Can an NRI start an OPC?

Yes, an NRI can start an OPC, but only if they are an Indian citizen and fulfil the 120-day residency rule.

Can a foreign national form an OPC?

No. Foreign nationals cannot form or own an OPC, as the structure is reserved exclusively for Indian citizens.

Is FDI allowed in OPC?

No. An OPC cannot receive any foreign investment under current regulations.

Do I need a nominee for OPC?

Yes. An Indian resident nominee is mandatory and must provide consent through Form INC-3.

Can OPC raise venture capital?

Not directly. To raise funds from investors, the OPC must first be converted into a private limited company.

Is GST registration mandatory for OPC?

GST is required only if the turnover exceeds the threshold limit or for interstate supply of goods or services.

Can OPC be converted to a private limited company?

Yes. OPC can be converted voluntarily or mandatorily into a private limited company when required for growth.

Can an NRI be a director in an OPC?

Yes, but only if the NRI is an Indian citizen and meets the 120-day residency requirement.

What is the minimum capital for OPC?

There is no minimum capital requirement; you can start an OPC with as little as ₹1.

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One Person Company Registration in India

Q: How long does OPC registration take?

The complete process typically takes 7–10 working days, depending on document accuracy and MCA approval.

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One Person Company Registration in India

750+ OPC Registered

No Hidden Charges

100% Customer Satisfaction

OPC Registration Led by Seasoned Industry Experts

7-Days Process Completion Guarantee

Fast-Track Registration

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Checkout Related Shorts/Video

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Companies that rely on us

Be the one next

Introduction

One Person Company Registration in India has quickly become a preferred choice for solo entrepreneurs, consultants, freelancers, and small business owners who want a formal business structure without giving up ownership. With the upgraded MCA V3 portal, the entire OPC registration online process is now smooth and fully digital, covering e-filing, integrated name approval, digital verification, and automated PAN/TAN generation. An OPC offers the credibility of a private limited company while retaining the simplicity of a proprietorship, with full limited-liability protection.

OPC is designed specifically for individual founders, but the eligibility rules are quite strict. Only Indian citizens can register an OPC, and NRIs can incorporate one only if they meet the 120-day residency requirement. Foreign nationals cannot directly form or own an OPC under any circumstances. Additionally, FEMA and FDI regulations apply, and foreign capital is not permitted within the OPC structure, another major factor that makes One Person Company Registration Online highly regulated.

This guide gives you a complete, updated, and easy-to-understand breakdown of the entire OPC registration process, including eligibility, documents, NRI-related restrictions, compliance requirements, OPC registration fees, and the best alternative options for foreign founders who want to build a business in India.Read moreRead less

What is One Person Company?

A One Person Company in India is a great option for people who want to run a business on their own but still enjoy the benefits of a registered company structure. It lets a single founder build a brand, sign contracts, and operate professionally, while staying protected through limited liability. This is why One Person Company Registration in India has become so popular among freelancers, consultants, and small business owners. With the MCA V3 portal, the entire One Person Company Registration process experience has become smooth, quick, and completely digital. OPC rules are simple but specific. Only Indian citizens can register a one-person company in India, and NRIs can own one as long as they meet the FEMA residency requirement. On the other hand, foreign nationals cannot directly form an OPC, since foreign investment isn’t allowed under this structure. However, they can still participate in Indian business through other routes like a Private Limited Company, LLP, or a wholly owned subsidiary. For solo founders who want full control while keeping their personal assets safe, an OPC is a perfect fit. It gives the independence of running your own business and the professionalism of a company, without the pressure of adding co-founders or investors before you're ready.Read moreRead less

Who Should Register an OPC?

One Person Company Registration in India is designed for individuals who want full ownership of their business while still enjoying the structure and credibility of a registered company. It’s the perfect middle ground between a sole proprietorship and a private limited company. OPC is ideal for:

Solo founders and entrepreneurs

Best for individuals who want total control along with the benefits of a formal company structure.

NRI residents who meet the 120-day rule

A good choice for NRIs who qualify under FEMA and want a simple way to run a business in India.

Consultants and freelancers

Improves professional credibility and helps secure higher-value corporate clients.

IT service providers & tech professionals

Useful for developers, agencies, and tech experts who need a legal entity for projects and invoicing.

