Thinking of starting a non-profit? Musecorp offers expert-led NGO registration in India for all three legal structures — Section 8 Company, Trust, and Society. We handle the entire process, so you can focus on creating impact.
NGO registration is the official process to legally set up a non-governmental organization in India. By registering an NGO, you gain a recognized legal identity, allowing you to open a bank account, receive donations, and apply for government grants.
Registering an NGO in India offers several advantages. It provides legal protection for members, allows you to access tax exemptions, and boosts credibility for fundraising and partnerships. A registered NGO can also benefit from easier FCRA approval, access to CSR funding, and the ability to own property in its name.
A registered NGO becomes a separate legal entity, allowing it to enter contracts, own property, and operate in its name. This provides structure, professionalism, and the foundation for long-term impact.
Registered NGOs can apply for 12A and 80G certificates under the Income Tax Act, making donations to your organization tax-deductible for donors — a huge incentive to support your cause.
Most government grants, corporate CSR programs, and institutional donors require legal registration before offering funds or collaboration. NGO registration helps you qualify.
Section 8 Companies and Societies (once registered under FCRA) can legally receive foreign contributions to support their programs. This opens doors to global funding sources.
Registration boosts credibility with individual donors, banks, partners, and communities. It shows that your NGO follows governance standards and financial reporting practices.
You can open a current account in the NGO’s name and manage finances professionally. This is essential for receiving grants, issuing receipts, and managing budgets.
Unlike informal groups, registered NGOs have documented rules (MoA, Trust Deed, etc.) and a governing board or council, ensuring long-term stability even with leadership changes.
📌 Note: Without proper registration, your organization may not be able to open a bank account in its name or apply for grants and tax exemptions.
In India, NGO registration can be done under one of three legal structures — each governed by a different Act and suited to specific goals, operational styles, and levels of compliance. Choosing the right one is critical to ensuring smooth governance, funding access, and long-term sustainability.
⚖️ Overview of Legal Structures:
Best for organizations seeking high credibility, tax exemptions, and foreign funding eligibility. Registered under the Companies Act, 2013 with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 or relevant state laws. Commonly used for family-run or religious charities.
Ideal for cultural, educational, and social welfare groups that want simpler compliance. Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 at the state level. Registered under the Companies Act, 2013, regulated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
💡 Tip:
Not sure which structure suits your NGO?
We’ll help you choose during your free consultation.
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A Section 8 Company is a specialized form of non-profit organization governed by the Companies Act, 2013. It’s ideal for NGOs that seek credibility, transparency, and eligibility for government and foreign funding.
Unlike a Trust or Society, this structure offers a separate legal identity, limited liability for members, and a professional governance model — making it the most recognized NGO format in India.
📞 Thinking of starting a Section 8 Company?
Let our experts help you with end-to-end NGO registration.
A Trust is one of the oldest and simplest forms of NGO registration in India. Governed primarily by the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 or applicable state laws, it involves a settlor, trustees, and a beneficiary. Trusts are ideal for charitable, religious, or community-based initiatives where flexibility and straightforward governance are preferred.
While a Trust doesn’t offer a separate legal entity like a Section 8 Company, it still provides legal recognition and eligibility for 12A and 80G tax benefits — making it a popular choice for family-run or small-scale NGOs.
📞 Want to register a Trust for your cause?
Musecorp simplifies the entire NGO registration process — from drafting your trust deed to completing formalities.
A Society is a group of individuals united for a common cause — such as art, education, science, social welfare, or cultural development. Societies are registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 at the state level, making them ideal for NGOs operating within a specific state or region.
Society-based NGO registration offers moderate compliance, democratic governance, and access to tax exemptions, making it a good fit for organizations run by multiple members.
📞 Want to register a Society for your NGO?
We help you navigate state-level registrations and compliance from start to finish.
Each NGO structure in India comes with unique legal, operational, and compliance considerations. The table below outlines key differences to help you decide which registration type aligns best with your mission, scale, and resources.
| Feature | Trust | Society | Section 8 Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Governing Act | Indian Trusts Act, 1882 | Societies Registration Act, 1860 | Companies Act, 2013 |
| Registration Authority | Sub-Registrar (State) | Registrar of Societies (State) | Ministry of Corporate Affairs (Central) |
| Legal Status | Not a separate legal entity | Separate legal entity | Separate legal entity |
| Minimum Members | 2 Trustees | 7 Members | 2 Directors |
| Compliance Level | Low | Moderate | High |
| 12A/80G Eligibility | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FCRA Eligibility | Yes (after registration) | Yes (after registration) | Yes (after registration) |
| Credibility Level | Low to Medium | Medium | High |
| Suitable For | Family-run or property-based NGOs | Community groups & cultural orgs | Scalable, professional NGOs |
Not sure whether to register as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company? Choosing the right NGO registration format depends on your goals, funding plans, team size, and long-term vision.
✅ Here are a few key factors to consider:
Are you focused on social, cultural, religious, educational, or environmental activities?
Will you work locally, across multiple states, or at a national/international level?
Are you seeking government grants, CSR funding, or foreign contributions?
Do you want a flexible or structured format with formal governance?
Are you okay with annual filings and audits? Or do you prefer low compliance?
Want to offer 12A and 80G tax benefits? Section 8 Companies are often preferred by donors and CSR partners for their credibility and transparency.
Registration boosts credibility with donors, banks, partners, and communities. It shows that your NGO follows governance standards and financial reporting practices.
Choose a Trust if you want simplicity and flexibility (often family-run).
Choose a Society if you’re building a community or state-level group with members.
Choose a Section 8 Company if you want formal recognition, credibility, and funding eligibility (CSR/FCRA).
