NGO Registration Services in Kolkata
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NGO Registration Services in Kolkata
Kolkata's heritage of volunteerism runs from Mother Teresa's missions to countless local charities today. Near Victoria Memorial or in bustling North Kolkata, NGOs work on child welfare, elderly care, and poverty alleviation. The Bengali-speaking community here has long embraced organised philanthropy. Whether you're establishing a trust near Park Street or a foundation in Salt Lake, NGO registration provides legal protection, tax exemption eligibility, and the credibility needed to attract donors who value Kolkata's tradition of giving.
What is NGO Registration?
NGO registration constitutes the formal mechanism through which a Non-Governmental Organisation secures legal acknowledgement under Indian statutes. This official process empowers your charitable body to conduct legitimate activities, collect donations, and engage with both public institutions and private entities.
Organisations operating in Kolkata with missions spanning social betterment, education advancement, healthcare provision, or ecological preservation require registration to function with authenticity and legal authority. Based on your preferred structure and operational philosophy, registration options include the Societies Registration Act of 1860, Indian Trusts Act of 1882, or formation as a Section 8 Company under the Companies Act of 2013.
Eligibility Criteria for NGO Registration
Before initiating the registration process in Kolkata, ensure your organisation meets these fundamental requirements:
- Minimum three founding members for most registration types (seven for societies)
- All founding members must be at least 18 years of age
- Clear and specific charitable objectives focusing on social, educational, or environmental causes
- Valid identification documents for all members including PAN cards
- Registered office address within Kolkata with supporting documentation
Types of NGO Registration in Kolkata
Choosing the right registration format is fundamental to matching your legal constitution with organisational aspirations. Each structure presents unique benefits tailored to specific operational requirements.
Society Registration
Trust Registration
Section 8 Company Registration
NGO Registration Process in Kolkata
Choose Your Registration Structure
Evaluate your organisational goals and select between Society, Trust, or Section 8 Company registration. Consider factors such as membership requirements, governance preferences, and long-term objectives.
Prepare Required Documentation
Gather all necessary documents including the Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, identity proofs, and address verification. Ensure all paperwork meets the prescribed format and contains accurate information.
Draft Governing Documents
Prepare the MOA and AOA with clearly defined objectives, membership criteria, and operational guidelines. These documents form the constitutional framework of your NGO.
Submit Application
File the registration application with the appropriate authority in Kolkata. For societies, approach the Registrar of Societies; for trusts, the Sub-Registrar; and for Section 8 companies, the Registrar of Companies.
Verification and Approval
The registering authority examines all submitted documents and conducts necessary verifications. Upon successful review, your NGO receives its registration certificate, marking its official establishment.
Documents Required for NGO Registration
Preparing comprehensive documentation ensures a smooth registration experience. Here's a complete checklist of essential documents:
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Memorandum of Association (MOA) detailing organisational objectives and governance framework
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Articles of Association (AOA) specifying internal management protocols
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Identity verification for all founding members (PAN Card, Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or Passport)
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Address verification of registered premises (electricity bill, lease agreement, or title deed)
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Current passport-sized photographs of every founding member
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No Objection Certificate from the premises owner for official registration
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Residential proof for all governing body members
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Formal declaration from the President or Secretary of the proposed organisation
NGO Registration Fees
| Service Type | Fees (Starting From) |
| Society Registration | ₹7,499 |
| Trust Registration | ₹8,999 |
| Section 8 Company Registration | ₹14,999 |
| NGO Darpan Registration | ₹2,999 |
| 12A & 80G Registration | ₹9,999 |
Note: Stated fees represent approximations and may fluctuate according to specific circumstances and government charges prevailing in Kolkata.
Time Taken for NGO Registration
The registration timeline varies depending on the chosen structure and document readiness. Here's what you can typically expect:
- Society Registration: 15 to 30 working days following application submission
- Trust Registration: 7 to 21 working days based on Sub-Registrar scheduling
- Section 8 Company: 30 to 45 working days encompassing Ministry clearance
- NGO Darpan Registration: 5 to 10 working days post primary registration
Timelines depend heavily on document completeness, government processing speeds, and any clarifications required during verification. Working with experienced professionals can help expedite the process.
Benefits of NGO Registration in Kolkata
Legal Recognition and Credibility
Tax Exemptions and Benefits
Access to Funding Opportunities
Comparison of NGO Registration Types
| Parameter | Society | Trust | Section 8 Company |
| Governing Act | Societies Registration Act, 1860 | Indian Trusts Act, 1882 | Companies Act, 2013 |
| Minimum Members | 7 members | 2 trustees | 2 directors, 2 shareholders |
| Registration Authority | Registrar of Societies | Sub-Registrar | Registrar of Companies |
| Compliance Level | Moderate | Low | High |
| Liability | Unlimited | Unlimited | Limited |
| Best Suited For | Membership-based organisations | Asset management, small groups | Large-scale operations |
Why Choose Patron Accounting for NGO Registration?
At Patron Accounting, we bring together legal expertise and practical experience to simplify your NGO registration journey in Kolkata. Our team of qualified Company Secretaries and compliance specialists understands the nuances of charitable organisation registration across different structures.
We handle everything from initial consultation and document preparation to application filing and follow-up with authorities. Beyond registration, we offer ongoing support for 12A and 80G applications, NGO Darpan registration, annual compliance filings, and GST registration where applicable. Partner with us to establish your NGO on a solid legal foundation.
NGO Registration Customised by States and Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a look at the answers to the most asked questions.