Digital entrepreneurs

Ideal for online business owners, creators, coaches, and marketers who want a recognized setup.

Traders, eCommerce sellers & small manufacturers

Helps product sellers and small-scale units build trust with suppliers and platforms.

Eligibility Criteria for One Person Company Registration in India

Before starting One Person Company Registration in India, it’s important to understand the basic eligibility rules set by the Companies Act and FEMA. These requirements apply to both Indian residents and NRIs. These rules apply online as well because One Person Company Registration Online follows the same Companies Act compliance.

NRI / Foreign Eligibility Rules

Requirement	Details
Shareholder (Indian Resident)	OPC requires 1 shareholder who must be an Indian resident. The same person can also act as the director.
Director	1 director is mandatory, and it can be the same person as the shareholder, allowing complete control.
Nominee (Resident Indian)	A resident Indian nominee is compulsory and must provide written consent in Form INC-3. The nominee takes over only in case of death or incapacity of the owner.
Registered Office Address	A valid registered office address in India (owned or rented) is required for official communication.
Minimum Capital	No minimum capital requirement. OPC can be started with as little as ₹1.

NRI / Foreign Eligibility Rules

Category	Eligibility / Rule
NRI (Indian Citizen)	Allowed only if the person is an Indian citizen and satisfies the 120-day residency rule.
OCI Card Holder	❌ Not eligible to register or own an OPC.
PIO Card Holder	❌ Not eligible to register or own an OPC.
Foreign Nationals	❌ Not allowed to start, own, or become directors in an OPC.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)	❌ FDI is not permitted in OPCs under any circumstances.

Is OPC Allowed for NRIs and Foreigners?

One Person Company Registration in India is a great option for solo founders, but the rules for NRIs and foreign nationals are very specific. During One Person Company Registration Online, NRIs must follow FEMA residency rules

NRI Eligibility for OPC

NRIs can register a one-person company in India only if they meet all these conditions during OPC registration online:

Must be an Indian citizen

NRI status is fine, but citizenship must be Indian as per law.

120-day residency rule

They should have stayed in India for at least 120 days in the previous financial year.

Resident nominee required

The nominated person must also be a resident of Indian.

Investment rules

All capital must come from resident bank accounts, not NRE or FCNR accounts.

If any of these are not fulfilled, the NRI cannot register an OPC.

Foreign Nationals (Non-NRIs) – Not Eligible

Foreigners cannot participate in OPC in any manner. They are not allowed to:

Start or register an OPC
Become a director
Own shares
Bring FDI into an OPC

This is because OPC is restricted exclusively to Indian citizens under FEMA.

What Foreigners Can Choose Instead

Foreign nationals who want to start a business in India can opt for these allowed structures:

Private Limited Company – 100% FDI allowed in most sectors.
LLP – FDI permitted based on sector rules
Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS)
Joint Venture with Indian shareholders

These models support foreign ownership, foreign directors, and capital inflow.

Can FDI Come Into an OPC?

When founders explore One Person Company Registration in India, one of the most common doubts is whether foreign investment can be brought into an OPC. The rules are very clear; FDI is completely restricted for this structure. Here’s the full breakdown

Important FDI Rule

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is not allowed in a One Person Company in India. FDI is permitted only in the following business structures:Read moreRead less

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is not allowed in a One Person Company in India. FDI is permitted only in the following business structures:

Private Limited Companies
LLPs (subject to sector-wise FDI rules)
Wholly Owned Subsidiaries (WOS)

Even if the owner is an NRI, any foreign-sourced funds cannot be invested in an OPC.

Why FDI Is Not Allowed in OPC

FDI restrictions in One Person Company Registration in India exist due to several regulatory and structural reasons:

OPC is exclusively reserved for Indian citizens under the Companies Act and FEMA.

FEMA guidelines prohibit foreign capital from entering an OPC.

OPCs cannot issue shares or securities to non-residents, making foreign ownership impossible.

The OPC model is designed for small, individual entrepreneurs, not for businesses requiring foreign investment.

Benefits of OPC Registration (For Indian Citizens & NRIs)

When founders choose One Person Company Registration in India, they get access to a simple and credible structure designed for solo entrepreneurs. Here are the key benefits explained clearly:

Single-owner company

An OPC allows one person to own and control the entire business, making it ideal for individuals who don’t want partners or shared decision-making.

