One Person Company (OPC) Registration in India – Fast, Affordable & Fully Compliant
An OPC is a form of business entity that permits one person to have both ownership and control of their company. The unique feature of the OPC is its independent legal standing from its owner. OPCs have become the preferred type of business entity for independent business owners due to the fact that they provide independent entrepreneurs with (i) total control over their business, (ii) protection for the owners' personal assets, and (iii) greater trust among clients and investors.
If you’re a solo entrepreneur looking for a balance between simplicity, safety, and scalability, OPC registration is often the right choice. Get your OPC registered with Kanakkupillai. Entrepreneurs across India trust us for smooth, reliable, and expert-backed one person company incorporation - from start to finish.
One person Company Registration Packages & Pricing
Basic
- DIN for 1 Director
- MOA & AOA Drafting
- Incorporation Certificate
- PAN & TAN
- Free Accounting Software
Standard
- DSC for Director and Nominee
- DIN for 1 Director
- Name Reservation
- MOA & AOA Drafting
- Incorporation Certificate
- PAN & TAN
- ESI/PF Registration
- Free Accounting Software
- MSME Registration
Essential
- DSC for Director and Nominee
- DIN for Director
- Name Reservation
- MOA & AOA Drafting
- Incorporation Certificate
- PAN & TAN
- ESI/PF Registration
- Free Accounting Software
- Commencement of Business
- ROC Compliance (1year)
- Auditor Appointment (1year)
- DIR-3 KYC Filing for 1 Directors
- Financial Statements (AOC-4)
- Annual Return Filing (MGT-7)
- Director’s Report
- ITR Filing
- Dedicated Compliance Manager
What is an OPC?
An OPC is a business structure in which an individual can operate their own company and have complete authority over it, while minimising risk through limited liability. This makes the OPC separate from the owner, as the company's assets, liabilities, and operations are not owned or operated by an individual.
The Companies Act of 2013 states that the owner of an OPC is both a shareholder and a Director of the company, and the Director can nominate another person to succeed him/her in case of the Owner's death or incapacity.
OPC vs Other Business Structures
|
Feature |
Sole Proprietorship |
OPC |
Private Limited Company |
|
Legal Status |
Not a separate legal entity |
Separate legal entity |
Separate legal entity |
|
Ownership |
Single owner |
Single owner + nominee |
Minimum 2, Maximum 200 shareholders |
|
Liability |
Unlimited liability |
Limited liability |
Limited liability |
|
Taxation |
Taxed as an individual |
Corporate tax rates |
Corporate tax rates |
|
Perpetual Succession |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Funding / Investment |
Limited access to external funding |
Easier access to loans, investors, and credit |
Easier access to investors and funding |
|
Credibility |
Lower trust with clients/banks |
Higher credibility for business and contracts |
Very high trust, preferred for investors |
|
Ideal For |
Small businesses/freelancers seeking simplicity
|
Entrepreneurs who want limited liability |
Growing businesses seeking investment & multiple owners |
Who Should Choose OPC?
People who wish to have a legal entity but want to keep the overhead as low as possible can do so by registering an OPC. You should register as an OPC if:
- You are the sole owner and want to grow your business in the future
- You wish to have limited liability protection for your personal assets against the risks of running a business
- You wish to be able to attract funding from outside investors or lenders
- You have a small start-up business, either service-based or product-based, and want a simple setup with corporate recognition
When an OPC May Not Be Appropriate, if your company:
- Requires immediate large-scale capital funding - if your business will require substantially more capital to get started than would be provided by an OPC, you should register as a Private Limited Company because the structuring and capital will be more conducive to funding your project
- Must employ or contract a large number of employees - while it is possible for an OPC to continue to grow, the nature of its structure may not be conducive to managing and expanding the workforce
- Has no plans for growth - if you are not planning to grow your business, then a sole proprietorship may be the better option
Benefits of OPC Registration in India
There are many potential benefits of establishing an OPC in addition to those of running your business as a sole proprietorship. For example, establishing a one-person company provides you with the following advantages:
- Limited Liability - You have protection for your personal assets, and you have limited liability only to the share capital of the company. (Note that assets will be available to pay any obligations owed by the company)
- Separate Legal Entity - The OPC is separate and distinct from the individual owner, as it can own assets, enter into contracts and sue or be sued.
- Ease of Compliance - The regulatory compliance for a one-person company is moderate compared to that of private limited companies.