At Musecorp Legal Solutions, we don’t just fill out forms — we build legally strong, fully compliant organizations that are ready to grow and inspire change. Our NGO registration services are delivered by qualified Chartered Accountants (CAs) and Company Secretaries (CSs) who understand every detail of Trust, Society, and Section 8 Company formation.
We go beyond paperwork to ensure your structure aligns with your mission, funding goals, and future compliance needs.
✅ Expert Team of CA/CS Professionals – No bots. No shortcuts.
✅ All 3 NGO Types Covered – Trust, Society & Section 8 Company
✅ Transparent Pricing – No hidden fees, full cost breakdowns
✅ Official Partner of e-Mudhra – Get DSCs issued securely and quickly
✅ Post-Incorporation Support – From 12A/80G to FCRA assistance
✅ Pan-India Service – We serve clients across all Indian states
✅ Rated 4.9★ on Google – 500+ NGOs already registered with us
✅ Our Step-by-Step Process:
We understand your mission and help you choose the best registration format — Section 8 Company, Trust, or Society.
We assist with name availability (RUN or state portal) and collect the necessary ID, address proof, and object clauses.
Our experts draft Trust Deed / Society Bylaws / MOA & AOA. We also issue Class 3 DSCs as an official partner of e-Mudhra.
We file all forms with the appropriate authority (MCA for Section 8, Registrar/Sub-Registrar for Society/Trust).
Once approved, you receive your Certificate of Incorporation or Registration — your NGO is now legally recognized and ready to operate.
We also help with PAN, TAN, 12A/80G, FCRA, and other post-registration services.
View Required Documents |
Get Started with Registration
To register your NGO in India — whether as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company — you’ll need to submit a set of identification, address, and legal documents. Below is a breakdown of the key documents required for each structure.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Deed | Prepared by Musecorp, signed by the settlor and trustees |
| Photographs of Trustees | Passport-size photos of all trustees |
| ID Proof | PAN card of settlor and all trustees |
| Address Proof | Aadhar card, passport, driver’s license, or utility bill |
| Registered Office Proof | Rent agreement and NOC from the property owner / ownership proof |
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Memorandum of Association (MoA) | Outlines the purpose, members, and rules — drafted by Musecorp |
| Rules & Regulations (Bylaws) | Defines how the Society will operate |
| ID Proof of Members | PAN card and Aadhaar card of all founding members (min. 7) |
| Address Proof of Members | Utility bill, passport, or government-issued ID |
| Registered Office Proof | Rent agreement, NOC, or property ownership papers |
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| ID Proof | PAN card of all directors and subscribers |
| Address Proof | Aadhaar, passport, driver’s license, or bank statement (not older than 2 months) |
| Photographs | Recent passport-size photos of all directors |
| Registered Office Proof | Rent agreement + NOC / ownership deed + utility bill |
| Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) | We arrange DSCs for electronic filing (Class 3) |
| Declaration of Objects | Detailed description of the NGO’s charitable purpose |
📌 Need help organizing these documents?
Musecorp handles end-to-end documentation, drafting, and filing for all NGO types.
Not sure where to start? Our experts will guide you at every step.
At Musecorp, we believe in transparent pricing — no hidden charges, no misleading “starting from” traps. Your NGO registration cost will depend on your chosen structure, the number of trustees or members, state of registration, and post-registration services like 12A, 80G, or FCRA support.
Most organizations we work with fall between the following ranges:
✅ Includes DSC, DIN, documentation, govt fees, and registration.
📋 Final quote may vary slightly based on location & complexity.
We don’t cut corners to compete with automated platforms. Instead, your registration is personally handled by legal experts, ensuring it’s compliant, complete, and tailored to your needs.
🗨️ “Unlike DIY portals, we don’t just file forms — we build legal foundations.”
We’re more than a registration service — we’re your compliance partner from day one. Here’s why over 10,000 entrepreneurs trust Musecorp for their business needs.
"I just started an NGO and used Musecorp Legal Solutions to help. I worked with Akanksha and Shashank, they were both super helpful and patient with all of my questions. My NGO registration process took only 9 days. Super satisfied."
"Great service. My DIN KYC was completed within two hours of submitting my documents. Highly recommended!"
"My company Daneshwari Food Private Limited was registered in just 4 days. The staff is really good and efficient. They cleared all my doubts and were very prompt with the work."
"Great customer experience, private limited company registration process was fluid...👍👍"
"Superfast service, number of payment options really make it easy and prices are good. Keep it up guys!"
"Services best but weakness in effective customer communication system."
"Thank you very much Akanksha. You helped us a lot to start our company and the whole process was hassle free, went so smoothly and it was totally paperless. It was very great working with you and Musecorp. I will surely recommend their services."
It depends on your mission, team, and funding goals. Section 8 Companies are best for credibility and funding. Societies are ideal for community-based groups. Trusts work well for family-run or asset-based charities.
Typically 10–20 working days, depending on the structure and the state of registration. Section 8 Companies may take slightly longer due to MCA approvals.
You’ll need ID and address proof of members, registered office documents, and object clauses. View detailed document list above.
Yes. Musecorp provides complete post-registration support, including 12A/80G, PAN, TAN, GST, and even FCRA if needed.
Not legally for all, but it’s practically required if you want to apply for MSME, Shop & Establishment, or open a current account.
Yes! We serve clients in every Indian state and UT through our 100% online, expert-led process.
We accept UPI, net banking, cards, and direct transfers. Invoices are GST-compliant.
Simplify your private limited company registration with Musecorp. Expert support, affordable pricing, and fast turnaround — all under one roof.
