Society Registration in India
Register Your NGO, Welfare or Cultural Organization Legally
Get official recognition for your non-profit work by registering a Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Ideal for charitable organizations, cultural associations, NGOs, educational groups, and welfare societies, this structure provides legal status, credibility, and eligibility for government funding, tax exemption, and formal partnerships.
Lawful Journey helps NGOs and citizen-led groups secure society registration with full legal backing. From drafting your Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Rules & Regulations to filing with the Registrar of Societies and obtaining 12A, 80G, and FCRA approvals, we offer comprehensive support for your nonprofit journey.
- Get legal identity for NGO, educational or charitable organization
- Eligible for 12A & 80G income tax exemptions and donor benefits
- Apply for government grants and CSR funding
- Governed by a democratic board with defined rules & transparency
Why Choose Society Registration?
Societies are legally recognized non-profit entities formed for the promotion of charitable, literary, scientific, educational, cultural, or social purposes. Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or respective state acts, they provide a trusted structure for collaborative impact-driven work. Registration ensures legal status, public trust, and eligibility for tax benefits, government grants, and regulatory compliance.
Legal Status for Your NGO
Registered societies can open bank accounts, sign MoUs, receive grants, and own property in the name of the society.
Ideal for Group-Based Initiatives
Perfect for organizations with a democratic structure, managing schools, old-age homes, cultural events, or rural empowerment.
Regulated and Transparent
Defined rules and elections build accountability. Audited financials and annual filings boost public trust.
Access Government Support
Registered societies are eligible for funding from government departments, CSR initiatives, and international NGOs.
Tax Exemption & Recognition
Apply for 12A to make your income tax-free and 80G to enable donor tax deductions.
International Eligibility
Apply for FCRA registration to legally receive foreign funds for global partnerships and humanitarian initiatives.
Who Can Register a Society in India?
Any group of individuals (minimum 7 in most states) with a common non-profit objective can register a society under central or state acts. Ideal for NGOs, charitable groups, research institutions, art or music collectives, and welfare-focused organizations.
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum 7 individuals as founding members (8 in Maharashtra, 9 in Tamil Nadu)
- At least one Indian citizen among the founding members
- No commercial motive—must serve a public or mutual welfare objective
- Registered office address with address proof and NOC
- Unique name that is not identical to existing society or trademarked entities
Suitable Objectives
- Relief of the poor or distressed
- Promotion of education, research, literature, or arts
- Environmental protection and awareness
- Promotion of sports, music, drama, or cultural programs
- Public health and sanitation awareness
- Welfare of women, children, disabled or senior citizens
Restrictions
A society cannot distribute profits or dividends to its members. It must apply all income and property solely towards its stated non-profit objectives. Commercial activity for profit is not allowed.
Ongoing Responsibilities
- Maintain proper minutes, accounts, and records of meetings and decisions
- Hold annual general meetings (AGM) and file annual list of members and governing body
- File annual return and financial statements with Registrar of Societies
- Renew registration if required (varies by state, some are perpetual)
Step-by-Step Society Registration Process in India
Drafting of MOA & Rules
We prepare your society’s Memorandum of Association and Rules & Regulations as per Act requirements, including objectives, governance, and voting rights.
Member Documentation
Collect PAN, Aadhar, photos, and address proof of all members. Ensure signed declarations, NOC from landlord, and consent forms.
Name Check & Reservation
Conduct a name availability check to ensure your society name is unique and non-offensive under the law.
Affidavit & Notarization
Prepare and notarize affidavits confirming non-profit nature, society premises, and leadership declarations.
Registrar Filing
Submit complete application along with MOA, Rules, affidavits, ID proofs, and fee to the Registrar of Societies.
Registration Certificate Issuance
Receive your Society Registration Certificate with a unique registration number. Valid across India subject to applicable jurisdiction.
PAN & Bank Account
Apply PAN in the name of the society and open a dedicated bank account to receive donations or grants.
12A/80G/CSR/FCRA (Optional)
Apply for 12A (income tax exemption), 80G (donor deduction), CSR registration, or FCRA for foreign donations with our support.
Documents Required for Society Registration
Identity & Address Proof
- Aadhar Card (all members): Mandatory for identification and KYC
- PAN Card (all members): Required for taxation and banking
- Passport Size Photos: Recent photographs of all founders
- Utility Bill (office address): Electricity/water bill of registered office
- NOC from Landowner: Permission to use premises as society office
Legal & Registration Documents
- MOA & Rules: Memorandum of Association and internal governance rules
- Affidavits: Signed and notarized affidavits of all promoters
- Society Name Declaration: Declaration that name is unique and compliant
- List of Members: With full name, occupation, address, and signatures
Why Choose Lawful Journey?
Legally Vetted Drafting
Custom-drafted MOA and Rules to meet both your objectives and Registrar's standards. Zero rejection guarantee.
Fast-Track Registration
State-wise expedited processing with physical or online submission based on local jurisdiction.
Full Legal Support
From affidavits and declarations to name objections or registrar queries, we handle the complete legal process.
Post-Registration Assistance
We assist with PAN, bank account, income tax exemption (12A), and donor tax eligibility (80G).
FCRA & CSR Advisory
Get support to register under FCRA (foreign contributions) and CSR-1 for corporate donor eligibility.
Long-Term NGO Partner
Stay compliant with our annual filing, board meeting minutes, donor management, and impact reporting support.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Minimum 7 members are needed in most states, including at least one Indian citizen.
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Yes, you may register at the state or national level. National-level societies must have members from different states.
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Yes, once registered, it can open a bank account and receive donations, CSR funding, or government grants.
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Only if you offer taxable services or your donations exceed ₹20 lakh per year. Pure charity does not require GST.
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12A gives income tax exemption to the society. 80G allows donors to claim tax deductions. Both are optional but recommended.
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Typically 20–30 working days depending on the state and completeness of documents.
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No. However, you can establish a parallel trust or Section 8 Company for new verticals while maintaining your society.
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Some states offer perpetual registration, while others may require renewal every 5 years or 10 years.
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They may be honorary members, but at least one Indian citizen must be part of the founding body.
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Yes, we offer annual maintenance, ROC filings, amendment drafting, and audit assistance for societies across India.
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