- Perpetual Succession - The OPC will continue to exist with or without the individual owner.
- Increased Credibility - An OPC is seen as more viable and trustworthy than sole proprietors with respect to banks, lenders and clients.
- Easier Access to Growth and Financing - An OPC generally has a much easier time securing bank loans and other financing than a sole proprietorship.
Limitations of an OPC
Although the OPC offers several advantages, entrepreneurs should consider some of the disadvantages of an OPC entity:
- Limited Ownership - An OPC has only one (1) shareholder and can only have one (1) director.
- Limited Fundraising Options - An OPC cannot raise funds through public offerings; therefore, fundraising options are limited relative to private limited companies.
- Nominee Requirement - All OPCs are required to appoint a nominee to act should the owner become incapacitated or die.
- Annual Compliance - An OPC must file an Annual Return and maintain statutory books as required by the Companies Act 2013.
- Requirement to Convert - If an OPC exceeds its Annual Turnover of ₹2 Crore (₹20 million) or Paid up Capital of ₹50 lakh, an OPC must convert to a Private Limited Company.
Documents Required for One Person Company Registration
The following are the essential documents required for the establishment of an OPC in India:
- PAN Card: The Permanent Account Number card of the director is an important identity proof needed by the MCA to incorporate any company in India.
- Aadhar Card: The Aadhar card is another important record required by MCA that proves the name and location of the director. It is used to prove the Indian residency status of the director.
- Address Proof: Proof of the listed office address is needed to confirm the site of the OPC. This can be a recent energy bill, lease or rent agreement, or any other government-issued document that clearly says the address and the name of the owner or the company.
- Passport-size Photographs: Recent passport-sized pictures of the head are needed to finish the steps of the OPC application. These pictures are usually attached to different forms and applications filed with the MCA.
Process of One Person Company Registration in India
The process of registering the OPC in India is straightforward but needs to strictly comply with procedural requirements as laid down under the Companies Act, 2013:
Step 1: Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
The certificate is used to sign documents early for those that have to be submitted online. It is obtained from the government recognized certifying authorities.
Step 2: Obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN)
It is a unique identification number issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Mandated under the Companies Act, 2013, it is an essential number that legally recognises the director in a company. The number is new and unique for every director. The application for DIN is filed on the MCA portal using SPICe+ Form, known as (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus on the MCA portal.
Step 3: Reserve a Company Name
After obtaining DSC and DIN, the next step is to choose the name for the company. The name must be new, unique, and not similar to any existing company name. You also need to keep an eye out for it not infringing on any registered trademarks. The proposed name of the company has to be checked for availability on the MCA portal.
Step 4: Draft the Memorandum of Association (MoA)
After choosing the name, the next step is to draft the MoA. MoA is the document that outlines the main objectives, purpose, activities, and scope of the company. It is pertinent to note that the MoA of the company cannot be amended after the incorporation of the company.
Step 5: Draft the Articles of Association (AoA)
It is the document that outlines the rules and regulations governing the internal management of the company. The AoA contains the purpose/objective, capital structure, corporate governance, and internal administration of the company. The AoA of the company can be amended post-incorporation of the company with the prior approval of the directors.
It is pertinent to note that the directors and shareholders are mandated by law to sign the MOA.
Step 6: File Incorporation Documents with the Registrar of Companies (ROC)
Once the MOA and AOA of the company are drafted and are ready to be filed, the next step is to file them online through the MCA portal with the appropriate fee, along with the following necessary documents with the Registrar of Companies (ROC):
- Identity and Address Proof of Directors and Shareholders: It includes PAN card, passport, or voter ID, an Aadhar card, bank statements, or utility bills (not more than 2 months).
- Proof of Registered Office Address: It includes documents related to the company's registered office, such as a lease or rent agreement, or sometimes the company's electricity bill.
- Consent from Director(s): The company's director is mandated to consent to their appointment and to sign the consent form.
Step 7: Obtain a Certificate of Incorporation
Upon verification of all the company's compliance requirements and documents, the RoC will issue a Certificate of Incorporation. The certificate officially states that the OPC is incorporated and officially marks the formation of your OPC. The certificate includes the Corporate Identification Number (CIN), which is the unique Identification number for each company. It is pertinent to note that post Certificate of Incorporation, PAN Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) are automatically generated.
Require clarity on the requirements of an OPC? Start your business hassle-free through a Kanakkupillai expert consultation today!
