What is a Section 8 Company?

A Section 8 Company is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) registered under the Companies Act, 2013 with the primary objective of promoting arts, commerce, science, research, education, sports, charity, social welfare, or environmental protection.

Who can apply for Section 8 Company Registration?

Any person or an association of persons intending to promote a charitable object can apply. The profits, if any, must be applied towards promoting the objectives, and no dividends can be paid to members.

Is there a minimum capital requirement?

No, there is no minimum paid-up capital requirement to incorporate a Section 8 Company in India under the Companies Act, 2013.

Do I need to add "Limited" or "Private Limited" to the name?

No, Section 8 Companies are exempt from using "Limited" or "Private Limited" as a suffix. Instead, the name must include words like Foundation, Forum, Association, Federation, Chambers, etc.

Can a Partnership Firm or LLP become a member?

Yes, a Partnership Firm or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) can become a member of a Section 8 Company under the provisions of the Companies Act.

Can an existing Trust or Society be converted into a Section 8 Company?

Yes, a Society or Trust can be converted into a Section 8 Company subject to fulfilling certain conditions and procedures prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013.

Are there any tax benefits for Section 8 Companies?

Yes, Section 8 Companies can apply for tax exemptions under Section 12A (tax exemption on company income) and Section 80G (tax deductions for donors) of the Income Tax Act.

What happens if the company violates its objectives?

The Central Government has the power to revoke the Section 8 License if the company contravenes the provisions, violates license terms, or conducts fraudulent activities. It may also order winding up or amalgamation.

How long does it take to register a Section 8 Company?

With all documents in order, the entire process of obtaining the Section 8 License and Certificate of Incorporation typically takes 15 to 25 working days, depending on MCA processing times.

Can a Foreign National be a Director in a Section 8 Company?

Yes, a Foreign National can be a Director, but at least one Director of the company must be a resident of India (someone who has stayed in India for at least 182 days in the previous year).

Is a commercial address required for the registered office?

No, you can register a Section 8 Company using a residential address. You only need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner and a recent utility bill.

Can a One Person Company (OPC) become a member?

No, the Companies (Incorporation) Rules prohibit a One Person Company from investing in the securities of any body corporate, including a Section 8 Company.

Do Section 8 Companies have to pay stamp duty on MOA and AOA?

Many states offer privileged or exempted rates for stamp duty on the MOA and AOA of a Section 8 Company, though the exact rules depend on the respective state's Stamp Act.

Can the founders draw a salary from the Section 8 Company?

Yes, members or founders who act as employees or directors can draw a reasonable remuneration for services rendered, provided it is authorized by the Articles of Association and is commensurate with their work.

How are the profits of a Section 8 Company utilized?

The profits or any other income of a Section 8 Company must be entirely utilized to promote the specific charitable objectives for which the company was formed. They cannot be distributed as dividends.

Is the Section 8 License transferable?

No, the Section 8 License granted by the Central Government is non-transferable. The company must operate strictly within the approved objectives and terms of the license.

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A Section 8 Company is formed with the objective to promote commerce, art, science, sports, education, research, social welfare, religion, charity, or protection of the environment. Unlike traditional trusts or societies, it is registered under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, giving it a much higher level of credibility and national recognition.

It prohibits the payment of dividends to its members and ensures that all income and profits are applied solely toward promoting its charitable objectives.

Tax Exemptions & Credibility

Unlock grants and donations with Section 8 Benefits

Operating as a Section 8 Company makes it significantly easier to attract funding from corporate CSR programs, government grants, and foreign contributions (FCRA). You can also enjoy substantial tax deductions for your donors under Section 80G and exemptions on the company’s income under Section 12AA of the Income Tax Act.

There is no mandatory requirement for minimum paid-up capital, and you are exempt from adding "Limited" or "Private Limited" to your company name, enhancing your distinct identity as an NGO.

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Your return is reconciled line-by-line with Form 26AS and AIS so TDS mismatches never come back as a notice. Filing is only done after you approve the summary.

With standard services vs With our expert team

Limited operational scope and lower national recognition
Governed by state-specific regulations with varying rules
Lower credibility among corporate donors and CSR funders
Can be complex to restructure or manage across states
Slower processing of government grants and subsidies

Recognized nationally under the central Companies Act
High credibility with foreign entities and CSR donors
Transparent corporate structure and clear governance
Eligible for highly sought-after 80G and 12A tax exemptions
Perpetual succession with limited liability protection

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Comprehensive Guide to Section 8 Company Registration AY 2026-27, explained

The Section 8 Company means a Company formed with an object to promote commerce, art, science, sports, research, education, religion, protection of the environment, charity, or any other social object. It intends to apply its income and profits entirely in promoting these objects and strictly prohibits the payment of dividends to its members.

In India, a Section-8 Company is regulated by the Indian Companies Act, 2013, and is administered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). While similar to a Trust or Society, a Section 8 Company is registered under the Central Government, offering higher credibility amongst donors, government departments, and other stakeholders.

Companies Act, 2013 has removed the requirement for a minimum paid-up capital. You need a minimum of two directors and two members to incorporate a Section 8 private limited company. The entire registration process is digital and integrates the application for Name Reservation, Section 8 License, and Incorporation through the MCA's SPICe+ web service.

Documents you will need

PAN Card of all Directors and Members
ID Proof (Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License)
Address Proof (Bank Statement, Electricity/Mobile Bill - not older than 2 months)
Passport Size Photographs of Directors/Members
NOC from the Owner of the Registered Office Property
Utility Bill for the Registered Office (not older than 2 months)

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Complete end-to-end Section 8 Company Registration including Government Fees & Professional Fees.

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Comprehensive Guide to Section 8 Company Registration why it pays to use an expert

The Section 8 Company means a Company formed with an object to promote commerce, art, science, sports, research, education, religion, protection of the environment, charity, or any other social object. It intends to apply its income and profits entirely in promoting these objects and strictly prohibits the payment of dividends to its members.

In India, a Section-8 Company is regulated by the Indian Companies Act, 2013, and is administered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). While similar to a Trust or Society, a Section 8 Company is registered under the Central Government, offering higher credibility amongst donors, government departments, and other stakeholders.

Companies Act, 2013 has removed the requirement for a minimum paid-up capital. You need a minimum of two directors and two members to incorporate a Section 8 private limited company. The entire registration process is digital and integrates the application for Name Reservation, Section 8 License, and Incorporation through the MCA's SPICe+ web service.

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Promote Social Causes with Limited Liability

Unlock grants and donations with Section 8 Benefits

Matched to AIS, before the department checks

With standard services vs With our expert team

How it works

Share your documents

Talk to your expert

Approve the summary

We file & you relax