Limited liability protection

Your personal assets remain safe, as only the company’s assets are used to cover business risks, giving you peace of mind while taking entrepreneurial decisions.

Separate legal identity

The OPC is treated as a distinct legal entity, which helps in signing contracts, improving vendor trust, opening business accounts, and building stronger branding.

Higher credibility than proprietorship

Clients, corporates, and startups trust OPCs more than sole proprietorships, which can help in winning projects, partnerships, and tenders.

Suitable for NRIs who meet eligibility rules

NRIs who satisfy the residency and Indian citizenship requirements can register an OPC and set up a simple yet professional business presence in India via OPC registration online.

Perfect for modern business models

Consultants, freelancers, coaches, eCommerce owners, IT service providers, and digital entrepreneurs prefer OPC because it offers structure, trust, and growth potential without complexity.

Documents Required for OPC Registration

Before starting One Person Company Registration in India, founders must keep all identity, address, and office-related documents ready. Below is a clear, category-wise list of everything needed for Indian residents, eligible NRIs, nominees, and the registered office.

Category	Documents Required
Indian Resident / Eligible NRI	PAN Card, Aadhar CardPassport (mandatory for NRIs)Recent address proof (bank statement/utility bill)Mobile number & Email IDPassport-sized photograph
Nominee	PAN CardAadhar CardINC-3 Nominee Consent FormAddress proof
Registered Office	Utility bill (not older than 2 months)Rent agreement or ownership documentNOC from the owner allowing use of the premises as the registered office

OPC Registration Process

The OPC registration process is fully online through the MCA V3 portal and makes One Person Company Registration in India simple and paperless. This is why One Person Company Registration Online has become the preferred method for new founders. Here’s how it works:

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

The founder must obtain a DSC to sign all incorporation documents digitally.

Director Identification Number (DIN)

DIN is required for the proposed director of the OPC and is issued after identity verification.

Name Approval (RUN or SPICe+ Part A)

You submit one or two name options along with the company objective. MCA approves the name if it is unique. Unique names are approved to help you register a one-person company in India with a recognized identity.Read moreRead less

Draft the MOA & AOA

These documents define the company’s objectives and rules. They are prepared based on your business activities.

Fill SPICe+ Part B

All details of the shareholder, director, nominee, and registered office are added here.

Add Nominee Consent (INC-3)

The nominee provides written consent, which is mandatory for every OPC.

Upload All Required Documents

ID proofs, address proofs, office documents, and declarations are submitted through the portal.

ROC Verification

The Registrar of Companies reviews the forms and documents. Any queries must be clarified quickly.

Receive Certificate of Incorporation

Once approved, your OPC is officially registered. The system issues the company’s PAN and TAN along with the COI.

Open a Bank Account

Using the COI, PAN, and KYC documents, you open a current account in the company’s name.

The entire process usually takes 7–10 working days, depending on document accuracy and MCA approval speed.

Timeline for One Person Company Registration in India

Stage	Estimated Time
DSC Preparation	1-2 days
Name Approval	2–5 days
Documentation & SPICe+ Filing	3–7 days
MCA/ROC Processing	5–7 days
Total Completion Time	10–20 working days

Post-Incorporation Requirements

Once your One Person Company Registration in India is complete, it’s important to stay compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements. These apply to both Indian founders and eligible NRIs.

Mandatory Compliances

Appointment of Auditor within 30 Days:
Every OPC must appoint a statutory auditor within the first month of incorporation.
Bookkeeping & Accounting: Proper accounts must be maintained for all income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
GST Registration:
Required when turnover crosses the threshold or if you are dealing in interstate or e-commerce supplies.
Income Tax Return (ITR):
The company must file an annual tax return, regardless of revenue.
ROC Annual Filings – AOC-4 & MGT-7A:
These filings report the company’s financials and annual activities to the MCA.
Maintain Statutory Registers & Minutes:
OPCs must maintain updated statutory records and document board decisions as part of ongoing compliance after OPC registration online.

FEMA / FDI Compliance Note for NRIs

OPC Cannot Accept Foreign Funds

FEMA regulations do not allow foreign investment in an OPC under any circumstances.

NRIs Cannot Use NRE or FCNR Funds

Capital cannot be brought through NRE, FCNR, or any foreign-sourced account.