OPC Registration Timeline
Phases in the OPC registration process are quick thanks to online SPICe+ filing and e‑verifications:
|
Stage |
Time Required |
|
DSC Issuance |
1- 2 working days |
|
Name Approval |
1 - 2 working days |
|
SPICe+ Filing & ROC Verification |
3 - 6 working days |
|
Certificate of Incorporation |
1- 2 working days |
|
Total Estimated Time |
7 - 10 working days |
Eligibility Criteria to Register OPC Online
There are several eligibility requirements needed to register an OPC in India. Here are some of them:
- An individual must be an Indian Citizen
- Minimum Age Requirement of Eighteen
- The Directors Must Be an Indian Resident
- You cannot Have More than one (1) One Person Company founded by the Same Person at Any Time
OPC Compliance Requirements in India
Following the incorporation of your OPC, it must maintain compliance with the statutory requirements stipulated by the Companies Act 2013. Your business must comply with these laws to remain in good standing and avoid penalties.
- Annual ROC Filing - You must file an Annual Return (MGT-7) and Financial Statements (AOC-4) with the Registrar of Companies every year.
- Income Tax Filing - Your OPC must file corporate income tax returns every year, regardless of whether it has any profit.
- Statutory Audit (Threshold-Based) - If your company goes over the threshold for either turnover or paid-up capital determined by the Income Tax Act, a statutory audit will be required by a registered or qualified Chartered Accountant.
- Board Meeting Requirements - Even though an OPC only has one director, you are still required to maintain and file minutes and records of all of the decisions made by the Board.
- Annual General Meeting (AGM) Requirements - Generally speaking, you will not have to hold a formal AGM because the OPC is excused from having to hold formal AGMs, thereby simplifying governance for you as a sole entrepreneur.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Registering Your OPC
Starting your OPC is an exhilarating experience, but there are a lot of entrepreneurs who experience delays and/or rejections because of preventable errors. Here is a list of the most typical mistakes to keep from doing:
- Not Applying for a DSC Early - You require a DSC in order to file your SPICe+ forms when registering your OPC. If you wait until after you start the registration process, you will likely slow down your registration by several weeks.
- Choosing an Invalid or Incorrect Name For Your OPC - The MCA can reject an OPC name for being too generic, already being registered &/or violating naming standards. Always ensure the OPC name you choose is unique and compliant with Indian law.
- Failing to Start Your Compliance Immediately After Incorporation - You must begin filing your statutory annual returns, tax returns and final audits as soon as your OPC is incorporated.
- Using Personal Records to Conduct OPC Transactions - Using your personal records and/or bank accounts to conduct OPC transactions can create accounting and regulatory issues for both you and your OPC.
Tax Implications for the OPC
The OPC will be taxed similarly to a corporation and therefore will pay the Corporate Taxation Rates and cannot claim any taxation under the Individual Taxation Rates. The base corporate tax rate for a domestic company with annual sales of less than ₹4 Crore = 25% plus any applicable surcharge and cess.
- Whether the OPC is subject to the Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) will depend on the profits generated by the OPC, which will increase the taxable income.
- GST registration is required for the OPC to supply/receive goods or services with total collections exceeding the GST threshold limits. (e.g., ₹20 Lakh).
- It is also a requirement for OPC to comply with the TDS obligations when making specific payments.
- Annual Income Tax returns are required to be filed for the OPC and may require the filing of Audited Financial Statements, depending on the OPC's Sales Volume or Capital invested.
OPC Conversion Rules
An OPC is an advantageous structure for single businesses. The following conditions will lead to a requirement to switch from an OPC to a Private Limited Company:
- Paid-Up Capital Exceeds ₹50 Lakhs - Once an OPC’s paid-up capital surpasses this amount, you will be required to make a change.
- Annual Turnover Exceeds ₹2 Crores - Once your annual turnover exceeds this number, you must convert from an OPC to a Private Limited Company within six months of exceeding this limit.
Why Choose Kanakkupillai for Your OPC Registration in India?
Kanakkupillai is a well-known online legal services provider that has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs in completing their OPC registrations effectively. Trusted by 10,000+ Entrepreneurs Across Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai & Delhi. Here’s why businesses prefer using us:
- 10,000+ OPC registrations completed - Customers trust us for registering their OPCs, whether they are new or have been operational for years
- Dedicated Compliance Support Team and Chartered Accountants - Available to assist you with all aspects of your OPC registration, including post-incorporation compliance
- Transparent Pricing - No hidden costs; upfront and clear pricing at the outset of your engagement with us and throughout the entire process of creating an OPC
- Full Range of Services - From digitally signing requests and growing your business, to drafting your Memorandum (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA), we offer an end-to-end service package.
