A One Person Company (OPC) is a business structure where a single individual owns and controls the company. It combines the flexibility of a sole proprietorship with the legal shield of a private limited company. The owner enjoys limited liability, so personal assets stay safe if the company faces losses or debts. However, foreign nationals, other than NRIs, cannot incorporate an OPC.
The Companies Act, 2013, under Section 2(62), originally allowed only Indian citizens and residents to form an OPC. However, in 2021, the government relaxed the rules. Now, even NRIs can apply for OPC registration. Moreover, mandatory conversion based on turnover (more than Rs. 2 crore) or paid-up capital (exceeding Rs. 50 lakh) no longer applies.
OPCs are gaining significant traction in India. By 2024, over 34,000 OPCs were active across the country. This marks a significant surge from just 2,238 OPCs registered in March 2025.