One Person Company (OPC) Registration

A One Person Company (OPC), introduced by the Companies Act, 2013, lets a single entrepreneur run a company with limited liability and a separate legal identity — the benefits of a private limited company without needing a second shareholder.

An OPC has one member (shareholder) and a named nominee who steps in if the member dies or becomes incapacitated, so the company continues. It needs a minimum of one director, and the sole member can also be that director.

It suits solo founders who want limited liability and corporate credibility but do not yet have co-founders or outside investors. As the business grows, an OPC can be converted into a private limited company.

• PAN and Aadhaar of the member and the nominee
• Identity proof — passport, voter ID, or driving licence
• Address proof — recent bank statement or utility bill (not older than two months)
• Passport-size photographs
• Registered office proof — rent agreement and NOC from the owner, or ownership proof, with a recent utility bill
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for the director
• Nominee's consent in Form INC-3

1. 01

   Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate

   A DSC is issued for the proposed director to sign the incorporation forms electronically.

2. 02

   Reserve the company name

   Apply for name approval through SPICe+ Part A, with the name ending in “(OPC) Private Limited”.

3. 03

   File SPICe+ Part B

   The integrated form covers the MOA and AOA, nominee consent (INC-3), DIN allotment, PAN, TAN, and EPFO/ESIC and (optionally) GST and a bank account.

4. 04

   Certificate of Incorporation

   On approval, the Registrar issues the Certificate of Incorporation with the CIN, along with PAN and TAN.

5. 05

   Post-incorporation set-up

   Open the company bank account, file INC-20A (commencement of business), and start the annual compliance calendar.

PBT sets up your One Person Company correctly, including the nominee formalities, and carries the compliance forward.

• We advise whether an OPC is right for you — or whether a proprietorship or private limited company would fit better
• End-to-end incorporation through SPICe+: DSC, DIN, name approval, and MOA/AOA drafting
• Nominee documentation (INC-3), PAN, TAN, and applicable registrations such as GST
• Post-incorporation set-up: INC-20A, statutory registers, and the annual compliance calendar
• Conversion to a private limited company when you bring on co-founders or investors
• Scope, deliverables, and fees agreed in writing up front

• Can a single person own a company in India?

  Yes. A One Person Company lets one individual own and run a company with limited liability, with a nominee named to ensure the company continues.

• Who can be a member or nominee?

  A natural person who is an Indian citizen; since April 2021, NRIs are also eligible. A person can form only one OPC and be a nominee in only one OPC.

• Why is a nominee required?

  The nominee steps in as member if the sole member dies or becomes incapacitated, which keeps the company running.

• Is a statutory audit required?

  Yes. Like any company, an OPC must have its accounts audited each year, regardless of turnover or profit.

• Does an OPC have to convert to a private limited company?

  No longer mandatory. Since April 2021 there is no turnover or capital threshold forcing conversion; you can convert voluntarily as the business grows.

• How is an OPC taxed?

  As a company, at the applicable corporate tax rate — not at the individual slab rates that apply to a proprietorship.

• How long does it take?

  Once the name is approved and documents are in order, incorporation is typically completed in about 7–12 working days, subject to MCA processing.