NGO / Society / Registration in Lucknow & PAN India
End-to-end registration support for NGOs, societies, and trusts. From drafting the constitution, preparing necessary documents, to filing with the appropriate authorities – we handle the complete process, ensuring legal compliance and smooth approval.
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What is NGO / Society / Registration?
An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) or Society is a non-profit organization formed to work for social causes, education, health, environment, or community development. These organizations operate for the public good and do not aim to make profits.
Registration is the legal process of officially recognizing your NGO or Society under Indian laws. It provides legal status, credibility, and eligibility for tax exemptions, government grants, and donations.
There are mainly three types of legal structures for non-profits in India:
Society – Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, suitable for cultural, educational, or charitable activities.
Trust – Registered under relevant Trust Acts, often used for charitable or religious purposes.
Section 8 Company – Registered under the Companies Act, 2013, ideal for NGOs aiming for professional governance and large-scale operations.
Benefits of Registration:
Legal recognition and credibility
Tax exemptions under Sections 12A, 80G, and FCRA
Ability to receive domestic and foreign donations
Access to government grants and CSR funding
In short, NGO / Society registration is the first step to legally operate, fund, and expand your social initiatives in India.
Eligibility for NGO / Society / Registration
- Must have at least 2–7 members (depending on type and state rules)
- Members should be Indian citizens (foreigners allowed in some cases for Section 8 companies)
- Must have a clear social, charitable, educational, or cultural objective
- Should not aim to generate profits for members
- Age of members usually 18 years or above
Documents Required
- ID Proof of Members – Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID
- Address Proof of Members – Utility bill, rent agreement, or passport
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) – Detailing objectives of the NGO
- Rules & Regulations / Bye-laws – Governing structure, meetings, and management
- Passport-size photographs of members
- Proof of Registered Office Address – Rent agreement, NOC from owner, or utility bill
- Board Resolution or Consent Letter – For trust or Section 8 company
- Application Form – Filled and signed as per Registrar’s requirement
Types of NGO / Society / Registration
- Society – Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860
- Trust – Registered under Public/Private Trust Acts of the state
- Section 8 Company – Registered under the Companies Act, 2013
- Non-Profit Partnership / Cooperative – Less common, used for community projects
How to Apply for OPC Registration
Step 1: Decide the Type of NGO
Choose whether you want to register as a Society, Trust, or Section 8 Company based on your objectives and scale of operations.
Step 2: Choose a Unique Name
Pick a unique and meaningful name for your NGO.
Check name availability with the Registrar of Societies (for Society) or MCA portal (for Section 8 Company).
Step 3: Prepare Key Documents
Memorandum of Association (MOA) – States objectives and mission
Rules & Regulations / Bye-laws – Management and operational structure
ID & Address Proofs of members
Office Address Proof – Rent agreement, NOC, or utility bill
Consent Letters from members/directors
Step 4: Submit Application
For Society – Submit documents to the Registrar of Societies in your state.
For Trust – Submit to the Sub-Registrar / Charity Commissioner of your state.
For Section 8 Company – Apply online through the MCA portal with the required forms.
Step 5: Pay Registration Fees
Fees vary depending on state and type of NGO.
Keep the receipt for future reference.
Step 6: Obtain Registration Certificate
After verification, the Registrar issues a Certificate of registration.
Your NGO is now legally recognized and can start operations.
Step 7: Post-Registration Compliance
Open a bank account in NGO’s name
Apply for PAN & TAN for tax purposes
Register under 12A / 80G / FCRA if eligible for tax exemptions and foreign funding
Expert Support for NGO / Society / Registration
Starting an NGO or Society can be complex due to legal documentation, compliance, and government procedures. Expert support ensures your organization is registered quickly, accurately, and legally while meeting all state and central regulations. From preparing the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and rules to submitting forms and obtaining the registration certificate, professional guidance simplifies the process and saves time. For trusted expert assistance, visit: https://www.mca.gov.in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read the latest property how-to guides, and information and tips for business startups.
Professional services can guide you through the entire registration process, from preparing documents to obtaining the registration certificate. For trusted assistance, you can contact BeginQuest here. More information is also available on the official MCA portal: https://www.mca.gov.in.
An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) or Society is a non-profit organization formed to work for social, educational, charitable, or cultural causes.
Registration gives your organization legal recognition, credibility, eligibility for grants, and tax exemptions.
Society – under Societies Registration Act, 1860
Trust – under Public/Private Trust Acts
Section 8 Company – under Companies Act, 2013
Typically, 1–3 months, depending on the type of NGO and state procedures.
Yes, after registering under FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act).
Yes, NGOs can apply for 12A and 80G registration to avail tax benefits.