Business Registration
One Person Company (OPC) Registration in 2026: Eligibility, Process & Limits
A solo founder who wants the credibility and liability protection of a company — without a co-founder — has a purpose-built option: the One Person Company. Here's who it suits, how to register one in 2026, and the limits you must know before choosing it.
What an OPC is
An OPC is a company with a single shareholder who is also typically the sole director. It gives you a separate legal entity and limited liability — your personal assets are shielded from business debts — while keeping ownership entirely in one hand. It's the corporate upgrade from a sole proprietorship.
Eligibility and the nominee rule
- Only a natural person who is an Indian citizen and resident can form an OPC.
- You must appoint a nominee who takes over if you die or become incapacitated — their written consent is mandatory.
- One person can incorporate only one OPC and be a nominee in only one.
- An OPC cannot carry out Non-Banking Financial activities.
Registration process
- Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for the director.
- Apply for the Director Identification Number (DIN).
- Reserve the company name (with "OPC" in it) via the MCA's RUN/SPICe+ process.
- File SPICe+ with the MoA, AoA, nominee consent and address proof.
- Receive the Certificate of Incorporation, PAN and TAN together.
Need a DSC fast to start? See our registration services.
Mandatory conversion thresholds
An OPC must convert into a private limited company if its paid-up capital crosses ₹50 lakh or its average annual turnover exceeds ₹2 crore. Plan for this if you expect to scale or raise funding — investors cannot buy shares in an OPC.
OPC vs proprietorship vs Pvt Ltd
| Feature | Proprietorship | OPC | Pvt Ltd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liability | Unlimited | Limited | Limited |
| Owners | 1 | 1 | 2–200 |
| Can raise equity | No | No | Yes |
| Compliance | Low | Moderate | Higher |
If you plan to raise funding or add co-founders, go straight to a private limited company; if you value simplicity above all, weigh a proprietorship. For a protected solo venture in between, the OPC fits. Compare structures further in our LLP vs Pvt Ltd guide, or talk to our incorporation team.