Entrepreneurship in India has been growing rapidly, and the government has made it easier for individuals to start their own businesses. One of the most popular business structures for solo entrepreneurs is the One Person Company (OPC). Introduced under the Companies Act, 2013, an OPC allows a single person to enjoy the benefits of a private limited company with limited liability and separate legal identity. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to register a One Person Private Limited Company in India.
Limited Liability: The owner's personal assets are protected.
Separate Legal Entity: The company has its own legal identity, separate from the owner.
Perpetual Succession: The company continues to exist even if the owner dies or becomes incapacitated.
Ease of Management: One person can manage the entire company.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
The first step is to obtain a Digital Signature Certificate for the proposed director. This is essential for signing electronic documents during the registration process.
Required Documents:
PAN card
Aadhaar card
Passport-size photo
Email ID and mobile number
Next, apply for the Director Identification Number (DIN) through the SPICe+ form on the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) portal. This is a unique ID for every director.
Propose a unique name for your OPC using the Part A of the SPICe+ form. The name should not be identical or similar to any existing company or trademark.
The format is: [Name] OPC Private Limited
Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA) for your OPC. These documents define the objectives, rules, and regulations of your company.
Incorporation details
DIN allotment
PAN and TAN application
GST registration (optional)
ESIC/EPFO registration (if applicable)
You must nominate a person who will take over the company in case of the owner’s death or incapacity. The nominee’s consent (Form INC-3) must be submitted along with identity and address proof.
Submit all the documents along with the prescribed fees:
Identity and address proof of the director and nominee
MoA and AoA
Proof of registered office (rent agreement or ownership documents, utility bill)
Declaration and consent forms (INC-9, DIR-2, INC-3)
Once all documents are verified, the Registrar of Companies (RoC) will issue the Certificate of Incorporation. Your OPC is now legally registered.
After registration, an OPC must comply with certain legal and regulatory requirements:
Open a company bank account
Apply for GST if turnover exceeds the threshold
Maintain proper accounting records
File annual returns and financial statements with the RoC
Conduct annual board meetings and audits
Registering a One Person Company is a smart move for solo entrepreneurs who want the legal benefits of a private limited company without the hassle of managing multiple shareholders. The process has been streamlined through the MCA portal, and with proper documentation and planning, incorporation can be completed within a few days.