OPC Registration in Dadra and Nagar Haveli

A One Person Company (OPC) allows a single entrepreneur to operate a fully recognized corporate entity without the need for partners. It offers the simplicity of a proprietorship, along with advantages such as limited liability, a separate legal identity, and greater credibility.

Dadra & Nagar Haveli, now part of the Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (DNHDD), is emerging as a favorable destination for One Person Company registration. The Union Territory (UT) has one of the highest industrial output-to-population ratios in India, driven by its thriving manufacturing ecosystem.

The region’s business landscape strongly supports single-founder enterprises due to the following reasons:

• Strong MSME & Industrial Base: According to the Government of India’s RAMP–MSME Strategic Investment Plan, Dadra & Nagar Haveli alone hosts 13,266 registered MSME/industrial units (2024). 
• Dense Industrial Estates & Manufacturing Strength: The region has multiple established industrial estates in Silvassa and nearby clusters. It boasts a high concentration of textile, plastics, engineering, electrical, and packaging units. DNH contributes around 28% of India’s plastic production. 
• Growing Recognition as a Manufacturing Hub: Industry analysis highlights that DNH (along with the merged UT region) continues to grow as a national manufacturing hub. Hence, it is attracting new investments and SMEs due to its logistics advantages and industrial density.

For instance, Hindalco has set up a fully automated aluminium extrusion plant in Silvassa, with an annual production capacity of about 34,000 tonnes.

Because of these advantages, forming an OPC in Dadra & Nagar Haveli is a smart move for entrepreneurs.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli have grown into a high-output industrial cluster with strong MSME activity, efficient governance, and a thriving export base. Its manufacturing strength makes it ideal for entrepreneurs who want the simplicity of an OPC structure.

Below are the key reasons why the UT works well for OPCs.

1. Supportive Policies & Industrial Incentives

• The region benefits from a strategic investment plan under the central MSME framework, offering incentives for new and growing enterprises.
• As part of these incentives, the UT offers measures such as sales-tax exemptions, reduced stamp duty, and power subsidies. Along with these, it offers streamlined clearances (via its “Ease of Doing Business” / single-window approach) to encourage industrial growth.

These policies lower entry barriers, making it feasible for a sole founder to start manufacturing or service operations with limited capital.

2. Recent Growth & Export-Orientation

• In FY 2024, the merged UT recorded Rs. 39,606 crore (≈ US$4.6 billion) in merchandise exports. This was driven by plastics, textiles, paper products, and engineering goods.
• Manufacturing in plastics and textiles continues to lead, and the region remains a major contributor to national output in these categories. 

For a solo entrepreneur, this offers opportunities to plug into export-oriented supply chains or target national markets without needing large infrastructure.

3. Robust Infrastructure & Recent Development Push

• The DNHDD hosts 117 industrial estates and thousands of industrial units, showing ready‑to‑use infrastructure for manufacturing and services.
• In March 2025, the government launched or inaugurated development projects worth over Rs. 2,580 crore in Silvassa. This includes new roads, water supply, sewage infrastructure, health & wellness centers, and public buildings.
• Improved connectivity via better road networks reduces operational complexities for new OPCs. 

This infrastructure boost ensures that a solo entrepreneur can start operations quickly, with access to power and essential civic amenities.

OPC formation in Dadra and Nagar Haveli gives solo founders a simple yet powerful business structure. Below are some of the key benefits offered by this structure:

• Limited Liability with Separate Legal Identity: A registered OPC in Dadra and Nagar Haveli functions as a separate legal entity. The owner’s personal assets remain protected, and liability is limited to the capital invested. This gives new entrepreneurs financial security and lowers business risk.
• Higher Credibility for Banks, Vendors & Contracts: Banks, NBFCs, suppliers, and industrial clients trust registered companies more than informal businesses. OPCs in this UT benefit from higher credibility when applying for loans, signing vendor agreements, or bidding for government and industrial contracts.
• Quick & Independent Decision-Making: Since the founder acts as both shareholder and director, decisions happen faster. This helps freelancers, micro-manufacturers, consultants, traders, and service providers adapt quickly to market needs.
• Strong MSME & Industrial Support: The UT falls under national MSME support programs such as the RAMP scheme, cluster development initiatives, and skill-development subsidies. Entrepreneurs receive assistance in digital compliance and GST processes, making it easier for a single-founder company to grow.
• Cost-Effective Business Operations: Dadra and Nagar Haveli offer lower operational costs compared to major metro regions. Affordable industrial spaces, utilities, and labour help OPC owners run lean businesses while maintaining high production efficiency.
• Built-In Business Continuity Through a Nominee: Every OPC must appoint a nominee director. This ensures smooth business continuity if the owner becomes unable to manage operations, protecting long-term stability and preventing disruptions.
• Access to Industrial Supply Chains: With strong sectors like engineering goods and packaging, OPCs gain immediate access to well-established manufacturing supply chains. Solo founders can collaborate with factories, provide services, or supply components with ease.
• Strategic Location for Manufacturing & Distribution: Located near major Western India industrial corridors, the UT provides easy access to Gujarat, Maharashtra, and coastal ports. This helps small companies expand their distribution and reach new markets quickly.
• Growing Export Ecosystem: With exports significantly growing, the region offers strong opportunities for OPCs in sectors like packaging and textiles.

