What is a One Person Company (OPC)?

A One Person Company (OPC) is a modern business structure introduced under the Companies Act, 2013, allowing a single individual to run a company with limited liability and complete managerial control. It combines the flexibility of a sole proprietorship with the legal benefits of a private limited company, making it ideal for solopreneurs and small business owners.

Unlike proprietorships, an OPC is a separate legal entity, which means the personal assets of the owner are protected from business liabilities. It requires only one director and a nominee, making it a simple yet powerful option for new-age entrepreneurs, consultants, digital creators, and freelancers.

✅ Benefits of One Person Company Registration
🎯 Provide 7 strong benefit points, written from the client’s perspective.

1️⃣ Enjoy 100% ownership and control over your business
2️⃣ Protect personal assets with limited liability status
3️⃣ Build credibility with banks, clients, and investors
4️⃣ Easily raise funds and attract loans compared to proprietorships
5️⃣ Separate legal identity enhances business professionalism
6️⃣ Enjoy tax advantages and access to startup benefits
7️⃣ Simple conversion available to Private Limited when scaling up

📑 Documents Required for One Person Company Registration
📂 List all required documents with relevant emojis and brief explanations.

1️⃣ 🆔 PAN Card – Identity proof of the sole director
2️⃣ 🪪 Aadhaar Card – Address proof of the sole director
3️⃣ 🏠 Business Address Proof – Electricity bill or rent agreement of office space
4️⃣ 📸 Passport-size Photo – Recent color photograph of the director
5️⃣ 🧑‍⚖️ Nominee's ID Proof – PAN & Aadhaar card of the nominee
6️⃣ 📝 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) – Mandatory for e-filing and registration

👤 Eligibility for One Person Company Registration
🧾 Explain in detail who is eligible or required to avail of this service.

To register an OPC, the following eligibility conditions must be met:

• The applicant must be an Indian citizen and resident of India

• Only one shareholder is allowed, who must also act as the sole director

• A nominee must be appointed during incorporation (only one nominee allowed)

• The business must not be involved in non-banking financial services or investment activities

• Only one OPC per individual is allowed at any given time

🔄 Process of Getting One Person Company Registered
🔁 Provide a step-by-step explanation of how the service is executed from start to finish.

1️⃣ Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) – Apply for DSC of the sole director and nominee
2️⃣ Name Approval via RUN – Reserve a unique name for the company using the MCA portal
3️⃣ Preparation of MOA & AOA – Draft Memorandum & Articles of Association
4️⃣ Filing SPICe+ Form – Submit incorporation form with MCA along with KYC and nominee details
5️⃣ PAN & TAN Application – Apply simultaneously through SPICe+
6️⃣ Incorporation Certificate Issued – MCA approves and issues CIN within 5–10 working days

⏱️ Timeline for One Person Company Registration
⏳ Mention the approximate time it takes to complete the service.

The entire process of OPC registration generally takes 7 to 12 working days, depending on:

• Timely submission of all required documents

• Approval of company name by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)

• Verification of digital signatures and nominee details

• Speed of processing by the Registrar of Companies (ROC)

Early preparation of DSC and name options can reduce delays.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about One Person Company Registration

1️⃣ Can I start an OPC if I’m the only person running my business?
Yes, that’s exactly what an OPC is designed for—single-owner businesses with corporate benefits.

2️⃣ Is a nominee mandatory for OPC registration?
Yes, appointing one nominee is mandatory. The nominee takes control if the owner is incapacitated or deceased.

3️⃣ Can an OPC raise funding?
Yes, but typically from banks or debt sources. For equity funding, you may need to convert into a Private Limited Company.

4️⃣ Can an OPC have employees?
Yes, you can hire employees just like any other company structure.

5️⃣ Is GST registration mandatory for OPCs?
Only if your turnover crosses the GST threshold or you engage in inter-state sales.

6️⃣ How is an OPC taxed?
OPCs are taxed at flat corporate tax rates, similar to private limited companies.

7️⃣ Can I convert an OPC to a Private Limited Company?
Yes, once turnover exceeds ₹2 crore or voluntary conversion is desired after 2 years.

8️⃣ Do I need to maintain annual compliance for an OPC?
Yes, annual filing of financials and ROC forms is required.

9️⃣ Can NRI or foreign nationals start an OPC?
No, only resident Indian citizens are allowed to incorporate OPCs.

🔟 Is audit mandatory for an OPC?
Yes, irrespective of turnover, an OPC must get its books audited annually.