Introduction
The corporate laws in India got revolutionized by The Companies Act, 2013 with the introduction of various new concepts that were non-existent previously. The introduction of the concept of One Person Company was one of the game-changers. A whole new way of starting businesses was recognized which granted flexibility that an entity like a company could offer. It also protected limited liability that was lacking in partnerships and sole proprietorships.The ability of individuals to form a company was already identified by various other countries like the USA, China, Singapore, UK and Australia before the new Companies Act 2013 was enacted.
The Companies Act, 2013 completely changed the rules of business in India by introducing a number of new concepts that were not previously available. One person and one of the new ideas introduced.
An individual company (OPC) defines a company constituted with one person (one) as a member, in contrast to the standard practice of having at least two members. It is a recognition of a one-man economic organization that paves the way for small businesses, service providers to enter the business by increasing their opportunities with corporate ownership.
Definition
In terms of section 2 (62) of the Companies Act, 2013 defines "one-person company" to mean a company having only one person as the member of the company. Because members of a company are recognized as the company’s shareholders or the subscribers to its Memorandum of Association, One Person Company (OPC) is functionally a company with only one shareholder as its member.OPCs are usually formed when the business has just one founder or promoter. Due to the many advantages that OPCs offer, entrepreneurs whose businesses are at a nascent stage give more preference to the creation of OPCs rather than sole proprietorships.
Any natural person (should not be a minor) who is an Indian citizen whether or not an Indian citizen, i.e. the NRI will be eligible to enter One Person Company and appoint an OPC nominee, India's non-resident timeline has been reduced to 120. Days.
Difference between One Person Company and Sole Proprietorships
An OPC and a sole proprietorship form of business might come across to be alike since both the forms of businesses have a single person involved who owns the business, but in reality, they are quite different from each other. The nature of the liabilities carried by both of them is the major difference between the two forms.
OPC being a separate legal entity on its own which is distinctive from its promoter has its own liabilities and assets. The promoter cannot be held liable personally to pay off the debts of the company.
Whereas, the sole proprietorship and its proprietor are the same. So, in the case of non-fulfilment of the liabilities of the business, the promoter’s assets are attached and sold by the law.
Features of a One Person Company
The general features of a One-Person Company are as follows.
Private Company
Section 3(1)(c) of the Companies Act, 2013 states that a company can be formed by a single person for any purpose recognized by the law. OPCs are further described as private companies.
Single - Member
Unlike other private companies, OPCs can have only one shareholder or member.
Nominee
The sole member of the company nominates a nominee during the registration of the company. This is a feature unique to OPCs and this distinguishes it from all other types of companies.
No Perpetual Succession
The death of the only member of the company allows the nominee to either reject or choose to become its sole member. In other kinds of companies, the concept of perpetual succession is followed.
Minimum One Director
Minimum one person needs to be the director of OPCs, which is the member in this case. There can be a maximum of 15 directors.
No Minimum Paid-up Share Capital
For OPCs, any minimum paid-up share capital has not been prescribed by the Companies Act, 2013.
Special Privileges
Many privileges and exemptions are enjoyed by the OPCs under the Companies Act that other types of companies are not entitled to.
Formation of One Person Companies
An OPC can be created by a single person by subscribing his name to the Memorandum of Association and fulfilling the other prerequisites prescribed by the Companies Act, 2013. The MoA also needs to declare all the details of a nominee who would go on to become the sole member of the company in case of death of the original member or he becomes incapable of entering any contract.
The MoA and the nominee’s consent to his nomination are to be submitted to the Registrar of Companies in addition to the application for registration. That nominee is allowed to withdraw his name at any given point of time by submitting the required application to the Registrar. The member is also entitled to cancel his nomination later.
Membership in One Person Companies
In India, only natural individuals who are the citizens and residents of the country are eligible to create an OPC. The nominees of OPCs are also guided by the same directive. Also, such a natural person is not allowed to be a member or nominee of more than one OPC at any given point of time.
One significant point is that only a natural person can become a member of an OPC which doesn’t apply in case of companies. Companies can themselves be members and own shares of the companies. Additionally, minors are prohibited by the law from becoming members or nominees of OPCs.
Conversion of One Person Company (OPCs) Into Other Companies
Regulations monitoring the formation of OPCs explicitly impede the conversion of OPCs into companies under Section 8, the ones that have philanthropic objectives. Until the expiry of two years from the date of their incorporation, OPCs can’t convert into other types of companies voluntarily.
Privileges of One Person Companies
One-Person Companies benefit from the following privileges and exemptions under the Companies Act:
OPCs don’t have to conduct annual general meetings.
Cash flow statements need not be included in their financial statements.
Directors could sign the annual returns too; a company secretary is not mandatorily required.
Provisions in regard to the independent directors are not applied to OPCs.
Directors can take home more remuneration as compared to other companies.
