
What is a Section 8 Company in India?
A Section 8 Company is a registered non-profit organization created to support meaningful social and charitable causes. These organizations operate without any intention of profit distribution, and through Section 8 Company Registration, they are required to use every rupee of their income strictly for social development work. They cannot share dividends with members, which makes them one of the most trusted Section 8 companies in India for donors and CSR partners. Anyone who wants to build a long-term impact initiative can easily begin their journey through the section 8 company registration online, ensuring a credible and fully compliant structure.
Allowed Objectives of the section 8 company incorporation procedure
1. A Section 8 Company can work in multiple domains, including:
2. Education and skill development
3. Poverty relief and welfare of the weaker sections
4. Healthcare, hospitals, medical aid
5. Environmental protection & sustainability
6. Research, art & culture promotion
7. Rural development, livelihood enhancement
8. Women's empowerment, human rights & social justice
9. Any other activity covered under social welfare
Registration requires a special Section 8 Licence from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Difference: Section 8 Company vs Trust vs Society
| Feature | Section 8 | Trust | Society |
| Legal Status | Highest (Companies Act) | Medium | Medium |
| Registration Authority | MCA | State/Registrar of Trusts | Registrar of Societies |
| Suitable For | CSR funding, national NGOs, foreign donors | Small NGOs | Community groups |
| Governance | Strict, transparent | Flexible | Flexible |
| Credibility | Very High | Medium | Medium |
A Section 8 Company is preferred by CSR donors, international agencies, and government bodies due to its robust compliance framework and governance standards.
Key Requirements for NRIs & Foreign Nationals
If you’re planning to work with or set up Section 8 companies in India, here are the complete mandatory requirements you must follow:
Valid passport (not older than 1 year)
The passport should be clear, updated, and easily verifiable to avoid unnecessary approval delays.Address proof (bank statement/utility bill not older than 2–3 months)
This document is used to confirm overseas residence and complete proper KYC validation.Passport-size photograph
A recent, good-quality photo is required for various digital filings and identity verification.Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
This is mandatory for signing all incorporation documents digitally and must be issued after verifying your identity.Director Identification Number (DIN)
Every director is required to have a DIN before participating in management or decision-making.Notarized or Apostilled documents (as per Hague Convention)
Foreign documents must be properly authenticated to be accepted by Indian authorities.Indian Resident Director (mandatory)
One director must stay in India for at least 182 days a year for compliance and coordination.Indian registered office address (NOC + utility bill)
A confirmed office address is needed for all official communication and verification steps.No minimum share capital required
Even a small amount is enough to begin, making it accessible for founders globally who apply through section 8 company registration online.
Benefits of Registering a Section 8 Company
Registering a Section 8 Company gives your organisation strong legal credibility and helps you operate with full transparency. It’s one of the most trusted formats for NGOs, CSR-funded organisations, and social impact projects because it follows strict compliance standards and delivers long-term stability.
General Benefits
1. Highest credibility NGO structure
This is the reason many founders prefer going ahead with Section 8 Company Registration, as it is widely accepted by CSR companies, government authorities, and international development agencies.
2. Limited liability protection
All members enjoy protection because their personal assets stay completely safe, even if the organisation faces risks or liabilities.
3. Separate legal entity
Like other Section 8 companies in India, it can independently own property, hire employees, enter legal contracts, and operate its bank accounts without depending on any individual.
4. Eligible for tax benefits
Once the company obtains 12A and 80G approvals, donors can claim tax deductions, which helps attract more serious contributors.
5. Professional governance
Regular audits, meetings, compliance reports, and structured decision-making processes build strong trust among donors, partners, and funding agencies.
Benefits for NRIs & Foreign Nationals
1. Easy entry into the Indian non-profit sector
The entire process is simple, and many international applicants use the section 8 company registration online to complete everything from abroad.
2. Eligible for CSR Funding
Corporates prefer Section 8 Companies for CSR grants, making it easier to raise funds for social projects.
3. Eligible for foreign collaborations (post-FCRA)
After FCRA approval, international NGOs, UN bodies, and global foundations are more willing to collaborate.
4. 100% online incorporation
All filings and documentation are digital, so NRIs and foreign nationals can finish the entire setup without visiting India.
5. No minimum investment required
You can begin with even a small capital like ₹10,000 and still run a fully compliant organization.
Section 8 Company Registration Online with Taxlegit
Taxlegit offers a specialized NRI + Foreign Desk for global applicants.
What You Get:
100% digital filing process
End-to-end assistance with documentation
Dedicated compliance manager
Support for notarization & apostille
MOA/AOA drafting with optimal objectives
Section 8 Licence & SPICe+ filing
Assistance with PAN, TAN, and bank account
Post-incorporation services (audit, 12A/80G, FCRA, CSR reporting)
We ensure your NGO becomes donor-ready, compliant, and globally credible.
The entire process is simple, and many international applicants use the section 8 company registration online to complete everything from abroad.
Corporates prefer Section 8 Companies for CSR grants, making it easier to raise funds for social projects.
After FCRA approval, international NGOs, UN bodies, and global foundations are more willing to collaborate.
All filings and documentation are digital, so NRIs and foreign nationals can finish the entire setup without visiting India.
You can begin with even a small capital like ₹10,000 and still run a fully compliant organization.
100% digital filing process
End-to-end assistance with documentation
Dedicated compliance manager
Support for notarization & apostille
MOA/AOA drafting with optimal objectives
Section 8 Licence & SPICe+ filing
Assistance with PAN, TAN, and bank account
Post-incorporation services (audit, 12A/80G, FCRA, CSR reporting)
Section 8 Company Registration Process
Starting a non-profit in India is now much simpler with the right guidance, and our step-by-step Section 8 Company Registration process ensures your organisation is legally compliant, fully digital, and ready to operate smoothly. Every step follows the detailed section 8 company incorporation procedure for clarity and compliance.
Step 1: Name Reservation
Names must reflect charitable objectives, e.g., Foundation, Forum, Association, Council, Society, Trust, Welfare Foundation.
Taxlegit ensures high-success professional naming with MCA guidelines.
Step 2: Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Mandatory for all directors: Indian, NRI, and foreign citizens.
For foreign applicants:
Passport and address proof must be notarized/apostilled
Video KYC may be required
DSC issued within 1–2 working days
Step 3: DIN (Director Identification Number)
Directors who do not have DIN must apply through SPICe+.
For foreign directors:
Foreign address must be validated
Passport-based identity verification
Apostilled documents accepted as proof
Step 4: Drafting MOA & AOA (Non-Profit Objectives)
Your MOA includes clear social objectives such as:
Education
Healthcare
Relief of poor
Environment
Women empowerment
Skill development
Rural development
AOA includes governance, voting powers, management practices, and compliance rules for Section 8 companies in India.
Step 5: Applying for Section 8 Licence (INC-12)
This is the most important step, requiring:
Detailed objectives
Financial projections
Declarations from promoters
Board resolution
Director affidavits
Documents for foreign promoters (apostilled/notarized)
MCA reviews the application and issues a Section 8 Licence after approval.
Step 6: Incorporation using SPICe+ Form
Includes:
PAN and TAN issuance
Bank account opening
Final incorporation certificate
Special Note for NRIs & Foreign Founders:
If a foreign national is a subscriber, their signatures must be notarized or apostilled in their home country.
If a foreign national is a subscriber, their signatures must be notarized or apostilled in their home country.
Post-Incorporation Compliance for Section 8 Companies
Once your NGO is incorporated, maintaining proper compliance becomes essential—especially because Section 8 Company Registration in India requires higher transparency, clean documentation, and timely reporting. Here’s what you need to take care of after formation:
1. Annual Filing (AOC-4 & MGT-7)
Every Section 8 Company must file its annual returns with the Registrar of Companies. These filings include financial details, activities, and director information to keep your company compliant and updated in MCA records.2. Maintaining Books of Accounts
Proper books must be maintained throughout the year—vouchers, donation receipts, expense records, ledgers, cash books, bank statements, everything. This ensures smooth audits and strengthens credibility for donors and CSR partners.
3. Statutory Audit Requirement
A compulsory annual audit is mandatory for all Section 8 Companies. Your financial statements must be reviewed and certified by a qualified Chartered Accountant to maintain transparency and adherence to compliance rules.
