How Much Does NGO Registration Cost in India?

Setting up a non-profit organization in India involves more than just a commitment to a cause — it also requires legal formalities, documentation, and financial planning. One of the most common concerns among aspiring social entrepreneurs is the cost of NGO Registration.

The cost of registering an NGO in India varies depending on the type of entity you choose — Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company — and the state in which you're registering. In this blog, we’ll break down the typical expenses associated with NGO Registration so that you can budget your resources accordingly and avoid any surprises during the process.

Factors That Influence NGO Registration Cost

The total cost of NGO Registration depends on several key factors:

1. Type of NGO structure (Trust, Society, Section 8 Company)

2. Location or state of registration

3. Government fees and stamp duty

4. Professional fees for legal drafting and consultancy

5. Additional charges for PAN, TAN, and post-registration compliance

Let’s explore the cost estimate for each type of registration.

Cost of Trust Registration in India

Trusts are governed by the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 or respective state laws. It is one of the most common and cost-effective forms of NGO Registration.

Estimated Cost: ₹5,000 to ₹12,000

Breakup of Costs:

• Stamp paper for Trust Deed: ₹500 to ₹1,000 (varies by state)

• Notarization and registration fee at Sub-Registrar Office: ₹1,000 to ₹3,000

• Drafting of Trust Deed and consultancy (if taken): ₹3,000 to ₹8,000

• Miscellaneous expenses: ₹500 to ₹1,000

Trust registration usually involves fewer legal formalities and lower recurring compliance costs compared to other forms.

Cost of Society Registration in India

Society registration requires at least seven members and is regulated by the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The cost may vary from state to state.

Estimated Cost: ₹8,000 to ₹15,000

Breakup of Costs:

• Government registration fee: ₹500 to ₹1,500 (state dependent)

• MOA and Rules & Regulations drafting: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000

• Consultancy or legal support: ₹3,000 to ₹8,000

• Documentation expenses: ₹500 to ₹1,000

• Miscellaneous expenses (printing, courier, etc.): ₹500

Some states like Maharashtra, Delhi, and Karnataka have online application processes which may slightly reduce processing costs.

Cost of Section 8 Company Registration in India

A Section 8 Company is registered under the Companies Act, 2013 and is more structured and formal. It is the most legally robust form of NGO Registration.

Estimated Cost: ₹10,000 to ₹25,000

Breakup of Costs:

• Name approval and SPICe+ Form filing: ₹1,000

• Government fees (stamp duty, DIN, PAN, etc.): ₹2,000 to ₹5,000

• Professional fees for drafting MOA, AOA, declarations, etc.: ₹5,000 to ₹15,000

• Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) for directors: ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per person

• Miscellaneous costs: ₹1,000

Although the cost is higher for Section 8 registration, it offers better legal status, national reach, and higher trust among donors and institutions.

Post-Registration Costs to Consider

Once your NGO Registration is complete, you will need to budget for additional steps:

1. PAN and TAN Application – ₹200 to ₹500

2. Opening a Bank Account – Nil (but minimum balance required)

3. 12A Registration (Income Tax exemption) – ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 (if outsourced)

4. 80G Registration (Donor tax benefit) – ₹3,000 to ₹7,000

5. FCRA Registration (for foreign funding) – ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 (if applicable)

6. Annual Compliance (filings, audit) – ₹5,000 to ₹25,000 per year depending on structure and activities

These ongoing costs are important to factor into your NGO’s long-term financial planning.

Can You Register an NGO for Free?

There is no official process in India for completely free NGO Registration, but if you are confident about preparing documents on your own and have legal knowledge, you can reduce costs significantly by doing it yourself. However, hiring professionals ensures accuracy and saves time, especially for complex structures like Section 8 Companies.

Why Cost Shouldn’t Be the Only Factor

While cost is an important consideration, it shouldn’t be the only one. Choosing the cheapest form of NGO Registration might save money upfront but can limit your ability to raise funds, attract donors, or scale operations in the long run.

For instance, Section 8 Companies may have higher initial costs, but they offer better compliance structures, transparency, and credibility — qualities that matter to corporate donors and funding agencies.

Conclusion

The cost of NGO Registration in India ranges from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000 depending on the legal structure and services used. Trusts are the most affordable, Societies fall in the mid-range, and Section 8 Companies have higher costs but offer more advantages in terms of credibility and governance.

Understanding the full cost breakdown allows you to make an informed decision and plan your resources effectively. Investing in professional support can ensure that your NGO gets started smoothly, legally, and with long-term success in mind.