eForm FC-3 Filing Services

Q: What is the difference between FC-3A and FC-3B?

FC-3A is for permanent registration for organisations active at least three years, while FC-3B is prior permission for newer organisations receiving contribution for a specific project.

Q: How long is FCRA registration valid once granted?

FCRA registration is valid for five years, and renewal through Form FC-3C should be filed at least six months before expiry.

Q: Is a designated FCRA bank account mandatory before applying?

Yes, a designated FCRA account at the specified SBI branch in New Delhi is mandatory for receiving all foreign contribution.

Q: What happens if FCRA registration is not renewed on time?

The registration lapses and the organisation cannot receive further foreign contribution until a fresh application is approved.

Associations and organisations seeking registration or prior permission to receive foreign contribution under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act must apply through the FC-3 series of forms on the FCRA portal. We assist NGOs, trusts, and societies in preparing and filing Form FC-3 correctly, improving the likelihood of smooth approval.

FC-3A Registration Application

Preparation and filing of Form FC-3A for organisations seeking permanent FCRA registration, applicable after the organisation has been active for a minimum period as prescribed.

FC-3B Prior Permission Application

Filing Form FC-3B for newly formed organisations seeking prior permission to receive a specific foreign contribution for a defined project or purpose.

FC-3C Renewal Application

Assistance with timely renewal of existing FCRA registration through Form FC-3C before the five-year validity period expires.

Documentation and Bank Account Setup

Guidance on opening the mandatory FCRA account with the designated bank branch and compiling the supporting documents needed for the application.

What is Form FC-3?

Form FC-3 is not a single form but a series — FC-3A for registration, FC-3B for prior permission, and FC-3C for renewal — filed on the FCRA portal maintained by the Ministry of Home Affairs. These filings are the gateway to legally receiving foreign contribution in India, and incomplete or incorrect applications are a common reason for delay or rejection.

FC-3 filings work alongside the organisation's annual FC-4 return once registration or prior permission is granted, and connect to the entity's broader trust or society compliance under applicable state and income tax laws.

Who Needs to File Form FC-3?

NGOs, trusts, and societies seeking to receive foreign contribution for the first time
Newly formed organisations seeking prior permission for a specific foreign-funded project
Existing FCRA-registered entities whose five-year registration is due for renewal
Organisations that had their registration lapse and need to reapply

Why Choose Us for FC-3 Filing?

We assess which form in the FC-3 series applies to your organisation's stage and objectives, help set up the mandatory FCRA bank account, and prepare the application with the supporting governance and activity documentation the Ministry of Home Affairs expects to see.

If you are searching for "FCRA registration consultants" or "Form FC-3 filing for NGOs," we support the process from eligibility assessment to final submission and follow-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between FC-3A and FC-3B?

Form FC-3A is for permanent FCRA registration, generally available to organisations that have existed and carried out core activities for at least three years. Form FC-3B is for prior permission, meant for newer organisations seeking to receive a specific foreign contribution for a defined project without full registration.

How long is FCRA registration valid once granted?

FCRA registration is valid for five years from the date of grant. Organisations must apply for renewal through Form FC-3C at least six months before expiry to avoid a lapse in registration.

Is a designated FCRA bank account mandatory before applying?

Yes. Every organisation applying for FCRA registration or prior permission must open a designated FCRA account at the specified branch of the State Bank of India in New Delhi, through which all foreign contribution must be received.

What happens if FCRA registration is not renewed on time?

If renewal is not filed before expiry, the registration lapses and the organisation cannot receive further foreign contribution until a fresh application is made and approved, which can disrupt ongoing foreign-funded projects.

Apply for FCRA Registration or Prior Permission

Complete support for Form FC-3A, FC-3B, and FC-3C filings on the FCRA portal.

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