A One Person Company (OPC) is a company that has only one person as its member. Unlike the Companies Act 1956, which required a minimum of two members to form a private or public limited company, the Companies Act 2013 introduced the concept of OPC to support solo entrepreneurs.
This legal structure allows an individual to enjoy the benefits of a corporate entity while retaining full control. OPCs provide limited liability protection, making them a better alternative to sole proprietorships.
What is OPC Registration?
OPC registration is the legal process of incorporating a company with a single member. Unlike sole proprietorships, OPCs have a separate legal identity and limited liability, reducing personal risk. The registration process involves obtaining a Director Identification Number (DIN), securing a company name, and filing incorporation documents with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
Government Cost for OPC Registration
- Nominal share capital exceeding ₹10,00,000: ₹2,000 + ₹200 per ₹10,000 above ₹10,00,000 up to ₹50,00,000.
- OPC registration typically takes 20-30 days.
- Upon successful registration, a Certificate of Incorporation is issued.
Minimum Requirements for OPC Registration
- Minimum 1 shareholder
- Minimum 1 director (director and shareholder can be the same person)
- Minimum 1 nominee
- Shareholder/nominee must be an Indian resident
- Minimum authorized share capital: ₹1 lakh
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for the director
- Director Identification Number (DIN)
Nomination in One Person Company
- The OPC’s Memorandum of Association (MOA) must include a nominee’s name, who will take over in case of the owner’s incapacity or death.
- The nominee must be a natural person, an Indian citizen, and not a minor.
- The nominee can withdraw by giving written notice, and a new nominee must be appointed within 15 days.
Advantages of OPC Registration
- Single ownership with limited liability
- Separate legal entity
- Fewer compliance requirements than a private limited company
- No requirement for board meetings and annual general meetings
- Easy to incorporate and maintain
- Better credibility than a sole proprietorship
OPC Taxation and Compliance
- OPCs are taxed at 30% of total income.
- Annual compliance includes:
- Form AOC-4 (Financial Statements)
- MGT-7 (Annual Return)
- At least two board meetings per year


