Section 8 Company Registration in India
“Register a Non-Profit Entity with Credibility, Tax Benefits & Government Recognition”
Expert support for Section 8 Company formation and compliance across India.
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Overview of SECTION 8 Company Registration
A Section 8 Company is a not-for-profit corporate entity incorporated under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 with the purpose of promoting charitable, social, educational, scientific, cultural, environmental, religious or similar objectives. Unlike other corporate forms that distribute profits to members, a Section 8 Company must reinvest all income and surplus into its stated objectives and cannot distribute dividends to members or shareholders.
Section 8 companies are governed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and are seen as a credible and regulated alternative to trusts or societies, particularly for NGOs, foundations, research organisations, welfare groups, and social enterprises.
What Is a Section 8 Company?
A Section 8 Company is a special category of company recognised under the Companies Act, 2013 that operates on a not-for-profit basis with specified objectives such as:
Charity & relief for the poor
Education & literacy
Protection of environment
Social welfare & community development
Research, arts & culture promotion
Healthcare & medical relief
Promotion of sports, religion and scientific endeavors
These companies enjoy a separate legal identity, and as a corporate entity they can own property, enter into contracts, sue or be sued — similar to other Indian companies.
Section 8 Company Registration In 4 Easy Steps
Fill up the forms
Submit the Documents
Pay Fees
Get your Company Registered
Benefits of Section 8 Company Registration
Limited Liability Protection to Directors personal assets
Better image and credibility in Market
Easy to raise fund,capital and loans
Favorite Business structure for Investors
Easy to attract Employees and workers
Quite easy to sell and deal with
Documents Required for Registration
Two Colour Photographs of Promoters/Individuals/ Company/ Director
PAN Card of each Shareholders and directors
Identity Proof (Voter ID / Driving License/ Passport)
Address Proof (Bank Statement / Electricity, Mobile, Telephone Bill)
Proof of Registered Office
Utility Bill as proof must be Latest
Eligibility – Who Can Register a Section 8 Company?
To register a Section 8 Company in India:
✔ The company must be formed for non-profit objectives (e.g., charity, education, social welfare).
✔ All profits or income must be used solely for promoting its objectives, not for distribution.
✔ Minimum 2 directors (for private) or 3 directors (for public), with at least one Indian resident.
✔ The name should reflect the non-profit nature (e.g., “Foundation”, “Association”, “Council”).
✔ Directors/shareholders must agree to objectives and comply with MCA regulations.
Timeline for Company Registration
Documentation & DSC
Document and information collection & Making of Digital Signature
Name Search & Drafting
Document and information collection & Making of Digital Signature
Filing for Incorporation
Document and information collection & Making of Digital Signature
Incorporation Certificate
Document and information collection & Making of Digital Signature
Why Register a Section 8 Company? – Key Benefits
A Section 8 Company is a special category of company recognised under the Companies Act, 2013 that operates on a not-for-profit basis with specified objectives such as:
-
Charity & relief for the poor
-
Education & literacy
-
Protection of environment
-
Social welfare & community development
-
Research, arts & culture promotion
-
Healthcare & medical relief
-
Promotion of sports, religion and scientific endeavors
These companies enjoy a separate legal identity, and as a corporate entity they can own property, enter into contracts, sue or be sued — similar to other Indian companies.
Why Register a Section 8 Company? – Key Benefits
1. Legal Recognition & Credibility
Section 8 Companies carry legal status and credibility under Indian law, making them highly regarded by donors, CSR partners, government bodies and financial institutions.
2. Tax Exemptions
Eligibility for key tax benefits under the Income Tax Act, such as exemptions under Sections 12A and 80G — allowing donors to claim deductions for their contributions.
3. No Minimum Capital Requirement
There is no prescribed minimum share capital required for incorporation.
4. Stamp Duty Exemption
Section 8 Companies are exempt from stamp duty on incorporation documents in many states, lowering upfront regulatory costs.
5. Flexible Fundraising & CSR Support
They can receive donations, grants, CSR funds, and foreign contributions (subject to FCRA compliance).
6. Separate Legal Entity with Limited Liability
Members enjoy limited liability, protecting personal assets while supporting mission-driven activities.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Step 1: DSC & DIN Acquisition
Obtain Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) for proposed directors and apply for Director Identification Numbers (DIN) if not already available.
Step 2: Name Approval (RUN / SPICe+ Part A)
Apply for unique company name using the Reserve Unique Name (RUN) service on MCA portal. It must depict the mission and non-profit status.
Step 3: Draft MoA & AoA
Prepare Memorandum and Articles of Association outlining your mission, objects, usage of funds and governance structure.
Step 4: File Form INC-12 for License
Submit Form INC-12 with MoA, AoA, declarations (INC-14/INC-15) and required documents to obtain the Section 8 license from the MCA.
Step 5: SPICe+ Company Incorporation
On approval of the Section 8 license, file the SPICe+ (INC-32) form with MoA, AoA and other incorporation forms.
Step 6: Certificate of Incorporation & PAN/TAN
Once verified, the MCA issues the Certificate of Incorporation along with PAN and TAN for your Section 8 Company.
Step 7: Bank Account & Operational Setup
Open a bank account to start receiving funds, donations, grants, and managing financial operations.