Company Incorporation
Section 8 Company Registration
15-20 working days 100% online process Dedicated expert
- Non-profit objective – Formed to promote charity, education, social welfare, or similar causes.
- No profit distribution – Profits cannot be distributed to members or directors.
- Limited liability – Members’ liability is limited to their shareholding or guarantee.
- Separate legal entity – It has its own legal identity, separate from its members.
About this service
Startupmates assists in the registration of Section 8 Companies under the Companies Act, 2013. A Section 8 Company is a non-profit organization established to promote education, charity, social welfare, arts, sports, research, environmental protection, and similar causes. Any profits earned are reinvested in achieving the company's objectives and cannot be distributed as dividends.
Startupmates simplifies the Section 8 Company registration process, ensuring compliance and hassle-free incorporation.
Requirements & eligibility
- At least 2 directors (for a private Section 8 company); one must be resident in India
- Objects limited to charity, education, art, science, sports, social welfare, religion, environment or similar purposes
- Profits must be used only for these objects; no dividend to members
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for every director
- A registered office address in India
- Estimated income and expenditure for the next 3 years
Step-by-step process
What happens after you book, and roughly how long each step takes.
- 1
Consultation & objectsDay 1–2
We help you frame the charitable objects and collect KYC and office proof.
- 2
Digital signatures1–2 days
Class 3 DSCs are issued for all directors.
- 3
Name approval2–3 days
We reserve a name through SPICe+ Part A (words like Foundation, Association, Council or Society are common).
- 4
Licence & incorporation filing5–10 days
We file SPICe+ with the Section 8 licence application, the MOA in Form INC-13 and the required declarations.
- 5
Licence and Certificate of Incorporation7–10 days
You receive the Section 8 licence and Certificate of Incorporation with CIN, PAN and TAN.
Benefits
- Most credible legal structure for an NGO in India
- Can apply for 12A and 80G registration for income tax exemption and donor deductions
- Limited liability for members
- No minimum capital required
- Eligible for CSR funding and government grants after the required registrations
Key features
- Non-profit objective – Formed to promote charity, education, social welfare, or similar causes.
- No profit distribution – Profits cannot be distributed to members or directors.
- Limited liability – Members’ liability is limited to their shareholding or guarantee.
- Separate legal entity – It has its own legal identity, separate from its members.
- Perpetual succession – Continues to exist even if members change.
- Tax benefits – Eligible for exemptions under Income Tax (subject to registration like 12A/80G).
- No minimum capital requirement – Can be formed without a fixed minimum paid-up capital.
- Government license required – Needs approval/license from the Central Government (via ROC).
- Credibility & trust – Higher public trust compared to NGOs or societies.
- Name exemption – No need to use “Private Limited” or “Limited” in its name.
- Restricted object clause – Activities must strictly align with its charitable objectives.
- Conversion restrictions – Cannot easily convert into another type of company.
- Compliance requirements – Must follow annual filings and governance norms like other companies.
- Donation eligibility – Can receive donations, grants, and funding from various sources.
- Professional structure – Managed by directors with a formal corporate governance framework.
Documents required
- Copy of PAN card, Passport/ Voter-ID/Driving license of Director(s).
- Bank Statement of directors(s)/ Electricity bill.
- Passport size photo of director(s).
- NOC from owner of registered office and rent agreement or sale deed (if any).
- Signature specimen of director(s).
What's included
- Name Approval – Approval of unique company name through MCA.
- DSC & DIN – Digital Signature Certificate and Director Identification Number for directors.
- Drafting of MOA & AOA – Preparation of Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association.
- Section 8 License – Government license under Companies Act 2013 for non-profit status.
- Certificate of Incorporation (COI) – Official registration certificate issued by Registrar of Companies (ROC).
- PAN & TAN – Company’s Permanent Account Number and Tax Deduction Account Number.
- Incorporation Filing Fees – Government fees for company registration process.
Not included
- 12A & 80G Registration – Tax exemption registrations under Income Tax Act (applied separately).
- GST Registration – Required only if applicable based on activities/turnover.
- Bank Account Opening – Must be done separately after incorporation.
- Trademark Registration – Protection of company name/logo is not included.
- Annual Compliance Filing – Yearly ROC filings and audits are separate ongoing costs.
- Professional/Business Licenses – Any sector-specific licenses (FSSAI, NGO permits, etc.).
- Office Setup Costs – Rent, infrastructure, staff salaries, etc.
- Foreign Funding Registration (FCRA) – Required separately to receive foreign donations.
Why StartupMates
Pay in parts
Clear price with GST shown upfront. On most services you start with an advance and pay the rest after work begins.
One dedicated expert
The same person handles your work from documents to final certificate.
100% online
Share documents and sign digitally from home. Track progress in your account.
Compliance after registration
GST returns, ROC filings, TDS and renewals handled, with reminders before due dates.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Section 8 Company?+–
A Section 8 Company is a non-profit organization registered under the Companies Act 2013 for promoting charitable objectives like education, social welfare, and environmental protection. Its income is used only for its objectives and not distributed among members.
What are the objectives of a Section 8 Company?+–
The objectives include activities such as charity, education, art, science, sports, research, religion, and environmental protection. The company must strictly operate within these approved purposes.
How many directors are required?+–
A minimum of two directors is required for a private Section 8 Company and three for a public one. At least one director must be a resident of India.
Is profit allowed in a Section 8 Company?+–
Yes, the company can generate profits, but such profits must be used only to promote its charitable objectives.
Can profits be distributed to members?+–
No, profits or dividends cannot be distributed to members or directors under any circumstances.
Is GST registration mandatory?+–
GST registration is required only if the company crosses the prescribed turnover limit or engages in taxable activities.
What are 12A and 80G registrations?+–
12A registration allows income tax exemption to the company, while 80G enables donors to claim tax deductions on their contributions.
Can a Section 8 Company receive donations?+–
Yes, it can accept donations from individuals, corporates, and institutions.
Can it receive foreign donations?+–
Yes, but only after obtaining approval under FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act).
Is audit compulsory?+–
Yes, annual audit by a Chartered Accountant is mandatory, irrespective of income level.
What compliances are required?+–
The company must maintain proper books, conduct board meetings, file annual returns with ROC, and submit income tax returns.
Can a Section 8 Company be converted into another type?+–
Conversion is allowed only with government approval and strict compliance conditions.
Is the company name different from other companies?+–
Yes, it is not required to use “Limited” or “Private Limited” in its name.
How long does registration take?+–
The process generally takes around 10 to 20 working days, depending on approvals.
Can one person start a Section 8 Company?+–
No, at least two members are required; a single person cannot form it.
What is the validity of registration?+–
It remains valid for a lifetime unless revoked due to non-compliance.
Which authority regulates Section 8 Companies?+–
They are regulated by the Registrar of Companies (ROC) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India.
Ready to get started?
Book now, or talk to an expert first. The first call is free.