4. FCRA Registration (After 3 Years)
Once the NGO has completed three years and has utilised a minimum of ₹15 lakh for its objectives, it becomes eligible for FCRA registration, which is crucial for receiving foreign donations legally. With Taxlegit, you get complete assistance for:
FCRA application & documentation
DARPAN ID creation
CSR-1 filing
Compliance reports
Utilisation certificates
Advisory on foreign contributions and renewal requirements
This process can get technical, but our team makes it simple.
FCRA application & documentation
DARPAN ID creation
CSR-1 filing
Compliance reports
Utilisation certificates
Advisory on foreign contributions and renewal requirements
5. 80G & 12A Registration
80G and 12A are extremely important because they allow donors to claim income-tax benefits making your NGO more attractive for CSR funding and charity partners. Taxlegit helps you with:
Preparing activity reports and financial summaries
Drafting board resolutions
Compliance affidavits
Filing on the income-tax portal
Responding to departmental queries
Preparing activity reports and financial summaries
Drafting board resolutions
Compliance affidavits
Filing on the income-tax portal
Responding to departmental queries
Who Can Register a Section 8 Company?
Anyone who wants to start a legal, credible non-profit can register a Section 8 Company in India. Indians, NRIs and even foreign nationals can become directors or members as long as they meet the basic eligibility rules. The process is simple and fully online, making it convenient for applicants from anywhere in the world.
Eligibility for Indian Citizens
Indian applicants often prefer this structure because Section 8 Company Registration offers a legally trusted and transparent framework for charitable activities. Many founders also choose it for smooth compliance under sec 8 company registration rules.
Minimum 2 directors (one must be a resident of India)
Directors must be 18+ years old
Valid PAN is mandatory
Aadhaar + address proof required
No minimum capital requirement
Minimum 2 directors (one must be a resident of India)
Directors must be 18+ years old
Valid PAN is mandatory
Aadhaar + address proof required
No minimum capital requirement
Eligibility for NRIs
Many NRIs register Section 8 companies in India to support education, health and community projects back home.
Valid passport
Proof of NRI status (visa, OCI, or residence permit)
Email ID + Indian mobile number (recommended)
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) mandatory
Can act as director, member, or shareholder
Must appoint 1 Indian Resident Director
Eligibility for Foreign Nationals
Even foreign nationals can apply easily through the section 8 company registration online, as long as their KYC is properly notarized or apostilled.
Requirements:
Valid foreign passport
Local and foreign address proof
Passport and KYC must not be notarized/apostilled
DIN (Director Identification Number)
Mandatory appointment of an Indian resident director
No minimum investment required
Taxlegit ensures a hassle-free Section 8 company incorporation procedure for all international applicants.
Can Foreigners & NRIs Register a Section 8 Company in India?
Yes, Both NRIs and foreign citizens can register, own, manage, and operate a Section 8 Company in India. Many of them choose this structure because Section 8 Company Registration allows smooth compliance and global collaboration while maintaining full non-profit status.
Key Points
Foreign nationals and NRIs can participate fully in a Section 8 Company, which offers a credible and transparent framework under sec 8 Company Registration.
They may act as founders, directors, promoters, or members
One Indian resident director (182+ days stay in India) is mandatory
Foreign documents must not be notarized or apostilled
They can collaborate with global NGOs, donors, foundations, and CSR departments
Valid passport
Proof of NRI status (visa, OCI, or residence permit)
Email ID + Indian mobile number (recommended)
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) mandatory
Can act as director, member, or shareholder
Must appoint 1 Indian Resident Director
Eligibility for Foreign Nationals
Even foreign nationals can apply easily through the section 8 company registration online, as long as their KYC is properly notarized or apostilled.
Requirements:
Valid foreign passport
Local and foreign address proof
Passport and KYC must not be notarized/apostilled
DIN (Director Identification Number)
Mandatory appointment of an Indian resident director
No minimum investment required
Taxlegit ensures a hassle-free Section 8 company incorporation procedure for all international applicants.
Can Foreigners & NRIs Register a Section 8 Company in India?
