Section 8 Company Registration

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:

• A Section 8 Company can work in multiple domains, including:
• Education and skill development
• Poverty relief and welfare of the weaker sections
• Healthcare, hospitals, medical aid
• Environmental protection & sustainability
• Research, art & culture promotion
• Rural development, livelihood enhancement
• Women's empowerment, human rights & social justice
• Any other activity covered under social welfare

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 the Section 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

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

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 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 5: Applying for Section 8 Licence (INC-12)

MCA reviews the application and issues a Section 8 Licence after approval. This is the most important step, requiring:

• Detailed objectives
• Financial projections
• Declarations from promoters
• Board resolution
• Director affidavits
• Documents for foreign promoters (apostilled/notarized)

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: A 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.