Overall, registering an OPC in Dadra and Nagar Haveli allows solo entrepreneurs to access a thriving industrial and export ecosystem.

Registering a One Person Company (OPC) in Dadra & Nagar Haveli requires meeting the conditions laid out under the Companies Act, 2013. Below are the key eligibility requirements:

• Single Member: Only one individual can form an OPC, acting as both the shareholder and the director. The 2021 amendment reduced the residency requirement from 182 days to 120 days in a financial year.
• Nominee Requirement: The sole member must appoint a nominee during incorporation. This nominee will take over the company if the member becomes incapable of managing it.
• One OPC Rule: An individual can form only one OPC at a time. They also cannot be a nominee in more than one OPC.
• No Minimum Capital: There is no minimum paid-up capital requirement to start an OPC in the UT. Earlier, the law required a minimum of Rs. 1 lakh, but this was removed to encourage small businesses.
• Restricted Activities: OPCs cannot carry out NBFC operations, invest in securities, run a Section 8 (non-profit) company, or handle non-banking financial investment activities like chit funds or Nidhi operations.
• Registered Office in Dadra & Nagar Haveli: The OPC must have a valid registered office address within the UT. The ROC uses this address for official communication and compliance purposes.
• Only Natural Persons Allowed: Only a natural person (individual) can register an OPC. Entities like companies, LLPs, or societies are not allowed to form an OPC.
• Minimum Age Requirement: The sole member and the nominee must be at least 18 years old. Minors are not permitted to form or participate in an OPC.
• Clear Business Objective: The company’s object clause must mention lawful business activities. Prohibited activities include chit funds, investment in securities, and any activity barred for OPCs.

By meeting these eligibility criteria, entrepreneurs can confidently register an OPC while ensuring legal compliance.

The process of OPC incorporation in Dadra & Nagar Haveli is structured and managed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Here is a simple, step-by-step guide:

1. Get DSC and DIN

• Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for the sole member/director.
• A Director Identification Number (DIN) is generated automatically when you file the SPICe+ (INC-32) form. Hence, you don’t need to file for a separate DIN application.

2. Reserve the Company Name

• Apply for name approval through RUN or SPICe+ Part A on the MCA portal (mca.gov.in).
• The proposed name must be unique and end with “(OPC) Private Limited.”
• Conduct a basic name availability check before submitting your application.

Use our free company name search tool to check availability and secure a suitable company name before applying.

3. Prepare the MOA & AOA

• Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA) describing your business objectives.
• Draft the Articles of Association (AOA) outlining company rules and internal governance.
• Collect and attach the nominee consent (Form INC-3) along with identity and address proofs.

4. File the Incorporation Forms

• Submit the SPICe+ (INC-32) form online along with the MOA, AOA, and nominee details.
• Complete AGILE-PRO-S (INC-35) for GSTIN, EPFO, ESIC, and bank account creation.
• Upload required documents such as address proof, PAN, Aadhaar, and photographs.

5. Receive the CoI

• The Registrar of Companies (ROC), Ahmedabad, reviews your documents.
• Once approved, you receive the Certificate of Incorporation (CoI) with your new Corporate Identification Number (CIN).

6. Automatic PAN & TAN Allotment

• PAN and TAN are issued along with the CoI through the SPICe+ system.
• You don’t need to submit a separate application.

7. Open the Company’s Bank Account

• Use the CoI, PAN, TAN, and KYC documents to open a current account in any UT-based bank.
• Activate the account to begin business transactions.

The entire process of registering an OPC in the UT takes around 7-10 days.

OPC registration in Dadra and Nagar Haveli may feel complex, but it doesn’t have to be. With RegisterKaro, experts handle every step, from name approval to incorporation, quickly and accurately. Contact us today.

Registering an OPC in Dadra and Nagar Haveli requires submitting various essential documents, including:

For Director/Shareholder

• PAN card
• Aadhaar card for identity verification
• Passport-size photograph (recent)
• Proof of residence- utility bill, bank statement, or Aadhaar-linked address (not older than 2 months)
• Passport (mandatory if the director is a foreign national)

For the Registered Office

• Electricity bill, water bill, or property tax receipt of the Dadra and Nagar Haveli office premises (not older than 2 months)
• Rent agreement, if the office space is rented
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner
• Ownership documents, if the property is self-owned

Proper documentation helps avoid delays during the approval process.

Below is a clear breakdown of the typical costs involved in OPC registration in the UT:

Stamp Duty for OPC Registration in Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Dadra & Nagar Haveli does not have a separate state stamp law. Stamp duty is governed by the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, applicable to Union Territories.

Overall, the cost to register an OPC is affordable and offers great value for entrepreneurs seeking a fast and compliant company setup.