Solved Example on One Person Company
Q1: Does an OPC follow the principle of perpetual succession?
Ans: No, it does not. An OPC can reach its end with the death of its sole member.
Q2: OPC was recognized under the Companies Act, 1956. TRUE or FALSE?
Ans: FALSE. The concept of OPCs was introduced by the Companies Act, 2013.
FAQs on What Is a One Person Company?
1. What is a one-person company?
A one-person company (OPC) is a unique business structure that allows a single individual to own and manage an incorporated business. Unlike sole proprietorships, OPCs provide limited liability protection, meaning the owner's personal assets are separate from the company's liabilities. This model is ideal for solo entrepreneurs who want legal recognition and a distinct identity for their business. By offering features similar to private limited companies but allowing single ownership, it encourages small business growth while maintaining compliance and formal structure. An OPC gives entrepreneurs the benefits of corporate status without needing partners or co-founders.
2. Which is better OPC or Pvt Ltd?
Choosing between a One Person Company (OPC) and a Private Limited (Pvt Ltd) Company depends on your business needs and future goals. Each has distinct advantages and limitations.
- OPC is suitable for solo entrepreneurs who want control and limited compliance.
- Private Limited companies allow for multiple shareholders, easier fund-raising, and greater expansion potential.
- OPCs cannot have more than one member, while Pvt Ltd companies require at least two.
- Pvt Ltd companies are generally preferred by investors and offer better possibilities for scaling.
3. What is a one-person business?
A one-person business is a venture that is owned and operated by a single individual, with no partners or co-founders. In India, this concept is legally recognized as a One Person Company (OPC), which blends the simplicity of sole proprietorships with the benefits of corporate structure. The main advantage is that the business and the owner's personal assets remain separate, reducing personal liability risks. Such a business offers flexibility and control, but may face limits in raising large investments compared to multi-owner structures. In essence, a one-person business enables entrepreneurs to manage their enterprise independently while enjoying formal recognition.
4. What are the disadvantages of OPC?
While One Person Companies (OPCs) offer limited liability and a formal structure, they come with certain drawbacks that owners should consider.
- Single ownership limits the ability to raise capital from multiple investors.
- There are restrictions on business expansion, such as not being able to convert directly to a public company.
- Regulatory compliance, though lighter than larger companies, still requires annual filings and audits.
- The OPC model cannot be used for certain types of businesses, such as financial services.
5. Who can register a One Person Company in India?
Any Indian citizen who is over 18 years old and resides in India for at least 120 days during a financial year is eligible to register a One Person Company (OPC). The individual must be a natural person (not a company or LLP) and cannot be a member or nominee of more than one OPC at the same time. Only Indian residents are currently allowed to form an OPC, so foreign nationals or non-resident Indians do not qualify. The law ensures that a single person can benefit from limited liability and corporate structure, provided these basic requirements are met for OPC registration.
6. What are the key features of a One Person Company?
A One Person Company (OPC) offers several distinctive features designed to support solo entrepreneurs.
- Single ownership with limited liability protection
- Separate legal entity status, making the company stand apart from the owner
- Mandatory appointment of a nominee to take over in case of the owner's death or incapacity
- Lighter compliance compared to larger companies
- Can only be owned by an Indian resident
7. How is a One Person Company different from a sole proprietorship?
A One Person Company (OPC) and a sole proprietorship are both suited for individual entrepreneurs but differ significantly in key aspects. An OPC is a distinct legal entity, offering limited liability protection, while a sole proprietorship does not separate the owner's assets from the business. This means personal assets are at risk in a sole proprietorship, whereas OPC owners are only liable up to their investment in the company. Additionally, OPCs must comply with corporate regulations and audits, giving greater credibility and legal standing. In contrast, sole proprietorships have easier setup but face higher risk and less structured operations.
8. What are the compliance requirements for a One Person Company?
A One Person Company (OPC) must follow certain compliance requirements to maintain its legal status. These include annual filings with the Registrar of Companies, maintaining proper accounting records, and undergoing an annual audit by a qualified chartered accountant.
- Submission of annual financial statements and returns
- Appointment of an auditor and completion of statutory audits
- Holding at least one board meeting in each calendar half-year
- Keeping minutes and registers as per the Companies Act
9. Can a One Person Company be converted into a Private Limited Company?
Yes, a One Person Company (OPC) can be converted into a Private Limited Company under certain circumstances specified by law. This can happen either voluntarily, after two years of incorporation, or mandatorily if the OPC crosses specific thresholds—namely, a paid-up share capital of ₹50 lakh or an annual turnover exceeding ₹2 crore. Upon conversion, the business can have multiple shareholders and directors, allowing for easier capital raising and expansion. This process is beneficial for entrepreneurs looking to scale their operations or attract investors while retaining the advantages of a corporate business structure.