Yes, Both NRIs and foreign citizens can register, own, manage, and operate a Section 8 Company in India. Many of them choose this structure because Section 8 Company Registration allows smooth compliance and global collaboration while maintaining full non-profit status.
Key Points
Foreign nationals and NRIs can participate fully in a Section 8 Company, which offers a credible and transparent framework under sec 8 Company Registration.
They may act as founders, directors, promoters, or members
One Indian resident director (182+ days stay in India) is mandatory
Foreign documents must not be notarized or apostilled
They can collaborate with global NGOs, donors, foundations, and CSR departments
Important Note on Foreign Donations (FCRA)
A Section 8 Company cannot receive foreign donations directly unless it obtains FCRA Registration.
FCRA requirements:
Minimum 3 years of operations
Minimum ₹15 lakh legitimate expenditure in charitable activities
Strong governance and compliance track record
Taxlegit helps you with complete FCRA advisory and documentation.
FCRA requirements:
Minimum 3 years of operations
Minimum ₹15 lakh legitimate expenditure in charitable activities
Strong governance and compliance track record
Taxlegit helps you with complete FCRA advisory and documentation.
Documents Required for Section 8 Company Registration
Here are the essential documents needed to complete your Section 8 Company Registration smoothly:
For Indian Directors:
PAN Card – mandatory identity proof for MCA verification.
Aadhaar Card – used for e-KYC and digital authentication.
Address Proof – latest utility bill, bank statement, or driving licence.
Passport-size Photograph – clear and recent.
Email & Mobile Number – for OTP-based registration and MCA communication.
For NRIs (Non-Resident Indians):
Valid Passport – primary identity proof for Section 8 Company formalities.
Overseas Address Proof – bank statement, residence card, or utility bill.
Visa / OCI Card – confirms residency and legal status.
Indian Address (Optional) – helpful for additional correspondence.
Photograph – clear passport-size photo.
Signature Notarization/Apostille – mandatory for all NRI-signed documents.
For Foreign Nationals:
Apostilled Passport – identity validation for MCA approval.
Foreign Address Proof – notarized or apostilled document.
Photograph – recent, high-quality passport photo.
Details of Indian Resident Director – required as per Companies Act.
Utility Bill + NOC for Registered Office – proof of proposed company address.
Why Choose Taxlegit for Section 8 Company Registration?
Taxlegit makes the NGO setup process simple, guided, and stress-free, especially for NRIs and foreign founders who want a smooth and reliable experience.
1. Dedicated NRI + Foreign Desk
A specialised team handles passport checks, apostille work, KYC, and all cross-border requirements smoothly for Section 8 Company Registration applicants.
2. Fastest MCA filings
We draft your MOA, AOA, objectives, and licence documents with high accuracy, ideal for individuals and Section 8 companies in India needing quick approvals.
3. Complete end-to-end compliance
From ROC filings to 12A, 80G, CSR-1, and FCRA advisory, we cover everything without you juggling multiple consultants.
4. Experience across 1000+ NGOs
Trusted by CSR foundations, international donors, education groups, healthcare organisations, and social-impact founders worldwide.
5. Transparent pricing + 100% online support
No hidden charges, just a smooth, guided process using our section 8 company registration online workflow for hassle-free incorporation.
Why Section 8 Company is the Best Option for Foreigners & NRIs
For NRIs and foreign nationals who want to start an NGO in India, Section 8 Company Registration is the most trusted and globally preferred route.
1. Globally recognised
Makes collaboration easy with international donors and major Section 8 companies in India.
2. Eligible for CSR funding
Most Indian corporates prefer Section 8 entities for CSR grants.
3. High transparency & compliance
Strong audit and reporting systems ensure complete trust.
4. Easy global partnerships
Ideal for working with foreign NGOs, UN bodies, and development agencies.
5. Strong legal protection
Separate legal identity keeps founders’ personal assets safe.
6. Better grant credibility
Donors rely more on structured NGOs over informal setups.
7. Professional governance
Clear rules, defined roles, and reliable oversight—smooth for remote founders using section 8 company registration online.
A Section 8 Company gives you the right blend of global trust, Indian compliance, and donor-ready credibility.
.jpg)
