Get Section 8 Company explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Section 8 Company Registration is one of the most common registrations Indian businesses ask us about. This complete guide covers what it is, who needs it, the documents, the exact process, fees, validity and the penalties for non-compliance — everything in one place.
What is Section 8 Company Registration?
Section 8 Company Registration is granted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) / Registrar of Companies (RoC) under the Companies Act, 2013 (Section 8). It is the legal authorisation that lets an eligible person or business operate in compliance with the applicable rules.
Who needs Section 8 Company Registration?
- Not-for-profit organisations promoting charity, education, art, science, sports or social welfare
- Founders wanting a corporate NGO structure with limited liability and credibility
- Entities intending to apply the profits solely towards their objects (no dividend)
Benefits of Section 8 Company Registration
- Credible corporate structure for an NGO with limited liability
- Eligible to apply for 12A, 80G and CSR/grant funding
- No minimum capital requirement and name without "Ltd/Pvt Ltd"
- Greater donor and regulator trust than an unregistered body
Documents required
- DSC and DIN of the proposed directors
- PAN and ID/address proof of directors and members
- Registered-office proof (utility bill + rent agreement/NOC)
- Memorandum (INC-13) and Articles of Association
- Estimated statement of income & expenditure for 3 years
- Declaration in Form INC-14/INC-15
- Details of promoters and objects of the company
Section 8 Company Registration process — step by step
- Obtain DSC & DIN — Get digital signatures and director identification numbers for directors.
- Reserve the name — Apply for name reservation via SPICe+ Part A/RUN.
- Apply for Section 8 licence — File Form INC-12 with MOA (INC-13), projected financials and declarations.
- File incorporation (SPICe+) — Once the licence is granted, file SPICe+ with MOA/AOA and PAN/TAN.
- RoC review — The RoC verifies the objects and documents.
- Certificate of Incorporation — The company is incorporated with a Section 8 licence and CIN.
Fees, timeline and validity
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Government fee | Government cost is mainly the MCA/RoC and DSC charges plus stamp duty — commonly ₹6,000 to ₹12,000; the Section 8 licence application itself has a nominal fee. |
| Professional fee (typical) | ₹8,000 – ₹25,000 (professional fee for licence, incorporation and drafting) |
| Processing time | Typically 15–30 days including the Section 8 licence (Form INC-12) and incorporation. |
| Validity | Incorporation is perpetual; the Section 8 licence continues unless revoked for breach of conditions. |
Penalty for non-compliance
Breaching Section 8 conditions (e.g. distributing profits) can lead to revocation of the licence, penalties on the company and officers, and even winding up.
Related guides on Section 8 Company Registration
- Documents Required for Section 8 Company Registration
- Section 8 Company Registration Eligibility Criteria
- Section 8 Company Registration Fees & Government Charges
- Section 8 Company Registration Process Step by Step
- Benefits of Section 8 Company Registration
- Section 8 Company Registration Renewal: Process and Validity
- How to Cancel or Surrender Section 8 Company Registration
Get Section 8 Company Registration done with TaxClue
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Talk to an expert →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Section 8 Company Registration and who issues it?
Section 8 Company Registration is issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) / Registrar of Companies (RoC) under the Companies Act, 2013 (Section 8). Not-for-profit organisations promoting charity, education, art, science, sports or social welfare.
What documents are required for Section 8 Company Registration?
Key documents include: DSC and DIN of the proposed directors; PAN and ID/address proof of directors and members; Registered-office proof (utility bill + rent agreement/NOC); Memorandum (INC-13) and Articles of Association.
What are the fees for Section 8 Company Registration?
Government cost is mainly the MCA/RoC and DSC charges plus stamp duty — commonly ₹6,000 to ₹12,000; the Section 8 licence application itself has a nominal fee. Professional assistance typically costs ₹8,000 – ₹25,000 (professional fee for licence, incorporation and drafting).
How long does Section 8 Company Registration take and how long is it valid?
Typically 15–30 days including the Section 8 licence (Form INC-12) and incorporation. Incorporation is perpetual; the Section 8 licence continues unless revoked for breach of conditions.
What happens if I don't get Section 8 Company Registration?
Breaching Section 8 conditions (e.g. distributing profits) can lead to revocation of the licence, penalties on the company and officers, and even winding up.
Key Facts About Get Section 8 Company
- Applies in: All states across India, under the relevant central law.
- Mode: Mostly online via the official government portal.
- Typical timeline: Ranges from a few days to a few weeks depending on the case.
- Non-compliance: May attract penalties, interest or late fees.
- Expert help: TaxClue completes the entire process end to end for you.
What is Section 8 Company Registration and who issues it?
Section 8 Company Registration is issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) / Registrar of Companies (RoC) under the Companies Act, 2013 (Section 8). Not-for-profit organisations promoting charity, education, art, science, sports or social welfare.
What documents are required for Section 8 Company Registration?
Key documents include: DSC and DIN of the proposed directors; PAN and ID/address proof of directors and members; Registered-office proof (utility bill + rent agreement/NOC); Memorandum (INC-13) and Articles of Association.
Over 90% of compliance penalties in India arise from missed due dates — timely handling can save businesses thousands of rupees each year.
Get Section 8 Company: a key compliance topic in Indian tax and corporate law that businesses and individuals must understand to remain compliant.