Section 8 Company Registration in Goa

A Section 8 Company is a non-profit organization licensed under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, by the Central Government through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). It is established to promote charitable objectives such as education, science, art, sports, social welfare, research, environmental protection, and religion. Unlike regular companies, it cannot distribute profits as dividends to its members; instead, all income is reinvested into achieving its stated objectives.

Members of a Section 8 Company enjoy limited liability, and the company itself possesses a separate legal identity, allowing it to own property, enter into contracts, and manage funds in its own name. It enjoys perpetual succession, meaning it continues to exist even if its members change. There is no minimum capital requirement for registration, and these companies often use names like "Foundation," "Association," "Forum," or "Council" instead of "Ltd." or "Pvt. Ltd."

Their transparent structure, strict compliance, and government recognition make Section 8 Companies an ideal legal framework for NGOs and non-profits operating in Goa and across India.

Understanding Non-Profit Organizations in India

In India, non-profits can be registered as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company. Out of these, a Section 8 Company is considered the most credible form because it is incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, and regulated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

Unlike Trusts and Societies, which are governed by local state laws (such as the Goa Societies Registration Act, 1974), Section 8 Companies are governed uniformly across India, offering national-level recognition and stronger legal standing. This makes them the most suitable option for organizations in Goa seeking CSR funding, government grants, and international donations.

Goa, a state known for its thriving tourism and strong community engagement, offers a unique ecosystem for non-profits. Such as:

1. Credibility & Donor Trust: Section 8 Companies in Goa are regulated by the MCA and Registrar of Companies (ROC), Goa. This ensures legal recognition and builds trust among CSR contributors, government agencies, and international donors.
2. Government & CSR Support: Goa is home to a growing number of businesses in the tourism, hospitality, and IT sectors. Being registered as a Section 8 Company makes it easier to tap into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from these corporates and access government grants.
3. Professional Ecosystem: Goa has a strong base of lawyers, chartered accountants, and consultants experienced in handling Section 8 compliances, helping your organization operate smoothly.
4. Tax Benefits: Non-profits in Goa can apply for Section 12AB and 80G registration, enabling income tax exemptions and allowing donors to claim deductions, making fundraising more effective.
5. Addressing Local Needs: Goa faces diverse challenges, including environmental conservation, coastal management, sustainable tourism, and social welfare. Registering as a Section 8 Company provides a legal framework to address these issues while maintaining credibility.
6. Foreign Funding (FCRA): Given its international connectivity, NGOs registered as Section 8 Companies in Goa often find it easier to obtain FCRA registration, allowing them to receive foreign donations due to higher credibility.
7. Funding Options: Section 8 Companies in Goa can apply for:
   • CSR funding from corporates based in Goa
   • Government grants under central or state schemes
   • Foreign funding via FCRA, with proper registration

To register a Section 8 company in Goa, you must fulfill certain structural and documentation requirements. The basic eligibility criteria are:

1. Core Requirements

• • Minimum Two Directors: A Section 8 Company requires at least two directors. If incorporated as a public limited company, it must have at least three directors. At least one director must have stayed in India for 182 days or more in the previous calendar year.
  • Minimum Two Members: The company must have a minimum of two members/subscribers. The same individuals can act as both members and directors. (As per law, a Public Section 8 Company requires a minimum of 3 directors and 7 members.)
  • Unique Company Name: The proposed name must be distinctive, not resemble any existing company or trademark, and reflect the non-profit or charitable objectives of the organization.
  • Clear Non-Profit Objectives: The Memorandum and Articles of Association should explicitly outline the company’s charitable or non-profit purpose.
  • Registered Office in Goa: A valid physical address in Goa must be provided as the registered office. (It can initially be registered with a temporary correspondence address; final proof must be submitted within 30 days of incorporation.)

2. Mandatory Prerequisites

• • Basic KYC Documents: All directors and members must submit valid identity and address proofs, such as PAN Card and Aadhaar Card.
  • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Every director must obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for digitally signing forms and documents during the online registration with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
  • Director Identification Number (DIN): Each proposed director is required to have a Director Identification Number (DIN), a unique 8-digit number issued by the Central Government. This is obtained as part of the SPICe Form (INC-32) during incorporation.

If you are planning to set up a Section 8 company in Goa, you need to prepare and submit certain documents to complete the registration process through the MCA portal (mca.gov.in). Below is a detailed checklist:

1. From Directors/Members:

• • PAN Card (mandatory for Indian nationals).
  • Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License).
  • Address Proof (recent bank statement, utility bill, etc.).
  • Passport-size photographs of all members and directors.

2. For the Registered Office in Goa:

• • Address Proof (recent utility bill, such as electricity or telephone bill).
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner.
  • Rent Agreement (if the premises are on rent).

3. Other Mandatory Documents:

• • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for at least one director to sign forms online.
  • Drafted Memorandum of Association (MoA) in Form INC-13, clearly stating non-profit objectives.
  • Drafted Articles of Association (AoA) defining the rules and regulations of the company.

Starting a Section 8 company in Goa is a great way to set up a non-profit organization with charitable or social objectives. The process is done completely online through the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) portal. Below is a simple step-by-step process you can follow:

Pre-Registration Checklist for Section 8 Company Registration in Goa

Before you begin the registration process, it’s important to ensure that all the required documents, approvals, and details are ready. This helps avoid delays and makes the incorporation process smoother.

1. Get Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) & Director Identification Number (DIN): The first step is to get a DSC for the proposed directors, which is used for signing documents online. Each director also needs a DIN, an eight-digit number issued by MCA for anyone who wishes to act as a director.
2. Reserve Company Name (SPICe+ Part A): Apply for the name of your company through the SPICe+ Form Part A on the MCA portal. The name must be unique and must clearly show the charitable or social purpose of your company.
3. Draft MOA & AOA: Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MOA – Form INC-13) and Articles of Association (AOA). These documents explain the company’s goals and how it will function.
4. File Incorporation Form (SPICe+ Part B): Submit the main incorporation application using SPICe+ Part B on the MCA portal. This single form covers:
   • Company Incorporation
   • DIN allotment
   • PAN Card and TAN application
   • GST Registration (optional)
   • EPFO Registration
   • ESIC Registration (if required)
5. Upload Linked Forms: Attach and upload the signed MOA, AOA, and AGILE-PRO-S form (for GST, EPFO, and ESIC) on the MCA portal.
6. Scrutiny by ROC (Registrar of Companies, Goa): The ROC in Goa will carefully check the documents. If all details are correct, they will issue a license in Form INC-16. This license allows the company to operate as a non-profit.
7. Get the Certificate of Incorporation: Finally, after the license is approved, the ROC issues the Certificate of Incorporation (CoI) (Form INC-11). This is the legal proof that your Section 8 company in Goa is officially registered.

The license remains valid as long as the company complies with the MCA and Income Tax rules.

Once your Section 8 company in Goa is registered, it is important to follow the necessary compliances to maintain its non-profit status and avoid penalties. Below is a simplified checklist in table format that highlights the key compliance areas, timelines, and forms:

Note: Section 8 Companies are generally exempt from filing Form INC-20A, since they do not have share capital in the traditional sense. If incorporated with share capital, Form INC-20A may apply.

The total cost for Section 8 Company registration in Goa includes government fees and professional service charges. The final amount depends on the number of directors, stamp duty in Goa, and the level of professional support chosen.

Here’s a simple breakup of the fees required:

If you are planning to start a non-profit in Goa, choosing the right legal structure is very important. Each option—Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company—has its own rules, compliance, and benefits. The decision depends on the scale of your activities, the recognition required, and the ease of operations. Here’s a clear comparison: