Can one person start an NGO in Uttar Pradesh?

One person alone cannot register a society or a Section 8 company because both require multiple members/directors. In practice, trust registration also requires more than one trustee for good governance, though a settlor can initiate the process.

How long does society registration take in UP?

Society registration in Uttar Pradesh usually takes 15–30 working days, depending on the district, workload, and the accuracy of the documents.

Which NGO structure is best in Uttar Pradesh?

Societies and trusts are popular for local/community work, while Section 8 companies are preferred for large‑scale projects and CSR partnerships. The right choice depends on your vision, scale and governance capacity.

Can an NGO registered in UP work outside the state?

Yes, an NGO registered in Uttar Pradesh can work in other states if its MOA/Trust Deed allows a wider area of operation, and it complies with applicable state and central laws.

Do NGOs in UP need separate registration for 12A and 80G?

Yes, after legal registration as a trust, society, or Section 8 company, you must file separate applications under the Income Tax Act, 1961, for 12A and 80G through the income tax e‑filing portal.

NGO Registration in Uttar Pradesh: Process, Fees & Documents 2026

Starting a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Uttar Pradesh is one of the most rewarding ways to give back to society. Whether you are passionate about rural education in Purvanchal, women’s empowerment in Noida, or environmental conservation in the Braj region, having a legally registered entity is your first step toward making a real impact.

However, with the recent digital advancements on the Nivesh Mitra portal and the updated compliance norms for 2026, the legal landscape in UP is evolving. NGOExperts Guide simplifies the journey for you.

What is NGO Registration in Uttar Pradesh?

In simple terms, NGO registration in Uttar Pradesh means formally creating a non‑profit organisation as a trust, society, or Section 8 company under Indian law, so that the government, the Registrar of Societies, Uttar Pradesh, or other competent authorities recognize it legally. NGO registration in UP is done under three main laws:

The Indian Trusts Act 1882 (for public charitable trusts),
The Societies Registration Act 1860 (for societies/NGOs),
The Companies Act, 2013 (for Section 8 companies).

Why NGO registration is important in Uttar Pradesh

It gives your group a separate legal identity to sign MoUs, own property, and enter into contracts in the NGO’s name.
It builds public trust, which directly improves donations and eligibility for government schemes and CSR funds.
It is mandatory to claim income tax exemptions such as 12A and 80G under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Many departments in Uttar Pradesh and the Government of India release grants only to registered NGOs/societies/Section 8 companies.

Types of NGO Registration Available in Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, you can usually choose one of three legal forms of NGO registration: Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company. A different central law governs each structure, with its pros and cons.

Legal form	Main law	Typical use case	Practical highlights
Trust	Indian Trusts Act 1882	Religious/charitable activities, small to mid‑size NGOs	Simple structure, governed by a trust deed, registered with the Sub‑Registrar.
Society	Societies Registration Act 1860	Educational, health, cultural, and welfare NGOs	Democratic (governing body), registered with the Registrar of Societies, Uttar Pradesh.
Section 8 Company	Companies Act 2013	Large NGOs, CSR‑focused, national‑level operations	High governance standards, preferred for CSR funding, are registered with the MCA.

Have Questions?

Get free guidance on NGO registration, compliance & tax exemptions

Eligibility Criteria for NGO Registration in Uttar Pradesh

The basic eligibility criteria for NGO registration in Uttar Pradesh may vary by structure, but they all share common conditions.

Criteria	Trust (Indian Trusts Act 1882)	Society (Societies Registration Act 1860)	Section 8 Company (Companies Act 2013)
Minimum Members Required	2-3 trustees (settlor + trustees)	At least 7 founding members	Minimum 2 directors/shareholders (can be the same persons)
Minimum Age	All members 18+ years	All members 18+ years	All directors 18+ years
Residency Requirement	The majority of Indian residents preferred	The majority of Indian residents, UP address needed	Indian residents eligible; DIN required
Who Can Start	Indian citizens, NRIs (with limits)	Indian citizens above 18; groups for welfare/education	Indian citizens, professionals/companies
Registered Office	Valid UP address proof + NOC if rented	Mandatory UP office with utility bill/NOC	Proof of UP address (rent/own) + NOC
Other Key Requirements	Charitable objects in Trust Deed; no profit motive	Democratic governing body; non-profit aims	Non-profit intent; MCA approval needed

Step‑by‑Step NGO Registration Process in Uttar Pradesh

The step‑by‑step NGO registration process in Uttar Pradesh varies by legal form, but the core stages are similar: planning, document drafting, online/offline filing, scrutiny, and approval.

