Introduction
If you plan to start an NGO or a non-profit organization in India, a Section 8 Company is the most trusted legal structure. Unlike other companies, a Section 8 Company is formed for charitable and social purposes, not for profit.
In this blog, we will explain the registration process,
required documents, benefits, costs, and compliance for a Section 8 Company
in 2025..
What is a Section 8 Company?
What is a Section 8 Company? A Section 8 Company is a type of company registered under the Companies Act, 2013, with the main goal of promoting:
- Education • Healthcare
- Social Welfare
- Research
- Art, Culture & Sports
- Environmental Protection
The company uses profits only for these objectives and does not distribute them among members.
Benefits of Section 8 Company Registration
- Legal recognition for NGOs and charitable work.
- Tax benefits under the Income Tax Act.
- Eligibility for government grants and CSR funding.
- Greater credibility compared to Trusts and Societies.
- Separate legal entity and limited liability for members.
Step-by-Step Process of Section 8 Company Registration (2025)
Step 1: Apply for DSC and DIN
Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN) for all directors.
Step 2: Name Approval
File a name approval request with the RUN Form or SPICe+. The name must include words like “Foundation,” “Association,” “Society,” “Council,” or “Charitable.”
Step 3: Draft MOA and AOA
Create the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) that define the objectives.
Step 4: License Application
Apply to the Registrar of Companies (ROC) for a Section 8 license using Form INC-12.
Step 5: Certificate of Incorporation
Once the ROC verifies the documents, it issues a Certificate of Incorporation with the Section 8 license.
Documents Required for Section 8 Company Registration
- PAN & Aadhaar of Directors
- Passport-size photographs
- Registered Office Proof (Rent Agreement/Utility Bill)
- MOA & AOA
- Director’s Declaration (INC-14 & INC-15)
Compliance Requirements
- Annual filing with ROC (AOC-4, MGT-7).
- Maintain proper books of accounts.
- No profit distribution among members.
Conclusion
A Section 8 Company is the most reliable structure for NGOs and non-profit organizations in India. It offers legal recognition, tax exemptions, and access to government schemes.
👉 If you are planning to register a Section 8 Company, BizLaw India provides complete support from documentation to incorporation.
📞 Contact BizLaw India today for hassle-free Section 8 Company Registration.
FAQs
A Section 8 Company is formed for charitable and social objectives like education, health, social welfare, environment, and cultural development.
Any individual or group of individuals (Indian or foreign nationals/companies) can register a Section 8 Company for non-profit purposes.
The registration process usually takes 10–15 working days, depending on documentation and approval speed.
The cost is around ₹15,000 – ₹20,000, depending on professional charges and government fees.
Yes, it can generate income, but the profits must be used only for the company’s objectives and cannot be distributed among members or shareholders.
