Section 8 Company Registration
Register Your Section 8 Company and turn purpose into Action.
Starting at Rs. 11,999/- + GST & Govt Fees
Want to start an NGO, charitable trust, or not-for-profit organization? A Section 8 Company gives you the legal structure, credibility, and tax benefits to make your mission sustainable and fundable.
Founder’s Buddy will help you register your Section 8 Company with full compliance under the Companies Act, 2013 — including license, incorporation, PAN, and post-registration advisory.
What’s included in Your Section 8 Registration Package:
Registration in 1 – 1.5 week
DSC and DIN
Company Name Approval
E-MoA & E-AoA
PAN & TAN
Certificate of Incorporation
Section 8 License
Ongoing Expert Support
Join 500+ NGO’s who trust Founder’s Buddy for hassle-free Section 8 registration.
Ready to Start? Talk to Our Experts
Why Choose Us?
Fast turnaround
100% MCA compliance
Expert drafting & Guidance
Transparent
Pricing
What is a Section 8 Company?
A Section 8 Company is a non-profit organization (NPO) established under the Companies Act to promote commerce, art, science, education, sports, research, charity, or environmental protection.
Unlike other companies, Section 8 entities cannot distribute profits to members. Instead, all income must be reinvested toward its objectives.
Key Benefits:
Charitable purpose (non-profit motive)
Limited liability for members
Eligible for 80G and 12A tax exemption
Structured governance with credibility
Can receive local and international donations
Why Register a Section 8 Company?
Make your mission official — with the trust, recognition, and benefits that come from registering as a Section 8 Company. Whether you’re starting an NGO, foundation, or social enterprise, this structure helps you operate legally and grow your impact with confidence.
Government-Recognized Legal Entity
Registered under the Companies Act, 2013 — trusted by donors, partners, and government bodies.
Tax Benefits & Exemptions
Eligible to apply for 80G (donor tax benefits) and 12A (income tax exemption).
No Minimum Capital
Start with any amount — no mandatory capital requirement.
Limited Liability
Protects founders’ personal assets.
Access to CSR & Foreign Funding
Can receive CSR donations and apply for FCRA for foreign contributions.
Perpetual Existence
Your company keeps running even if directors or members change.
Transparent & Professional Structure
Strong governance builds trust with stakeholders.
Perfect for Social Causes
NGOs, educational initiatives, healthcare, environment, women empowerment, and more.
Who Should Register a Section 8 Company?
This structure is ideal for:
NGOs, Non-Profits, and Social Impact Projects
Trusts or Societies looking to scale legally
Educational institutions and community organizations
CSR arms of corporates
Religious, scientific, or cultural promotion bodies
Need help? Let Our Experts Guide You
You focus on growing your business — we’ll handle the legal compliances and regulatory complexities
Mandatory Legal Requirements for Incorporating
a Section 8 Company
Starting a Section 8 Company in India? Here are the key legal requirements you must meet to ensure smooth and compliant incorporation.
| Feature | Section 8 Company | Charitable Trust |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Charitable & non-profit activities | Charitable or religious activities |
| Law | Companies Act, 2013 | Indian Trusts Act / State Trust Laws |
| Legal Status | Separate legal entity | No separate legal entity |
| Management | Board of Directors | Trustees |
| Compliance | High | Low to Moderate |
| Funding & CSR | Easier to obtain | Moderate |
| Profit Distribution | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Best Suited For | Large NGOs & institutions | Religious / family charities |
Is This Structure Right for You?
Choose a Private Limited Company if you:
Plan to raise funding or onboard investors
Want to build a credible, scalable business
Have co-founders or multiple stakeholders
Need limited liability and structured governance
Why Register a Section 8 Company?
1. Minimum Number of Members & Directors
- Private Section 8 Company: 2 directors and 2 shareholders
- Public Section 8 Company: 3 directors and 7 shareholders
Note: The same individual can be both director and shareholder.
2. Director Eligibility
- At least one director must be a resident of India
3. Company Objective Must Be Charitable
Your Company must work for:
- Education, health, environment, social welfare, art, science, sports, research, charity, or similar causes
- No profit distribution — all profits must be used for the company’s mission
4. Name Requirements
- The name should not include “Private Limited” or “Limited”
- Must include words like Foundation, Association, Forum, Council, Society, Trust, etc.
Step-by-Step Guide:
How to Register a Section 8 Company in India
Step 1
Get Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Get Digital Signatures to e-sign incorporation documents.
Step 2
Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)
Via SPICe+ Part B form.
Step 3
Name Reservation via SPICe+
Choose a unique name with “Foundation”, “Association”, “Forum”, etc.
Step 4
Draft MoA & AoA with Charitable Objects
Reflecting your mission.
Step 5
Applying for Section 8 License
Submit required declarations and object clauses to MCA.
Step 6
Apply for Incorporation (SPICe+ Part B)
for company registration.
Step 7
Get PAN & TAN - Auto-issued after incorporation.
Final Step
Receive Certificate of Incorporation (COI) Officially registered and ready to operate.