1. Decide the NGO structure and name

Choose whether you want a trust, society, or Section 8 company based on your goals, funding plans, and governance preference.
Shortlist 2–3 unique names; make sure they do not clash with existing registered societies or companies in UP.

2. Draft governing documents

Trust: Draft a Trust Deed that clearly defines the settlor, trustees, objects, powers, and management.
Society: Draft Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Rules & Regulations with details of aims, objects, governing body, etc.
Section 8 Company: Draft Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) in prescribed formats under the Companies Act 2013.

3. Prepare KYC and office documents

Collect Aadhaar, PAN, photographs, email IDs, and mobile numbers of all members.
Arrange address proof of registered office (electricity bill, water bill, rent agreement, property tax receipt) plus NOC from the owner where required.

4. Apply online/offline with the correct authority

Society in UP: File an application with the Registrar of Firms, Societies & Chits through the official portal uprfsc.gov.in or at the district office, as per local practice.
Trust in UP: Submit the Trust Deed and documents at the local Sub‑Registrar office along with stamp duty and registration fee.
Section 8 Company: Apply online through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal using SPICe+ forms, with a DSC and a DIN for each director.

In Uttar Pradesh, society registration and partnership‑related services have been integrated with the Nivesh Mitra single‑window portal for certain applications.

5. Scrutiny and correction, if any

The Registrar or Sub‑Registrar verifies documents, may ask for clarifications or corrections, and can call for physical verification or personal appearance of the authorised signatory in some cases.

6. Issuance of registration certificate

After approval, you receive: Registration Certificate of Society (for societies), certified Trust Deed (for trusts), or Certificate of Incorporation with licence (for Section 8 companies). This certificate proves that your NGO is legally registered in Uttar Pradesh.

Documents Required for NGO Registration in Uttar Pradesh

The documents required for NGO registration in Uttar Pradesh vary by legal form, but most authorities require standard KYC, office, and governing documents.

ID Proof: PAN Card and Aadhaar of all members.
Address Proof: Voter ID/Passport/Driving License.
Office Proof: Electricity bill or Water bill (not older than 2 months).
NOC: A No-Objection Certificate from the landlord if the office is rented.
Photographs: Passport-sized photos of all founders.
Affidavits: Specific declarations regarding the non-political nature of the NGO.

Have Questions?

Get free guidance on NGO registration, compliance & tax exemptions

Where to apply for NGO registration in Uttar Pradesh

Official portal for society‑related services: uprfsc.gov.in (Registrar, Firms Societies & Chits Uttar Pradesh).
For certain online applications, UP’s Nivesh Mitra single‑window portal (niveshmitra.up.nic.in) is used by selecting the appropriate department and service.
For state‑level NGO empanelment for disaster relief, the Relief Commissioner’s portal also has an NGO registration section at rahat.up.nic.in.
Section 8 companies must apply through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) central portal.

Most districts in UP now encourage online filing for society registration, with physical document submission only where required.

How NGOs in Uttar Pradesh Can Get CSR Funding

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations arise under Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013, which mandates that certain profit‑making companies spend at least 2% of their average net profits on eligible CSR activities.

CSR eligibility for NGOs in UP

Companies often prefer to fund NGOs that are registered as Section 8 companies or well‑governed societies/trusts with clear compliance records.
Having 12A and 80G registrations, along with an audited track record, increases your CSR eligibility.
For many large PSUs and corporates, being listed on government or sectoral panels is an added advantage.

NGO Registration in Uttar Pradesh