- Quick and Easy - Complete your OPC registration online in just 10 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an OPC in India?
A corporation owned and run by a single person with limited liability is known as an OPC. This entity is considered to be legally distinct from the owner.Who is qualified to register as an OPC?
OPC registrations are available to people who are Indian citizens, age 18 or older, residents of India, and don't already own another OPC.How many directors can an OPC have?
An OPC needs to have a single director and must also appoint a nominee in the case of the director becoming incapacitated.What minimum capital does it take to create an OPC through registration?
There is no minimum capital stipulated by the Companies Act of 2013. It could be registered with as little as ₹1.Is it possible for an NRI (non-resident Indian) to establish an OPC in India?
No, the director must be a resident of India.How long does it take to register an OPC?
If all documents are available and ready for submission, registration can usually be completed in 7 to 10 business days.What will OPC registration cost?
Government fees can be between ₹1,000 and ₹5,000 (depending on state) and the professional fees will typically be between ₹5,000 and ₹15,000, leading to a total possible cost of between ₹7,000 and ₹18,000.Which documents must be submitted when seeking OPC registration?
Documents required include: PAN and Aadhar card of director(s), proof of director's address, proof of the address of OPC's registered office, and 2 passport size photos.How can I convert a Sole Proprietorship into an OPC?
To convert a Sole Proprietorship into an OPC, you have to undergo a fresh registration and the OPC must follow all the rules laid down by the MCA.When is it required to convert to OPC?
When either the paid-up capital exceeds 50 lakh rupees or the turnover of the OPC exceeds 2 crores rupees, the OPC must convert to a Private Limited Company.Will OPC be taxed like companies or individuals?
OPCs will be taxed at the corporate tax rates only and not as individuals.Do I need a DSC to register for OPC?
Yes, it is mandatory for a digital signature certificate (DSC) to be used to sign SPICe+ forms online.What is SPICe+ and how does it benefit me?
SPICe+ is the official MCA Portal that can be used to incorporate OPC, apply for DIN allotment, and apply for PAN and TAN numbers.When can I open a company bank account after OPC registration?
After receiving your Certificate of Incorporation, you can open a Current Account in the name of the OPC.Do I need to file annual returns for my OPC?
Yes, annual returns in the form of MGT-7 and AOC-4 must be filed with ROC.Do OPC’s have to have Statutory Auditing?
Statutory audits are required for OPC’s only if the OPC exceeds defined thresholds (turnover or capital) in terms of the Companies Act.Can an OPC have multiple shareholders?
An OPC is always a single-shareholder company and the nominee is not ceded shares.Is it possible for an OPC to receive funding?
An OPC can raise private funding or obtain a loan from a bank; however, an OPC cannot raise funds from the general public.How is the OPC different from a private limited company?
An OPC has solely one owner, comes with fewer compliance requirements, and is not allowed to raise funds from the general public; a private limited company has a minimum of two directors and two shareholders.Can I conduct my business as soon as I register my OPC?
Your business can be started as soon as the Registrar issues a Certificate of Incorporation and a PAN/TAN; your OPC will be in a complete and active business status.Can I alter the registered office address of an OPC after completion of a registration?
Yes, by filing Form INC-22 with the MCA within thirty (30) days from the date of the new address.Can a person legally own more than one OPC?
No person may legally own more than one OPC at any point in time.What are the most common mistakes happen when registering an OPC?
Failure to complete the process of obtaining a digital signature certificate (DSC) in a timely manner; choosing a name that is non-compliant; not distinguishing between personal and business bank accounts; and ignoring the requirements of post-registration compliance.Why should I engage the services of a professional to assist me with the OPC registration process?
Hiring an OPC registration expert will help speed up the approval process with the Registrar, ensure that the appropriate documentation is filed correctly, and ensure you maintain compliance in the future to avoid costly errors or increased time delays.Can an OPC convert to a private limited company voluntarily?
Yes, even if below the prescribed threshold for OPCs, it can voluntarily convert into a private limited company for expansion and/or investment purposes.What makes Us Different
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