Investment Must Come from a Resident Bank Account

NRIs eligible to form an OPC must invest only through their resident Indian savings account.

Foreign Remittances Cannot Increase OPC Capital

Any capital infusion into an OPC must originate from domestic sources only.

Problems Associated with OPC Registration ( NRIs and Foreigners )

NRIs Face Residency Requirements:

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), although the previous situation of challenges associated with Indian residency has evolved after the latest incorporation of Companies (Incorporation) Second Amendment Rules, 2021, which has allowed NRIs or Foreigners to form OPCs in India While this is less restrictive than the previous 182-day requirement, it can still be difficult for NRIs who spend most of their time abroad for work or business reasons.Read moreRead less

Nominee Restrictions:

Another significant issue concerns the nominee requirement, which stipulates that the sole member and the nominee of an OPC must be Indian citizens. This means NRIs and foreign nationals cannot serve as nominees for someone else's OPC either, which limits their overall involvement in this particular business structure.Read moreRead less

Document Authentication Challenges:

When NRIs or foreign nationals try to register other types of companies in India, they face substantial documentation hurdles. Obtaining foreign documents, such as passport copies, identity proofs, and address proofs, and properly authenticating them in their country of origin is a significant challenge and a common cause of registration delays.Read moreRead less

Need for a Resident Indian Director:

For most company structures in India, at least one director must be a resident of India. A resident director is defined as someone who has stayed in India for more than 120 days during the immediately preceding financial year. For foreign nationals and NRIs living abroad full-time, finding and appointing a trustworthy resident Indian director can be challenging and requires careful consideration.Read moreRead less

Quick Tips For NRIs or Foreigners Seeking OPC Registration in India

Clearly define the resident director's role, responsibilities, and compensation, if applicable
To avoid delays with document authentication, proper planning is essential.
Ensure passport copies, proof of identity, and address proof (not older than two months) are all properly authenticated.
Work with professional service providers such as Taxlegit Global, who specialise in company registration services, to ensure documents meet Indian requirements.
Verify if you can use the automatic route or if you need to apply for government approval.
Identify a trustworthy family member, friend, or business associate who meets the residency requirement.

Common Errors & Rejection Reasons While Registering an OPC

When applying for One Person Company Registration in India, many founders face unnecessary delays or MCA rejections simply because of avoidable mistakes. Whether you’re filing your OPC registration online for the first time or doing it with professional help, these common errors should be avoided for a smooth approval.

Incorrect or Incomplete Name Application

Many applications get rejected because the proposed name is too generic, already taken, or doesn’t match the company’s objectives written in the MOA.

Wrong Eligibility of Director or Nominee

MCA rejects OPC forms if the director or nominee does not meet the residency criteria, the citizenship rule, or has already been nominated in another OPC.

Improper Supporting Documents

Blurred ID proofs, mismatched addresses, incorrect utility bills, or expired documents often cause instant rejection of OPC registration online.

Incorrect Capital Structure Details

Providing incorrect authorized/paid-up capital values or missing share allocation information can delay approval for a One Person Company in India.

Not Appointing a Nominee Properly

Many founders forget to include the nominee consent letter or upload it in the wrong format, resulting in immediate form rejection.

MOA & AOA Drafting

If your MOA objects are unclear, contradictory, or not aligned with the name and business activities, the forms come back for correction.

Why Choose Taxlegit for OPC Registration

For entrepreneurs and NRIs looking for a hassle-free setup, Taxlegit can help you understand what is one person company and assist with registration in India, especially for founders who prefer One Person Company Registration Online for faster approvals and easy tracking.Read moreRead less

End-to-end MCA filing & documentation for One Person Company Registration in India.
Fast name approval assistance to secure your company name quickly.
DSC & DIN processing for directors and founders.
Professional drafting of MOA & AOA to define your company structure.
ROC coordination until approval for a smooth incorporation process.
Bank account opening support for business operations.
FEMA compliance guidance for NRIs to ensure legal compliance.
Advisory on FDI, FEMA, and conversion to Pvt Ltd for future expansion.
Post-incorporation services include accounting, GST registration, ROC filings, and tax compliance.
Conversion support: OPC → Private Limited for scaling and raising investment.
Dedicated expert managing everything end-to-end, ensuring a hassle-free setup.

You get a dedicated expert who manages everything end-to-end.

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