Documents Required for Section 8 Company
For Directors (Indian Nationals):
PAN & Aadhaar
Passport-size photo
Utility Bill or Bank Statement (for address proof)
Occupation and education details
For Office Address:
Utility Bill (electricity, water, gas, etc.)
Rent Agreement or Ownership Proof
NOC from Owner (if rented)
Pro Tip: Ensure documents are recent (within 60 days) and clearly scanned.
What’s Included in Our Section 8 Company registration Package
Our company registration package includes everything you need to incorporate a Section 8 Company online — no hidden fees, no delays.
Basic Package
Starting at
Rs.11,999/-+ GST and Govt. Fees
DIN for 2 Director
2 Class 3 Digital Signature Certificates
Company Name Approval
Drafting of MoA & AoA
PAN & TAN Application
ESIC Registration
PF Registration
Incorporation Certificate
Section 8 License
Post-registration Consultation
Call us on +91 9167123781 / 82
Get Started Now
Premium Package
Starting at
Rs.39,999/-+ GST and Govt. Fees
DIN for 2 Director
2 Class 3 Digital Signature Certificates
Company Name Approval
Drafting of MoA & AoA
PAN & TAN Application
ESIC Registration
PF Registration
Incorporation Certificate
Section 8 License
Share Certificate, if applicable
Appointment of First Statutory Auditors & Filing of ADT-1
Filing of INC-20A (Commencement of business), if applicable
12A and 80G Certification for tax exemptions
Call us on +91 9167123781 / 82
Get Started Now
Related Services You May Need (On Request)
GST Registration
CSR-1 Filing (for Corporate Social Responsibility)
Annual ROC Filing Packages
12A / 80G Application
NGO Darpan Registration (NITI Aayog)
Need help? Let Our Experts Guide You
You focus on growing your business — we’ll handle the legal compliances and regulatory complexities
Tax Exemption Registrations: 12A & 80G for Section 8 Companies
Once your Section 8 Company is incorporated, the next big step is getting tax exemptions — both for your organization and your donors. This is done through Section 12A and 80G registrations under the Income Tax Act.
What is Section 12A Registration?
Section 12A (previously 12AA) registration allows your Section 8 Company to be exempt from paying income tax on surplus income — as long as it’s used for charitable or non-profit purposes.
Why it’s important:
Your NGO doesn’t have to pay tax on grants, donations, or other funds received.
It makes your organization officially recognized as a non-profit under Indian tax law.
What is Section 80G Registration?
Section 80G registration lets your donors claim income tax deductions on the donations they make to your company.
Why it matters:
Helps build donor trust
Encourages more contributions
Makes your NGO eligible for CSR funding and major grants
Documents Required for 12A & 80G Application:
PAN of the company
MOA & AOA
Financial statements (if applicable)
Incorporation Certificate
NGO’s activity report or proposed plans
List of board members with contact details
Timeline & Process
The applications are filed online with the Income Tax Department. Approval typically takes 1–2 months, subject to verification.
Note:
From 2021 onwards, both 12A and 80G registrations are granted for 5 years and must be renewed before expiry.
Need help applying for 12A & 80G?
We assist with end-to-end filing, documentation, and follow-up — so you stay focused on your mission, while we handle compliance.
FAQs – Section 8 Company Registration in India
✅ Yes, but profits must be reinvested into the organization’s activities — not distributed.
🚫 No. You must apply separately for 80G and 12A registration.
🔁 Yes, through a structured conversion process. We can help.
🌍 Yes, but they must meet KYC and documentation norms. At least one director must be an Indian resident.
🏠 Yes, but a residential address with NOC and utility bill is acceptable.
👥 Minimum 2 Directors and 2 Subscribers (same people can hold both roles)
💵 Yes, after 3 years of activity and meeting eligibility criteria. We provide FCRA advisory too.
📜 Valid indefinitely unless revoked for non-compliance.
📌 You can use “Foundation”, “Association”, “Forum”, “Council”, “Trust”, etc., but not “Private Limited”.
✅ Yes. All Section 8 Companies must maintain audited books, regardless of income level.
🌍 Yes, but you must obtain FCRA registration from the Ministry of Home Affairs to legally receive foreign contributions.
📊 Section 8 Companies offer better governance, national validity, and donor confidence. Trusts and societies are easier to set up but more limited in flexibility and recognition.
📜 No. The license is valid indefinitely unless it is revoked for non-compliance.
🧾 No, but it is highly recommended if you plan to receive donations and provide tax exemption to donors.
🏫 Yes, as long as it is non-profit in nature and any surplus is reinvested into the organization.
✅ Yes. It can pay reasonable salaries to employees, including directors, for their services — but cannot distribute profits as dividends.
🏢 Yes. Companies, LLPs, and even trusts can become members/shareholders of a Section 8 Company.
⚖️ On winding up, all assets must be transferred to another Section 8 Company or similar non-profit body, as per MCA directions.
📄 In most states, stamp duty is either exempted or significantly reduced for Section 8 Companies. This varies by state.
✅ Yes. It has a separate legal identity and can own property, enter contracts, and sue/be sued in its own name.
Still have questions about Section 8 Company registration in India? Contact our experts for a free consultation